The California Golden Bears enter the fourth quarter leading the Fresno State Bulldogs 33-14 as they have used big plays and avoided some near misses to take control of a wild game. Since jumping on top 19-7 in the first quarter, the Bears have put up 14 more points in the third quarter to push the lead up to 19.
The Bulldogs cut the lead to 19-14 in the second quarter after Cal running back Isi Sofele fumbled the ball in the Bears end zone. Defensive back Cristin Wilson jumped on the ball to get the score.
The Bears were able to stave off further Fresno State momentum in part by running out most of the final 4:10 of the second quarter on a 14 play drive that somehow only gained 25 yards. Although Cal didn’t score, they kept Fresno off the field and got into the half with the lead.
The Bears opened the second half with a stop of the Bulldogs as the Cal defense has been mostly up to the task in the opener. After a quick three and out, Cal took over at their own nine yard line and used the big play to break things open a bit. Zach Maynard scrambled for a 48-yard gain, Fresno State committed a pass interference call and the Bears capped the drive with a 23 yard hook-up from Maynard to Marvin Jones for the score and the 26-14 lead.
The Bears defense added one more score with a sack, forced fumble and recovery run back for a touchdown late in the third quarter. On 3rd and short, QB Derek Carr was sacked for a loss of seven yards by linebacker Ceci Whiteside. Carr fumbled the ball and Trevor Guyton recovered and ran it back 22 yards for the touchdown.