Known for its high-octane offense, it was actually California’s defense that saved the day as the Golden Bears defeated the 18th-ranked Utes 28-23 at home.
With the ball on the one-yard line, running back Zack Moss got the call on the last play of the game for the Utes. After taking the handoff from quarterback Troy Williams, Moss was met by several Cal defenders before being taken down a half-yard short of what would have been a game-winning touchdown.
The Utes had three chances to score from the two-yard line with 14 seconds left in the game on first-and-goal. On the first play, Moss bounced a run to the outside before being taken down by two Cal defenders on the one-yard line. After a Utah timeout, Williams rolled to his right on the next play but couldn’t connect Evan Moeai out in the flat to bring up the last play of the game.
Three times they were tested.
Three times they stood tall.
The @CalFootball defense let the whole world know Berkeley is BEARS TERRITORY. pic.twitter.com/pn7hqDpELN
— #FirstTo500 (@Pac12Network) October 2, 2016
Cal quarterback Davis Webb — who came in with over 1,800 passing yards through four games — continued his stellar play by completing 22 of 35 passes for 306 yards and four touchdowns.
Webb’s main targets were Chad Hansen and Demetris Robertson who combined for nine catches for 195 yards and four touchdowns. Robertson put the icing on the cake with a 56-yard touchdown reception in the fourth quarter to put the Bears up 28-17.
WEBB. ROBERTSON. 6.@CalFootball goes up 28-17 in the 4th! #Pac12FB
Watch: https://t.co/ZLABag9Ytt https://t.co/X74mwAkQo6
— #FirstTo500 (@Pac12Network) October 2, 2016
Williams didn’t have a bad game by any means as the junior quarterback threw for 266 yards. While he didn’t have any turnovers, Williams also didn’t pass for a touchdown for the first time this season.
Utah was without one of its stars on defense as defensive tackle Lowell Lotulelei is still recovering from an injury. On offense, leading receiver Tim Patrick and center J.J. Dielman left the game with injuries.
Next Opponents
California: The Bears have now won two consecutive games against ranked opponents after beating then-No. 11 Texas 50-43 at home two weeks ago. Cal will seek their first road win when they take on Oregon State Saturday.
Utah: The Utes drop to 1-1 in the Pac-12 and will be tied for third in the South Division with the winner or Saturday nights game between UCLA and Arizona. Utah will look to bounce back at home as they host the Wildcats.
