UCLA dances past Cal; what's next?
Things change, but the result remains the same. The anticipated debut for Cal’s first time head coach Tosh Lupoi was overshadowed by UCLA’s first time head coach, Bob Chesney, in a game where UCLA ran all over Cal, winning 45-24.
It was a picturesque start to the game.
Photo courtesy of The Press Democrat
UCLA versus Cal, Southern California vs. Northern California. A night game under a beautiful sunset at a sold out California Memorial Stadium, one that had fans reminiscing about the glory days of the Pac-12 after dark. The atmosphere was electric.
Cal came out hot with an impressive four-and-a-half minute, ten-play, 75-yard touchdown drive, kicking off the Tosh era with style. UCLA got the ball and said, “Watch this.” They responded with a three-and-a-half minute, seven-play, 71-yard touchdown drive. The stage was set for the game, which looked like it could become an instant classic.
UCLA’s second quarter was an omen for what was to come. It began with dominating in the trenches. Pressure after pressure on Jaron-Keawe Sagapolutele (JKS) by their defensive line while their offensive line created canyon level holes for UCLA’s running-backs. Cal was getting overwhelmed, but managed to weather the storm. Late in the second quarter the teams started to show their inexperience. A fumble came from JKS from a blindside rusher, who was left completely unblocked. The next play UCLA responds by immediately throwing an interception to Cal's Kingston Lopa. Cal wasn’t done.
With 38 seconds left JKS pulled out some heroics leading Cal 87-yards in five plays, including a ridiculous 50 yard dime rolling out left, in his own endzone, under pressure and falling over. JKS was seen limping after this play with an apparent ankle injury. He remained in the game. Even after all of that UCLA still managed to get into field goal range in 12 seconds and go up 24-17 at the half.
Cal brought their first half momentum into the second half, forcing a three-and-out as well as a striking 8 minute touchdown drive to tie the game. The third quarter was completely dominated by Cal. The Bears were firing on all cylinders, the defense was everywhere, JKS was delivering, it looked like the team everyone expected. A tie game with the ball heading into the fourth quarter was all Cal fans could ask for, until disaster struck.
The first miscue happened on a crucial missed snap leading to a turnover-on-downs with 11 minutes left in the 4th quarter.
In the post-game interview, JKS spoke on this mistake.
“And that snap on Ash is definitely not on him, that's definitely on me. I gotta, you know, just settle him in there and, you know, get the play call going." The play proved crucial as that led to the momentum switch and the game slipping away.
Cal’s defense was able to force a punt, but were left disappointed. JKS’s first interception came with nine minutes left in the 4th quarter, when he dropped a baby-into-the-basket of receiver Ian Strong's hands, only for it to bounce straight to UCLA’s Tashawn James. UCLA proceeded to walk Cal down the field using their run game and scored again. The following possession, only down one touchdown was tragic for the Bears. JKS threw his worst ball of the game, one that went straight into UCLA’s Tashawn Jones for his second interception of the game. UCLA had Cal figured out now, and scored on the first hand-off of the possession, another rushing touchdown, the fifth of the game, ending Cal's hope for victory. To really rub it in, UCLA scored another 50 yard rushing touchdown, a demoralizing finish to the season opener.
While the result wasn’t what Bear fans were expecting, it was not all negative. The third quarter in particular was an extremely bright spot. The Bears defense effectively shut down UCLA, forcing them to punt twice and sacking them on third down. The offense also shined, with a methodical eight-minute touchdown drive, that was successful in both the run and pass game. Coach Lupoi also made note of this in the post-game.
“Right there in that little stretch, you kind of saw some things come together. The sideline was alive. Guys were feeding off each other. The communication was high. The execution was high. We got a little glimpse of what we can be. How do we replicate that? How do we keep consistent? But that was a promising piece."
Despite the three turnovers, JKS also showed flashes of what made Cal fans so optimistic about him. He was moving well in the pocket, delivering throws with zip and professional-level accuracy, demonstrating leadership on and off the field, keeping the team composed and taking ownership for mistakes post-game. His backfield partner, running back Adam Mohammed was also running strong. Rushing for 124 yards and a touchdown, as well as seven receptions for 46 yards. If Cal were able to clean up turnovers and communication, this game could have gone differently, something Cal fans have been saying for the last fifty years. JKS acknowledged the problems after the game saying, “the communication was just all over the place, but, you know, it's good that it happened, so now we can, you know, fix it.” The first game of the year for a young quarterback and coach will always have its issues. JKS continues to reassure Cal fans with his maturity.
A moment that stuck out to many fans was at the end of the third quarter break. Cal had the ball, with the game tied and the momentum, the stadium was jumping as they played “Swag Surfin” on the loud speakers. The Cal team was huddled up and seemed focused, locked in — one could even say tense. UCLA on the other hand was loose as all get out. In front of the Bears’ student section they were hyped, dancing, singing, and jumping, getting fired up for the first fourth quarter of the season. It seems that a flip switched at this point, and the following quarter was disastrous for the Bears, and almost flawless for the Bruins. UCLA had the confidence they could win, and it showed as they flexed their muscles and dominated the rest of the game.
What's next for Cal? On September 12th they will face off with Syracuse at 12:30 in the afternoon PST in New York. Syracuse is coming off an astounding 66-3 win vs. New Hampshire. Cal hopes to tighten up their run defense and blocking, and get into the win column. This is not time to panic for the Bears, but respond, it is a long season and the glimpses of greatness are something to grasp onto.