Cal takeaways: Bears take over late to beat Minnesota, extend strong start to 2025 season

BERKELEY — After losing four straight games last season by a combined nine points, Cal coach Justin Wilcox said the Golden Bears would either have to figure out how to win close games or stop engaging in them altogether.

So far this season, Cal has avoided the nail-biters.

With their 27-14 victory over Minnesota on Saturday night in front of 38,556 fans at Memorial Stadium, the Bears have won three games in a row by double-digit margins for the first time since the start of the 2009 season.

Curiously, that three-game run 16 years ago also ended with a victory over Minnesota.

In this one, Cal trailed the Golden Gophers 14-10 late in the third quarter before scoring the final 17 points of the night. The Bears are now 3-0 for the first time in six years.

“It means a lot (against) a really good football team,” Wilcox said afterward. “That will build confidence and validate the work our team puts in.”

Wide receiver Jacob De Jesus, who caught one of Jaron-Keawe Sagapolutele’s three touchdown passes, is convinced the Bears — with 55 newcomers to the program — are just scratching the surface of what’s possible.

“We can get so much better,” he said. “These are the first three games we’ve played with each other and now we’re kind of recognizing what people can do. I just feel like the sky’s the limit for this offense.”

Here are a few takeaways:

California Golden Bears linebacker TJ Bush Jr. (3) tackles Minnesota Golden Gophers quarterback Drake Lindsey (5) in the first quarter of their game at Memorial Stadium in Berkeley, Calif., on Saturday, Sept. 13, 2025. (Jose Carlos Fajardo/Bay Area News Group)

Defense continues to shine

After three games, the Bears are allowing just 10.8 points per game, the best mark in the ACC. Cornerback Hezekiah Masses, a transfer from FIU, intercepted a pass for the third straight outing to go with eight tackles and two pass breakups.

The Bears got it done despite the fact that star linebacker Cade Uuave had to sit out the first half because of a targeting penalty the week before.

“I was just on the sidelines going a little stir crazy,” said Uluave, who had nine tackles in the second half. “The guys played great and it was super awesome to see. It fired me up.”

Special teams truly special

Michael Kern averaged 47.0 yards on five punts, and the Bears downed a pair of them on the 2-yard line. His last one was muffed by return man Koi Perich, and Cal freshman Aiden Manutai recovered it at the Gophers’ 8-yard line to set up a touchdown that made it 24-14.

Abram Murray and Chase Meyer, sharing the field goal duties, each made one and the duo is 6 for 6 on the season, with four of those from 40 yards or beyond. Cal missed 12 field goals last season.

California Golden Bears quarterback Jaron-Keawe Sagapolutele (3) runs for yardage while avoiding being tackled by Minnesota Golden Gophers linebacker Devon Williams (9) in the fourth quarter of their game at Memorial Stadium in Berkeley, Calif., on Saturday, Sept. 13, 2025. California Golden Bears defeated the Minnesota Golden Gophers 27-14. (Jose Carlos Fajardo/Bay Area News Group)

Sagapolutele keeps getting better

The freshman from Hawaii was 24 for 38 for a season-best 279 yards with the three touchdowns and no turnovers. He connected with nine different receivers. Through three games, Sagapolutele has six touchdowns and just one interception.

The coaching staff hardly considers him a freshman anymore.

“We don’t really sit there on the sidelines and say, ‘I don’t know if Jaron can handle that.’ That doesn’t even come out of our mouths because he’s prepared,” Wilcox said. “He obviously can handle and he’s doing a heck of a job.”

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Run game still needs work

Cal rushed for 150 yards a week against FCS-level Texas Southern. But in two games against FBS opponents, the squad’s three running backs are averaging just 89 yards.

Against Minnesota, Cal gave the ball to one of its backs only three times in the first half while calling 30 pass plays. Until their final drive of the third quarter, the Bears had minus-13 net rushing yards. They finished with 61.

Next up: A trip to San Diego

The Bears play Saturday at San Diego State (1-1), seeking their first 4-0 start since 2019, when they posted an 8-5 record. The Aztecs had a bye this weekend.

California Golden Bears co-defensive coordinator/outside linebacker coach Vic So’oto celebrates with the team after a fumble ball recovery in the fourth quarter of their game at Memorial Stadium in Berkeley, Calif., on Saturday, Sept. 13, 2025. California Golden Bears defeated the Minnesota Golden Gophers 27-14. (Jose Carlos Fajardo/Bay Area News Group)
California Golden Bears offensive lineman Frederick Williams III (54) celebrates with teammate Jordan King (4) after he scored a touchdown in the fourth quarter of their game at Memorial Stadium in Berkeley, Calif., on Saturday, Sept. 13, 2025. California Golden Bears defeated the Minnesota Golden Gophers 27-14. (Jose Carlos Fajardo/Bay Area News Group)
California Golden Bears wide receiver Trond Grizzell (7) runs for yardage after making a reception in the first quarter of their game at Memorial Stadium in Berkeley, Calif., on Saturday, Sept. 13, 2025. (Jose Carlos Fajardo/Bay Area News Group)
The California Golden Bears marching band performs on the field before the start of their game at Memorial Stadium in Berkeley, Calif., on Saturday, Sept. 13, 2025. (Jose Carlos Fajardo/Bay Area News Group)