The 8-yard scoring drive was set up when another freshman, defensive back Aiden Manutai, jumped on a loose ball after a muffed punt return try by Minnesota's Koi Perich. The Bears scored three plays later when Sagapolutele faked a handoff, rolled left and delivered a 2-yard touchdown pass to wide-open Jordan King. The extra point pushed the lead to 10 points.
Under the lights at Memorial Stadium and in front of a national TV audience, Cal faces its biggest challenge of the young season Saturday when Minnesota pays a visit. Both teams bring 2-0 records to the 7:30 p.m. kickoff on ESPN. We will need to play our best game so far, coach Justin Wilcox said. I'm confident we can do that.
The Bears play their home opener against an FCS opponent. Cal has never lost to an FCS-level team . . . Freshman QB Jaron-Keawe Sagapolutele was named ACC Rookie of the Week after passing for 234 yards with three touchdowns and no turnovers in the Bears' 34-15 win at Oregon State . . . Cal would like to run the ball more effectively after three backs totaled 100 yards on 27 attempts . . .