WATCH: Cal players reflect on 27-14 win over Minnesota
Cal is now sitting at 3-0. The Bears defeated previously unbeaten Minnesota on Saturday night to inch closer to a perfect nonconference record. The matchup was the first against a Power Four opponent this season.
The Bears went toe to toe with the Gophers’ stout defense and eventually broke through late. The end result was a 27-14 victory that featured 17 unanswered points for Justin Wilcox‘s team.
The Cal head coach said it took every part of the team to pull out the win. His quarterback certainly played a key role in the victory, however. Jaron-Keawe Sagapolutele had his most productive outing of the season with three touchdown passes and 279 yards passing.
He picked up the slack when the Bears went away from the run. Ultimately, he guided the offense and helped create separation late in the game.
“This is a big win for us,” Sagapolutele said. “We knew coming into this that it was going to be a big game and a big test. Throughout the week we prepared right. Guys were fired up about this, and we just came out swinging. Way better than we did last week, and it’s just props to the O-line and the receivers for making my job easier. And the running backs as well. … Can’t give them enough credit. It’s really them, not me.”
Jaron-Keawe Sagapolutele and Jacob De Jesus recap Cal’s win
Cade Uluave and Luke Ferrelli recap Saturday’s win
In addition to Sagapolutele, inside linebacker Cade Uluave was a key part of the victory. He did not play in the first half after being ejected last week against Texas Southern. He was itching to get on the field throughout the first half but was eager to see action Saturday.
“They took away my helmet, so I couldn’t have my helmet,” Uluave said. “I’m just on the sideline going crazy. Kind of going a little stir crazy and stuff. But the guys played great. … When I was able to get in in the second half, I was just juiced. Just ready to go, and super excited.”
Watch the full press conference with Uluave and Luke Ferrelli below:
