The confidence that Auburn built in its season-opening win over Alabama A&M last week quickly dissipated on Saturday as it dropped its first game of the 2024 season in a turnover-ridden affair.
A second-quarter interception by Payton Thorne and a stripped ball in the fourth quarter led to 14 California points in the Golden Bears 21-14 win at Jordan-Hare Stadium in Auburn, Alabama.
Each team traded scores in the first quarter. Cal (2-0, 0-0 ACC) gained momentum in the second quarter thanks to Nohl Williams’ interception of Thorne with 12:15 in the first half. Cal capitalized with a three-play drive to score the go-ahead touchdown. Cal’s Fernando Mendoza connected with Nyziah Hunter to move the Bears ahead of Auburn (1-1, 0-0 SEC), 14-7. Cal took advantage of a stripped ball in the early stages of the fourth quarter by turning it into seven points to extend its lead to 21-7.
Thorne scampered into the end zone with 6:06 to go in the game to help Auburn cut into Cal’s lead, 21-14. However, the Tigers did not find the end zone past that point.
Auburn avoided disaster in its first possession. On the game’s second play, Thorne threw a pass intended for running back Jarquez Hunter that was initially ruled an interception and returned for a touchdown by the Cal defense. However, after review, it was determined that the pass hit the ground before bouncing into the hands of a Bear defender.
The review worked in Auburn’s favor as the drive ended with a 15-yard touchdown pass from Thorne to KeAndre Lambert-Smith to push Auburn ahead, 7-0, with 11:42 to go in the first period.
Cal responded by scoring touchdowns on two of its next three drives to take a 14-7 lead into halftime. The Bears held onto the ball for over 10 minutes longer than Auburn in the first half and outgained the Tigers, 222-178.
The third quarter saw both teams alternate five possessions with punts, with Cal capping the quarter with an interception of Thorne, their second of the day. Luckily for Auburn, Cal kicker Ryan Coe missed his 55-yard field goal attempt wide right on the ensuing possession to keep the score 14-7 with 12:55 remaining in the game.
The first play following the missed field goal, Cal’s Teddye Buchanan stripped the football away from Hunter to regain possession. Two plays later, Jaivian Thomas rushed 32 yards to the end zone to extend the Bears’ lead to 21-7 with 11:27 remaining in the contest.
In all, Auburn committed five turnovers in the loss, with Thorne tossing four interceptions. California outgained Auburn, 332-286 and limited Auburn’s pass-driven offense to 153 yards. Freshman Cam Coleman led all receivers by hauling in two passes for 53 yards. Auburn’s defense allowed Cal quarterback Fernando Mendoza to complete 25 passes to nine different receivers for 223 yards.
Next up for Auburn is a home tilt with New Mexico on Saturday at Jordan-Hare Stadium. Kickoff is scheduled for 6:30 p.m. CT.
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