California Drops 21-45 Decision to Duke in 2025 Homecoming Game
California lost its 21-7 lead in the second quarter, letting Duke pull away with 38 unanswered points
California’s star quarterback Jaron-Keawe Sagapolutele got off to a hot start against the Duke Blue Devils, completing 12 out of 14 passes in the first quarter, including his first nine passes attempted—good enough to bring the Golden Bears to an early 14-7 lead.
Early on, every indication seemed to point to a high-scoring, back-and-forth game, with the last team holding the ball likely to win. However, as the game continued, Sagapolutele and his Golden Bears were unable to maintain the momentum and fight back.
California gave up 38 unanswered points beginning in the second quarter, finally falling 21-45 to the Duke Blue Devils (4-2, 3-0 ACC) in the Golden Bears’ (4-2, 1-1 ACC) homecoming game.
“We need to grow up,” California head coach Justin Wilcox told reporters in the post-game press conference. “It’s too much of a roller-coaster. We can’t play that way and win.”
Duke pressured first-year signal caller Sagapolutele all night. The visiting team’s defense picked off three of his throws and sacked him six times for 41 yards lost. He completed the night having thrown 245 yards and one touchdown.
In contrast, Duke played a more balanced game. Five Blue Devils contributed 178 rushing yards, with running backs Anderson Castle and Nate Sheppard both contributing two rushing touchdowns. The Blue Devils’ quarterback, Darian Mensah, went 22-for-30, throwing for 265 yards and two touchdowns. Duke out-gained California 443 yards to 286.
38 unanswered points, worse than the SDSU game - simply inexcusable especially at home.
Rivera needs to show that Cal is willing to be a serious program sooner rather than later; relieving Wilcox of his duties during the bye week and commencing a real search for a replacement (*not* a Harsin or Rolo bandaid) would be a start.
Ron better be asking whale donors to cut checks for paying Wilcox's buyout this week. Otherwise we're fucking beyond cooked with more realignment looming on the near horizon.
38 unanswered points at home is worse than 0-34 loss.