Overview
- With 3:48 remaining, Cal defensive back Brent Austin punched the ball from Nathan Leacock at the goal line and recovered in the end zone to secure the victory.
- Cal improved to 5-2 (2-1 ACC) while UNC dropped to 2-4 (0-2), remaining winless against power-league opponents despite a much tighter contest than earlier blowouts.
- UNC fumbled on its first offensive snap and then lost the ball on a final lateral sequence, contributing to three Cal takeaways that blunted a late comeback.
- Freshman quarterback Jaron-Keawe Sagapolutele accounted for a passing and rushing touchdown for Cal as the Bears managed 294 yards against a limited Tar Heels offense.
- UNC’s attack continues to lag statistically, ranking 131st nationally in total offense and last in multiple ACC categories, and scrutiny persists after Belichick denied buyout reports and with a staff suspension; North Carolina hosts No. 18 Virginia on Oct. 25.