Christie Aguilar

Beck’s play was a crucial momentum-breaker and gave Cal the opportunity to put the game away. BYU’s opportunity to capitalize on the turnover was dashed.

Masego took the stage as the opener for Leon Bridges on Friday night at the Greek Theatre in Berkeley, where he quickly proved he is the worst wingman you could ask for — a wingman who is seductive, smooth as silk and far too capable of stealing your date.

What Wharton tried to defend after his moment of fame, was that he got up damn quick, like nothing even happened. Therein lies the analogy to Cal football. It’s not about how hard Cal gets hit, rather it’s about how quickly it can get back up.

While the defense deployed great force, highlighted by four turnovers and more than a handful of explosive plays, the offense simply had many chances to put the game away. In the end, it took a huge break from a lengthy replay review and just enough offense to start the season 1-0.

After the madness on the field from the Bears’ third straight win, Goode hugged his mom and sister by the north end zone. Moments later he was met by a smiling face who had recently snuck his way onto the field — it was, of course, his father.

Nothing is more exciting than opening the season with a long-awaited rematch, and this first game is an immensely important chess move in Cal’s pursuit of a victorious season.

Senior outside linebacker Alex Funches gathered his position group after Cal football’s final day of fall camp and asked his teammates a simple question. If they were playing a game next week, would they be ready? The answer, a consensus — no.

Sophomore wide receiver Jeremiah Hawkins said it best — he loves his defense and he loves his team, but he’s eager to go up against new faces.

On day nine of fall camp, the Bears managed to avoid a case of Monday blues and used the day’s work on the field to keep developing tougher skin.

From redshirt sophomore running back Derrick Clark racking up solid yards — fighting his way to move the chains even after initial contact — to redshirt sophomore outside linebacker Cameron Goode recording three sacks and keeping pressure on the quarterback, both the offense and defense had shining moments, though both sides still have tightening up to do.