BERKELEY – The California football team raced out to an early lead but ultimately couldn't keep up with Duke's offense in a 45-21 loss to the Blue Devils on Saturday night at California Memorial Stadium.

The Golden Bears (4-2, 1-1 ACC) got the crowd of 42,240 rocking by scoring touchdowns on each of their first three possessions to take a 21-7 lead early in the second quarter. Freshman quarterback Jaron-Keawe Sagapolutele connected with wide receiver Jordan King on a 6-yard scoring pass and running back Kendrick Raphael found the end zone on runs of 5 and 4 yards.

But Duke, which entered the night averaging 36.7 point over its past three games, got its offense rolling and scored touchdowns on four straight drives before ending the first half on a 25-yard field goal to lead 31-21 at the break.

Cal's defense stiffened to begin the second half, forcing the Blue Devils to punt on their first four possessions and allowing just one first down along the way. But the Bears' offense stalled as well and Cal couldn't make a dent in the deficit.

"We have glimpses where we can play good football, but it's too much of a roller coaster," Travers Family Head Football Coach Justin Wilcox said. "You can't play that way and win."

Cal will return to action on Friday, Oct. 17, against North Carolina at 7:30 p.m. The game will air on ESPN.
 

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