Berkley, CA – Cal ended their season with another loss, but just like every game they played this season, it
was a fight that went all the way to the end. UCLA pulled out the 35-25 on the road. The game was a battle between the 2 quarterbacks. UCLA’s
Dorian Thompson-Robinson had an unbelievable day. 21-30, 189 passing yards, and 1 TD.
“It’s not something that’s just regularly done around here, getting nine wins.” said Thompson-Robinson, “We worked really hard. I’ve been here for a very long time and to see the growth and all the things that go into it is really special.”
On the ground DTR had 14 rushes for 88 yards and 2 TDs. Cal’s Jack Plummer had something to
say about that. After back to back drives going 3 and out with also being 0-4 passing, Plummer
then had an electrifying performance that kept Cal all the way in this game.
Plummer completed 12 straight passes with 173 passing yards and that was just the 1st half, where Cal led 21-17.
The second half wasn’t as exciting as the 1st, but that doesn’t mean it wasn’t packed with
action. DTR and Zach Charbonnet (UCLA RB) each scored a rushing TD and the Bruins
defense had a crucial fumble recovery.
Even with Jack Plummer pulling out everything he could going 24-34 for 294 yards with 4 TDs, it wasn’t enough. UCLA would score one last time and get the 2 point conversion and after one more defense stand, DTR would kneel the clock out and the potential of an upset would be denied. UCLA wins 7 point victory and that’s the end of Cal’s season.
“It was a great way to win a football game,” said UCLA coach Chip Kelly.
This season for Cal wasn’t one where the team just lost and there was never hope. No, they
fought every game and even games when they were heavy underdogs, they fought until they
couldn’t anymore.
The young players on this team like Jaydn Ott, Jeremiah Earby, and J. Michael Sturdivant showed that this Cal Bears team might be something to look at next year.
The Pac 12 may never be the same with USC and UCLA leaving the conference, but no matter
what I have high expectations for this young and hungry Cal football team.
