Bears Can't Hold Off No. 8 Miami

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Game Recap: Football | 10/5/2024 11:48 PM | Cal Athletics

Hurricanes Erase Large Deficit For Victory

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BERKELEY – The California football team built a sizable lead midway through the third quarter but ultimately fell to No. 8 Miami 39-38 on Saturday night in front of a sellout crowd of 52,428 at California Memorial Stadium.

The Golden Bears, playing in their first home game in the Atlantic Coast Conference, built a 35-10 advantage with 8:06 to play in the third quarter before the Hurricanes stormed back. Miami scored the game-winning touchdown with 26 seconds remaining.

Cal built its lead with big plays, as it had three scoring plays go for at least 40 yards. Tight end Jack Endries registered a 57-yard touchdown catch, Jaydn Ott scored on a 66-yard TD reception and Nohl Williams returned an interception 40 yards for a score. When backup quarterback Chandler Rogers found the end zone on a 9-yard run, Cal led 35-10.

But after containing him in the first half, the Bears couldn't slow down Heisman Trophy candidate Cam Ward, who threw for 437 yards and two touchdowns.

It was Williams' seventh interception at Cal and 12th of his career. He also scored a touchdown on a kickoff return earlier this season.

Ott also scored on a 5-yard run in the second quarter, moving him into seventh place on Cal's all-time rushing touchdowns list with 23.

The Bears resume ACC action next Saturday with a road tilt at Pittsburgh. Kickoff time is set for 12:30 p.m. PT on ESPN.

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