Cal vs. Utah College Football Insta-Recap & Rate the Game: Utes Run Away with a 34-14 Win
California struggled to sustain any drives against Utah
The California Golden Bears (3-4, 1-3 Pac-12) came up short in its bid to upset the No. 16 Utah Utes (5-1, 2-1 Pac-12) Saturday.
California started the game strong, surprising some college football fans by coming out ahead to a 7-0 start in the first quarter. Fernando Mendoza, who earned his second start as California's quarterback against Utah, connected with star running back Jaydn Ott on a pass to the right to complete a 48-yard touchdown.
But the Golden Bears scored just two touchdowns in Rice-Eccles Stadium, never finding the consistency to sustain a drive.
California's second touchdown came in the third quarter. Mendoza threw a deep pass down the middle for a Taj Davis 24-yard touchdown, which cut the Golden Bears' deficit to 14-24.
Utah had put the game to bed in the previous drive, as Jonah Elliss sacked and stripped the ball at the California 13 with 10:27 remaining in the third quarter. The Utes would convert the turnover into seven points, only three plays after the fumble recovery.
The Utes pulled away in the second half to prevail 14-34, bringing its home win streak to an impressive 18 games.
Cal v. Utah college football final game stats
This program is going the wrong way.
It’s seems like Fernando actually played fine. He had no protection and receivers dropped balls like crazy.