Ashton Stredick

Football beat writer Kenzo Fukuda sat down with Daily Trojan sports writer and football beat writer Jack Hallinan to talk about USC’s upcoming game against Cal.

Though the Bears fell 34-14 to the Utes, quarterback Fernando Mendoza showed signs of success. However, it was not a perfect day for Mendoza on the gridiron.

Cal will head to Utah to face the No. 16 Utes for their fourth in-conference competition of the season.

But Cal’s momentum was fleeting. In the next play, the Bears’ point-after try was no good, leaving the blue and gold behind by eight points before giving the ball to Penix for the first time all night.

After a 2-2 start to the season, the Bears are rallying together to set up for a second half of domination.

After last week’s disappointment in Washington, Cal rebounded versus the Sun Devils, earning its first Pac-12 victory in a close and physical game.

Though No. 8 Washington is one of the premier teams in the country, Cal’s 32-59 loss can only be framed as disappointing. The Bears were dominated on both sides of the ball, a reality that may change the starting quarterback dilemma moving forward.

After starting 2-1 in nonconference games, the Bears hope to continue their momentum as they begin the most crucial stretch of games this season. But Cal’s first taste of in-conference play is at Washington — and the mountain program is far from an easy win.

Cal picked up the pace following a lackluster start, giving the Bears a comeback victory and erasing a 17-point deficit against the Idaho Vandals.

The Bears’ running game dominated in their biggest offensive win since 2015.