ASU football comeback falls just short in Pac-12 loss to California
Look back at our updates from the Arizona State vs. California Week 5 Pac-12 Conference college football game on Saturday.
ASU football comeback falls just short in Pac-12 loss to California
The Arizona State Sun Devils had a chance late against California after being down the entire game against the Golden Bears.
But ASU football's comeback bid fell short when Trenton Bourguet's pass to Elijhah Badger on fourht-and-4 at the ASU 39 with 1:03 remaining in the game went incomplete, turning the ball over on downs and giving California its first Pac-12 win of the season.
California is now 3-2 overall and 1-1 in Pac-12 play.
ASU fell to 1-4 overall and 0-2 in the conference.
The game appeared to be out of reach for ASU with 10:52 left in the fourth quarter after Cal took a 24-13 lead on a 2-yard run from Jayden Ott after a costly Bourguet interception.
But the Sun Devils, and Bourguet, didn't give up.
Bourguet and Badger engineered an impressive drive after that score, with Bourguet scoring on a touchdown run with 9:18 left and Bourguet connecting with Badger on a 2-point conversion pass to bring the score to 24-21.
Cal impressed with an 18-play, 74 yard drive that took 6:28 off the clock, but ASU's defense stopped Ott on fourth down at the goal line, giving the Sun Devils one last chance.
Bourguet went 26-for-41 for 344 yards in the game. Ott rushed for 165 yards and 29 carries for California.
ASU's defense played hard all game, and overcame some difficult situations and short fields that its offense put it in, but it couldn't overcome all of them.
But ASU still had a chance.
The game might have been very different had the Sun Devils' offense been able to score touchdowns on a couple of third quarter possessions, but costly penalties ended up having ASU have to settle for two field goals.
ASU outgained Cal in the game, 430-326.
ASU had five penalties in the game for 35 yards. Cal had seven for 51. Cal did not have a fumble or interception in the game, while Arizona State had Bourguet's interception and a fumble lost by Bourguet at the end of the first half.
Arizona State when 2-for-5 on fourth down. Cal was 2-for-3.
ASU hosts Colorado next week at 3:30 p.m. MST. Cal hosts Oregon State at 7 p.m. MST.
Final score: California 24, Arizona State 21
California defense stops ASU, gets Pac-12 victory
Cal's was able to stop ASU after 7 plays and 38 yards on the Sun Devils' last drive, as ASU turned the ball over on downs with 1:03 left in the game.
The Golden Bears then ran out the clock to end the game.
Final score: California 24, ASU 21
Cal bleeds clock, ASU gets stop
It was the Jayden Ott and Isaiah Infanse show for Cal on the Bears' next possession.
The running backs plowed through the ASU defense with runs of 3, 7, 6, 9, 6, 5, 3, 8, 4 and 5 yards on the possession as the Bears bled the game clock on the drive.
Cal then went for it on 4th & 7 at the ASU 25 and appeared to have Sam Jackson V wrapped up for a sack, before the QB scrambled and was able to heave a prayer up to Jeremiah Hunter.
The prayer was answered as the Sun Devils were called for pass interference on the play, giving Cal a first down and more time to run the clock in the game.
ASU had to then use its timeouts, the last of which coming on 4th and goal at the 1-yard line with 2:55 left in the fourth quarter.
ASU stopped Ott at the goal line on the fourth down play, giving the Sun Devils the ball back.
The Cal drive began with 9:18 left on the clock. ASU got the ball back with 2:50 left in the quarter.
But the Sun Devils' defense gave their offense a chance.
Arizona State offense bounces back vs. California
Don't write off the Sun Devils in this game just yet.
After a 52-yard kick return by Elijhah Badger, Trenton Bourguet and the ASU offense went 48 yards over four plays to pull within three on Cal on a 3-yard touchdown run by Bourguet and a 2-point conversion pass from Bourguet to Badger.
This game just got very interesting.
Bourguet is now 23-for-35 for 314 yards in the game. He had been shaken up after throwing an interception on ASU's previous possession and even went into the medical tent with a trainer, but returned to lead ASU's big touchdown drive.
Score: California 24, Arizona State 21 (9:18 left in fourth quarter)
Cal extends lead after ASU turnover
Cal didn't have to go far after ASU turned the ball over.
The Golden Bears went 11 yards over three plays to extend the lead on a 2-yard run by Jayden Ott, giving California a 24-13 lead over Arizona State.
The turnover proved very costly for ASU, whose defense couldn't overcome the short field. The ASU offense has put the ASU defense in a lot of tough situations this season, and in this game.
Score: California 24, ASU 13 (10:52 left in fourth quarter)
Sun Devils' defense steps up again against California, but offense gives ball back
Let's give ASU football's defense some credit.
It just forced a 3-and-out from Cal to give its offense the ball back.
The problem is that ASU's Trenton Bourguet threw an interception on the first play of ASU's ensuing possession, giving the ball back to Cal at ASU's 13-yard line, in good position to add to its lead.
Bourguet was sandwiched between two defenders and walked off the field gingerly after the play.
Arizona State drive falls flat vs. Cal
Well, so much for ASU having all the momentum.
The Sun Devils just went 3-and-out on their first possession of the fourth quarter, with a completed pass for no gain, and completed pass for three yards and an incomplete pass on the drive.
The pressure now falls on ASU's defense to make another stop to give its offense another chance.
ASU gets another stop on defense vs. Cal
The Sun Devils' defense is doing its part against the Golden Bears in the second half. Can the offense now get a touchdown and put ASU ahead?
ASU forced Cal to punt after a 6-play, 12-yard drive, and now has the ball back at its own 27-yard line for its first possession of the fourth quarter.
ASU has been able to move the ball on two straight possessions, but has had to settle for field goals on both. It could really use another good drive, and a touchdown, this time around as the momentum in this game clearly seems to be with the Sun Devils.
Another penalty, another field goal for ASU
ASU's offense got something going on its previous possession against Cal, even though the possession ended with a field goal.
It kept it going on the next possession, but once again had to settle for a field goal because of a penalty.
After ASU's defense stopped Cal after a 6-play, 13-yard drive, the Sun Devils marched 69 yards on six plays to pull within 17-13 on a 29-yard field goal by Dario Longhetto.
The key play on the drive was a 52-yard pass from Trenton Bourguet to Elijhah Badger.
ASU had a 4th & 2 at the Cal 6 and was lined up to go for it before being called for a false start.
ASU has now potentially missed out on eight points having to take the two field goals on its last two possessions.
Score: California 17, Arizona State 13 (:44 left in third quarter)
Now 17-13 after a second Dario Longhetto FG, But another 5-yard penalty proves crucial. Only 4 for 20 yards but there have been a couple that factored huge
— Michelle Gardner (@MGardnerSports) September 30, 2023
Penalty costs ASU touchdown against Cal
The Sun Devils appeared to have a much-needed touchdown drive against California to pull within 17-14, but were called for having too many players on the field.
Cameron Skattebo had thrown a 1-yard touchdown pass on a pitch to Elijhah Badger for the score on a fourth-and-one from the Cal 1-yard line for the score, but the ball was moved back after the penalty and ASU's Dario Longhetto hit a short field goal.
Skattebo was wide open on a 3rd and 8 at the ASU 25-yard line and caught a short pass from Trenton Bourguet and then ran down the field for a 66-yard gain to the Cal 9-yard line to step up the score.
How costly will that penalty be for ASU? The Sun Devils still pulled within a touchdown with the score.
Score: California 17, Arizona State 10 (5:03 left in third quarter)
A Dario Longhetto FG cuts it to 17-10, but @ASUFootball had TD taken off board by pen, ill subs call. ASU has had very few penalties in last 4 games. That was costly one
— Michelle Gardner (@MGardnerSports) September 30, 2023
California takes advantage of short field against ASU
California took advantage of the short field, scoring a touchdown after just four plays and 31 yards on the Golden Bears' next possession.
Sam Jackson V completed a 21-yard pass to Jeremiah Hunter for the score.
Cal completed a key 20-yard pass from Jackson V to Jack Endries on 3rd and 20 at the ASU 41 to extend the drive on the previous play of the possession.
ASU has interestingly outgained Cal 201-200 in this game, despite having one fewer possession, but the Sun Devils have given the Golden Bears some short fields to work with and California has been able to use that to its advantage.
Score: California 17, Arizona 7 (9:11 left in third quarter)
Cal goes up 17-7, 21 yd pass from Jackson to Hunter.
That fourth down try gone bad really proved costly. We know CKD likes to gamble but that was not a good call there— Michelle Gardner (@MGardnerSports) September 30, 2023
ASU denied again on fourth down against California
ASU's Kenny Dillingham elected to go for it on 4th & 2 at his own 31 on the Sun Devils' opening possession of the second half.
Cameron Skattebo took the snap and was promptly stopped at the line of scrimmage, ending ASU's drive and giving Cal great field position after ASU went 21 yards over six plays on the drive.
Arizona State is now 2-for-4 on fourth downs in the game.
Do you like the aggressiveness? Or should ASU have just punted there?
I do NOT understand going for that there. OL getting no push and you got for it that deep in own end.
— Michelle Gardner (@MGardnerSports) September 30, 2023
ASU forces Cal 3-and-out to start second half
First the good news for ASU.
The Sun Devils forced a 3-and-out by Cal to start the second half.
Now, the not-so-good news.
Lachlan Wilson, who is having a heck of a game for the Golden Bears, punted the ball 59 yards, giving ASU the ball at its own 10-yard line to start its first possession of the second half.
Cal has been winning the field position battle all game.
Can ASU get something going to start the second half?
Arizona State vs. California: First-half numbers
That was not a pretty first half of football in Berkeley.
California has a 10-7 lead over Arizona State in a Week 5 Pac-12 game that has been ugly for the first 30 minutes.
Both teams have nine first downs in the game. ASU is 2-for-9 on third downs, Cal is 2-for-7.
ASU has 180 total yards, Cal has 142.
ASU is winning the time of possession battle, 17:35-12:25, but Cal benefitted from some short fields in the first half.
Trenton Bourguet is 11-for-18 for ASU for 108 yards. Sam Jackson V is 6-for-13 for 62 yards.
Cameron Skattebo has rushed for 42 yards on 17 carries, with a touchdown.
Jaydn Ott leads Cal with 65 yards on 10 carries.
Only two California receivers have caught passes.
It should be an interesting second half of Pac-12 action.
Halftime score: California 10, Arizona State 7
ASU defense stops Cal, but Sun Devils run out of time
The Sun Devils forced Cal to punt, but Lachlan Wilson pinned ASU deep with a 42-yard punt close to the end of the first half, making ASU start its drive at its own 5-yard line.
ASU went 45 yards over 7 plays, but time expired on the Sun Devils as they tried to get into field goal position.
California will have the ball to start the second half.
Score: California 10, Arizona State 7 (halftime)
ASU converts one fourth down, falls short on second
Kenny Dillingham has shown that he isn't afraid to go for it on fourth down.
ASU went for it twice on that down on its most recent possession.
On the first one, Cameron Skattebo, the running back, completed an 18-yard pass to Trenton Bourguet, the QB, for a first down, extending ASU's drive on a 4th & 1 at the ASU 34.
Then, on 4th & 1 at the Cal 39, Skattebo ran for no gain, giving the ball back to California.
ASU gained 36 yards over eight plays on the possession.
California retakes lead with field goal vs. Arizona State
California has retaken a 10-7 lead on ASU, but the Sun Devils holding the Bears to a field goal was a victory for ASU.
Cal only went 22 yards over eight plays before kicking the field goal, a 37-yarder from Mateen Bhaghani. Cal had started the drive at the ASU 42.
Score: California 10, ASU 7 (8:18 left in second quarter)
Golden Bears winning field position battle against Sun Devils
The Sun Devils forced Cal to punt after a 6-play, 27-yard drive, but were backed up after a nice punt by Lachlan Wilson went for 53 yards.
ASU then had to punt from deep in its own territory, giving California the ball at the Arizona State 42-yard line.
ASU responds with impressive drive vs. California
The Sun Devils really needed to get something going on their third possession of the game.
They did.
ASU drove 75 yards over 13 plays to tie the game against Cal, 7-7 on a 2-yard run from Cameron Skattebo.
Skattebo has 11 carries for 25 yards in the game.
Trenton Bourguet is now 5-for-10 for 63 yards.
Score: Arizona State 7, California 7 (:15 left in first quarter)
California jumps ahead of Arizona State football
California jumped out to a 7-0 lead on ASU after an impressive second possession Saturday, a possession that only took seven plays and 68 yards.
The drive included an impressive 31-yard pass from Sam Jackson V to Jeremiah Hunter that Hunter caught going out of bounds. Isaiah Ifanse ran the ball in from 1-yard out for the score.
The Sun Devils obviously really need to get something going on offense on their third possession, something they have not been able to do yet.
Score: California 7, ASU 0 (6:16 left in first quarter)
Nothing going for ASU on second possession against California
The Arizona State offense is off to a rough start in Berkeley.
The Sun Devils were just forced to punt again after gaining six yards on three plays.
Tight end Jalin Conyers dropped a pass for Trenton Bourguet and 3rd and 4 that would have been enough for a Sun Devils' first down.
ASU, California football trade punts on first possessions
Trenton Bourguet got the start for ASU at QB against Cal after missing last week's game with an injury and you could tell that he and his receivers weren't quite on the same page on the first possession.
ASU had to punt after gaining nine yards over six plays. Bourguet was 1-for-3 for seven yards on the drive.
Bourguet exited ASU's game against Fresno State two weeks ago very early with the injury. Drew Pyne started for the Sun Devils against USC last week, but is out with an injury in this game.
Jaden Rashada started ASU's first two games of the season, but was injured against Oklahoma State.
Jacob Conover, a transfer from BYU, is Bourguet's backup in this game.
California had to punt after gaining 11 yards on five plays on its first possession.
ASU football shorthanded vs. California
Players unavailable for ASU due to injury include OL Ben Coleman, OL Isaiah Glass, OL Emmit Bohle, OL Max Iheanachor, RB DeCarlos Brooks, RB George Hart, QB Drew Pyne, QB Jaden Rashada, DB Montana Warren and WR Jordyn Tyson.
OL coach Saga Tuitele is still away from the team due to a medical issue. Grad assistant Steven Miller is handling the position group in Tuitele's absence.
Slater Zellers and Dario Longhetto among the 4 team captains for ASU for today's games. They are transfers from Cal.
How to watch ASU vs. California football game
The game can be seen at noon MST time on Pac-12 Networks.
Pac-12 Networks is available via Sling TV, Cox, Dish, Fubo (free trial), Vidgo, Dish, and other providers.
Click here for a list of all the TV providers that carry Pac-12 Networks.
J.B. Long will provide the play-by-play for the game and Shane Vereen will be the analyst.
ASU vs. California: How to watch, stream Pac-12 Conference football game
Arizona State football vs. California picks, predictions
Most college football writers are predicting a California win over Arizona State in Saturday's game.
The Arizona Republic's Michelle Gardner previewed and predicted the outcome of the game in her ASU football vs. California scouting report.
Who wins Week 5 Pac-12 college game?: ASU football vs. California picks, predictions, odds
ASU vs. California football odds
California is a 12-point favorite in the game, according to BetMGM Sportsbook.
The Golden Bears are -463 on the moneyline. The Sun Devils are +348.
The over/under for the game is set at 49 points.
Pac-12 football power rankings: The Conference of Quarterbacks in 2023 college football
Pregame reading for ASU football vs. California game
LB Will Shaffer quits Arizona State football team, leaving Sun Devils thin at linebacker
ASU's 5-foot-9 defensive back doesn't mind getting picked on my opponents
Starting quarterback shuffle continues for ASU as Trenton Bourguet gets the nod vs. Cal
Kenny Dillingham to keep play calling for Arizona State against California
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This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: ASU football comeback falls just short in Pac-12 loss to California
