BERKELEY – The California football team took a two-touchdown lead into the fourth quarter but couldn't hold on in a 24-23 loss to visiting North Carolina State on Saturday afternoon at California Memorial Stadium.

The Golden Bears got two touchdown runs from running back Jaivian Thomas and three field goals by freshman kicker Derek Morris, but the Wolfpack got into the end zone twice in the final period – including the game-winning score with 6:32 to go – to cap off the comeback victory.

Cal appeared to be in good position to go back in front late in the fourth quarter, putting together a 13-play, 65-yard drive that consumed almost five minutes of the clock. But Morris couldn't convert a 28-yard field goal attempt with 1:34 to play.

The Bears' defense held NC State to a three-and-out and Cal got one last possession, but the drive stalled at the Bears' 42-yard line to close things out.

"I have to do a better job coaching the team so we can find a way to win these tight games," Travers Family Head Football Coach Justin Wilcox said. "Everyone has to come back and own their part of it. We need to have high expectations and standards for the way we operate around here. We need to show grit and toughness. But it starts with me. It's my job to help the team perform better."

Thomas put Cal up 7-0 on the fifth play from scrimmage when he ran straight up the middle of the field for a 49-yard touchdown run. A field goal and touchdown pushed the Wolfpack in front 10-7 but Morris then converted three consecutive field goals. Thomas' 7-yard scoring run with 24 seconds remaining in the third quarter extended the Bears' advantage to 23-10.

Thomas finished with 78 yards on the ground on nine carries while quarterback Fernando Mendoza was 30-for-42 for 282 yards. Tight end Jack Endries had a career-high nine catches for 101 yards.

Cal outgained NC State 399-363 and had eight more first downs (23-15).

"We have to regroup," Mendoza said. "It's a normal human emotion to feel frustrated after a loss. Nobody in our locker room is feeling good right now. But as leaders it's about inspiring positive energy within the team so we can regroup."

The Bears played Saturday's game without several key injured players, including running back Jaydn Ott, offensive lineman Sioape Vatikani and outside linebacker Ryan McCulloch.

Cal will remain at home next week when it hosts former Pac-12 foe Oregon State in a nonconference showdown at 1 p.m. The game will air on ESPN2.

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