Jaivian Thomas rushes for a career-high 169 yards as Cal Golden Bears beat San Diego State, improve to 3-0
California Golden Bears defensive back Nohl Williams reacts after making an interception during the second quarter of their game at Memorial Stadium in Berkeley, Calif., on Saturday, Sept. 14, 2024. BERKELEY — Cal took on San Diego State without five offensive starters and, for most of the first half, played without four regulars on defense.
Sophomore running back Jaivian Thomas was the Bears’ headliner, rushing for a career-high 169 yards, including dashes of 37 and 57 yards that set up touchdowns by others. The Oakland native and McClymonds High alum got his chance because star junior Jaydn Ott, hobbled by a sprained ankle, was held out of the game.
The Bears knew that, going in, they would be without four injured offensive starters: guard Sioape Vatikani, center Will McDonald, and wide receivers Tobias Merriweather and Kyion Grayes. The Aztecs , who will join the Pac-12 in 2026, played without freshman starting quarterback Danny O’Neil, nursing a knee injury.
The Bears led 7-3 on Mendoza’s 8-yard keeper with 2:25 left in the first quarter, capping a seven-play, 69-yard drive.Mailbag: All about Pac-12 expansion, the CFP factor, options for the final spots and the future of the Mountain West
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