In a thrilling matchup at California Memorial Stadium, the Arkansas Razorbacks faced a tough challenge against the California Golden Bears. The game got off to a rocky start for Arkansas, who threw a pick-six on their very first drive, putting them in an immediate hole.
California capitalized on the early momentum, quickly building a 14-3 lead. Quarterback Chandler Rogers connected with Kryion Grayes for a 9-yard touchdown pass with just 4:38 left in the second quarter. However, Arkansas responded decisively when Taylen Green launched a stunning 64-yard touchdown pass to Jordan Anthony with only 1:18 remaining in the half. Just when it seemed Arkansas might shift the tide, Cal answered back, with Rogers tossing a 1-yard touchdown pass with 8 seconds on the clock, extending their lead to 21-10 at halftime.
The Golden Bears continued their offensive surge in the third quarter, with Jaydn Ott breaking free for a stunning 59-yard touchdown run right out of the gate. Arkansas fought back, as Green added a 1-yard touchdown and successfully executed a two-point conversion to narrow the gap. However, California proved too formidable, closing the game with 11 unanswered points, sealing a decisive victory.
The final score showcased California’s potent offense and Arkansas's struggles, highlighting key moments that defined the game. Despite a valiant effort, the Razorbacks couldn’t overcome their early mistakes, leaving the Golden Bears to celebrate a well-deserved win.
Chandler Rogers threw for 206 yards and three touchdowns, and Jaydn Ott racked up 237 yards of total offense as Cal moved to 2-0 on the season with a 42-25 victory over the 22nd-ranked Arkansas Razorbacks.
The Bears got off to a terrific start, with Ryan Yaites scoring a 67-yd pick-6 on the third play of the game. After conceding a field goal on the next drive, Cal looked like they were going to give the touchdown right back when Rogers was stripped by a perfectly-timed Peanut Punch at the end of a long run. But the Bears would get a defensive stop to limit the damage.
Rogers made amends for his mistake, as he and Ott combined to drive the team down the field going 80 yards in six plays culminating with a nine-yard TD pass to Kyion Grayes.
The game nearly turned on its head after the teams traded punts, with Arkansas inexplicably fielding a punt at their goal line and fumbling at the one. But the Hogs would march down the field in five plays to make things tight.
Rogers then put together an outstanding drive that may have won the game for the Bears. With only one timeout in his pocket, he led a 10-play, 75-yard drive that took only 70 seconds and ended with a one-yard touchdown pass.
"That drive is one of the best I've seen as a head coach," said Coach JasonUK after the game. "Not only did he make the right reads, he managed the clock well, made terrific throws, and didn't show any panic."
Cal did the halftime double dip as they got a touchdown just four plays after the break, with Ott housing it from 59 yards out to put Cal ahead by 18. It proved pivotal, as Arkansas was able to cut the lead down to six points with a little over six minutes remaining.
But then Ott took over. Cal put together a touchdown drive that took 11 plays and ran nearly four minutes off the clock, with Rogers finding Grayes again from 11 yards out. The ensuing 2PX would put them up by 14, and an interception and field goal provided the final score.
"We still have a lot to work on," JasonUK said as he reflected on the performance, "but I'm really proud of the offense. We needed every bit of their production, and we got points on all but two drives."
He lamented the poor performance of his secondary, as Arkansas QB Taylen Green threw for 418 yards and completed 28 of 33 passes. "We got very fortunate to win this game. Green tore us to shreds, and this is two quarterbacks who have picked us apart no matter what we've tried. Thankfully he forced two passes, or else we probably lose this one. Coach Pino made us work for everything we got today."
With a massive win over a ranked team under its belt, Cal now looks ahead two another pair of ranked opponents in Ohio State and Florida State. "Things only get tougher from here on, and we have to play better or we'll be 2-2 in the blink of an eye."
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