Insta-Recap & Rate the Game: California Drops the Ball at Washington in Overtime, 24-31
Golden Bears outgained the Huskies in yards, but turnovers cost them the game
Locked in another close game against the Washington Huskies (2-1, 1-0 Pac-12), the California Golden Bears (1-3, 0-1 Pac-12) lost 24-31 in overtime, dropping the ball and its chances at their first Pac-12 Conference victory.
Washington defensive back Cameron Williams forced a fumble at its 1-yard line in overtime, denying California running back Damien Moore the touchdown and chance to force a second overtime period.
California outgained Washington throughout the game in yards 457 to 326, but costly penalties and three turnovers cost the visiting team its desired result.
Golden Bears quarterback Chase Garbers threw two interceptions and gave the game away, despite a record night passing.
I passionately disagree with the author's assertion that Garbers' threw the game away. This loss is not entirely on him. He had a few mistakes but he also made many good plays to counter balance the mistakes. Furthermore, every other unit had as many or more mistakes. The penalties, the blown coverages, the first half lack of pressure, the botched special teams, and the continued infatuation to go for the home run on third and short are all equally as important as Garbers' mistkes.
I think one of the biggest disappointments about this season is that we had a schedule that was really nice. Avoiding Arizona State and Utah for Colorado and Arizona, we could have finished with a really good record without really beating any good teams. I know the team might not have been that good, but it would have looked good on paper and it could have been sold to the recruits.