Cal can get its first 3-0 start since 2019 by beating San Diego State
California running back Jaivian Thomas (25) carries the ball in for a touchdown against Auburn during the second half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Sept. 7, 2024, in Auburn, Ala. Credit: AP/Butch Dill
San Diego State (1-1) at California (2-0), Saturday, 10:30 p.m. ET (ESPN)
BetMGM College Football Odds: California by 18 1/2.
Series record: Tied 4-4.
WHAT’S AT STAKE?
San Diego State looks to bounce back from a 21-0 loss to Oregon State last week and win for the first time against a power conference opponent since 2021. The Aztecs lost all four games against power conference teams the past two seasons. Cal is seeking its first 3-0 start since 2019 after winning at Auburn last week.
KEY MATCHUP
San Diego State QB Danny O'Neil vs. Cal pass defense. The Aztecs freshman QB had a strong debut against Texas A&M-Commerce before struggling against tougher competition against Oregon State. O'Neil was 11 for 24 for 107 yards last week and now faces a Golden Bears defense that ranks 11th nationally in pass efficiency defense.
Auburn quarterback Payton Thorne (1) is tackled by California linebacker Teddye Buchanan, front right, as he carries the ball during the second half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Sept. 7, 2024, in Auburn, Ala. Credit: AP/Butch Dill
PLAYERS TO WATCH
San Diego State: RB Marquez Cooper ran for 223 yards and two TDs in the opener before being held to 53 yards on 13 carries last week.
California: LB Teddye Buchanan had a team-high 11 tackles, including two sacks and three tackles for loss last week against Auburn. The UC Davis transfer also forced a fumble and had two QB hurries.
FACTS & FIGURES
California quarterback Fernando Mendoza (15) celebrates after a win over Auburn in an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Sept. 7, 2024, in Auburn, Ala. Credit: AP/Butch Dill
The home team has won all eight games in this series with Cal outscoring San Diego State by 20.3 ppg in four home matchups. ... The Aztecs were shut out for the third time in the last 18 seasons last week. ... San Diego State was outgained 420-179 last week against Oregon State. ... CB Nohl Williams had two INTs last week. Williams has three of Cal's nation-leading seven INTs on the season. ... The Bears are tied for the lead in the nation with a plus-7 turnover margin. ... Cal WR Nyziah Hunter has three TD catches in two games. ... Bears RB Jaivian Thomas had 53 yards on eight carries last week after Jaydn Ott left early with an ankle injury. Ott is questionable this week.
