Berkeley, CA – In a well-executed performance, the California Golden Bears defeated the UCLA Bruins 28-10 at California Memorial Stadium. Led by quarterback Chandler Rogers, the Golden Bears showcased a potent offensive attack and a disciplined defensive effort, securing a solid win over the visiting Bruins.
Coach Berokoff- Well my time in Hollywood will be over soon, finally will be able to afford housing and not have to take bus to work. Last week the car was taken, this time I was told the house was being out up for sale.
Debbie Downer Delivers the Blow: Cal vs. UCLA—A Rivalry That’s Barely Hanging On
Well, well, well, what do we have here? The so-called "Bear Bowl" graces us with its presence once again, except this time it's nothing more than an out-of-conference afterthought. With UCLA now strutting its stuff in the B1G and Cal desperately trying to find its footing in the ACC, this once-proud rivalry has become about as relevant as a VHS tape in a Netflix world. And while tradition has kept this matchup alive, the game itself felt more like a dreary reunion of two exes who are just going through the motions.
The only thing keeping this rivalry from completely fading into oblivion is its history. Played annually since 1933, the Cal-UCLA matchup was once a highlight of "All-University Weekend." It was one of the longest uninterrupted rivalries in college football, steeped in pride, passion, and a shared disdain that kept fans on the edge of their seats. But now? Now, it’s just another game on the schedule, barely worthy of the energy spent reminiscing about better days.
Cal Improves to 6-2, But Who's Impressed?
In what can only be described as a lackluster performance by both teams, Cal managed to drag themselves to a 28-10 victory over UCLA, improving to 6 wins and 2 losses. While that might sound like a reason to celebrate, let’s not kid ourselves—this game was about as exciting as watching paint dry.
Defense Does the Dirty Work
If you were expecting an offensive showcase, you were sorely mistaken. The game remained scoreless until the final seconds of the first quarter when Cal’s Matthew Littlejohn decided to take matters into his own hands, or rather, his own feet. Littlejohn picked off a misguided UCLA pass and returned it 44 yards to finally put some points on the board. By the time Cal’s offense finally woke up, the defense had already spotted them a 14-point lead—without the offense even touching the end zone a second time.
On UCLA’s next possession, Cal’s linebacker Cade Uluave decided that UCLA's running back, TJ Harden, needed a reminder that he was still playing football and knocked the ball loose. David Reese happily scooped it up and ran it back for another touchdown. Cal was up 14-0 before their offense even had a chance to bungle another field goal attempt.
Offense Sputters, Defense Shines
It wasn’t until the second quarter that Cal’s offense managed to sustain a drive, and even then, it ended with a punt after eight unremarkable plays. Luckily, the defense was there to bail them out again. Xavier Carlton intercepted another UCLA pass and took it to the house, making it 21-0.
As the half wound down, Cal’s offense got its act together long enough to drive down the field. But, in true Cal fashion, they mismanaged the clock and let time expire, coming up empty in the red zone. At halftime, Cal led 21-0, and it was already clear that UCLA was in no shape to mount a comeback.
Second Half: More of the Same
The second half was a continuation of the slog. Cal’s offense finally put together a legitimate drive, going 80 yards in 10 plays to score on a Chandler Rodgers run. This 28-0 lead essentially sealed the game, as UCLA was left to salvage some dignity with a late field goal and a garbage-time touchdown, thanks to Cal’s blown coverage.
Coach Gonzales, ever the master of understatement, remarked after the game, "While this is a rivalry game for these two schools that the nation may not recognize, it goes back a long way, and it’s the longest-running uninterrupted rivalry. There’s no ill will held for Coach Mberekoff, and it was nice catching up. I’m glad we got this win for our fan base, and we were able to keep this rivalry going despite now being in separate conferences."
Debbie Downer's Final Take
So there you have it—a game that was more about going through the motions than rekindling an old rivalry. Sure, Cal got the win, but with a 28-10 victory over a lackluster UCLA team, it’s hard to get excited. The Golden Bears might be 6-2, but let’s be honest, this season feels like a slow march to mediocrity rather than a breakout campaign. The Bear Bowl? More like the Bear Boredom.
Until next time, stay pessimistic, because let’s face it—if you’re a Cal fan, it’s better to expect the worst.
Debbie Downer, Associated Press
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