When Bears attack: WSU can't stop Cal's run

DESPITE A FOURTH-QUARTER spark of energy, Washington State once again was unable to put a complete game together and fell 31-17 to the California Golden Bears.

Connor Halliday was pulled from the game in the first quarter after throwing a pair of interceptions. Jeff Tuel’s effort was much steadier, but his receivers dropped ball after ball and the offense was continually burned in the red zone.

California (3-4, 2-2 Pac-12) put up close to 500 yards of total offense on the Cougars (2-5, 0-4), who were unable to stop their scorching run. The Bears averaged 6.5 yards per carry. Cal beat WSU for the eighth straight time.

Play of the game: Keenan Allen’s first touchdown, a 69-yard catch from his brother Zach Maynard gave the Bears an early 7-0 lead. The scoring drive, on the heels of a shaky start, gave California momentum that it never relinquished.

Key play: Andrew Furney missed a 43-yard field goal attempt early in the fourth quarter that would have cut the Bears’ lead to 31-13. The gaffe was important later when the Cougars had the opportunity to kick a field goal that would have made it 31-23 late in the game had the first kick been made. Recovery of an onside kick and an ensuring touchdown could have tied the game. A long shot, yes, but the straight-on kick should have been a given for Furney.

Key stat: Freshman wide receiver Brett Bartolone scored both of the Cougars’ touchdowns. He finished the night with seven receptions for 44 yards.

They said it: “You’re not getting the wins, but maybe you’re building toward something.” – commentator Glenn Parker

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