Cal Golden Bears showcase elite defense in first four games

In their inaugural season in the Atlantic Coast Conference, the Cal Golden Bears have a 3-1 record, thanks in large part to their stout defense. Cal's defense has allowed between 10 and 14 points in each of its first four contests for an impressive average of 12.75 points per game.

Elite defense is not new for Cal, though. In 2023, the Golden Bears led the country in recovered fumbles with 16 and tied for the national lead in total forced turnovers with 28.

Cal's tough defense has followed the lead of head coach Justin Wilcox , who was a standout defensive back for the Oregon Ducks in the late 1990s.

Star defensive back Nohl Williams has already hauled in four interceptions for the Golden Bears in 2024 to go along with three passes defended and 12 tackles. His efforts have been greatly aided by linebackers Teddye Buchanan and Cade Uluave, who have racked up 40 and 32 tackles, respectively. Buchanan also has 2.5 sacks on the season.

In Cal's Week 3 victory over Auburn, Williams and Buchanan were named ACC players of the week at their respective positions. The recognition was sweet for the Golden Bears defenders, particularly after ESPN analyst Paul Finebaum ("the Mouth of the South") proclaimed Cal had "no chance" of beating Auburn.

Cal has a bye this week before facing a tough test against the Miami Hurricanes on Oct. 5 at the historic California Memorial Stadium. The Hurricanes are quarterbacked by Cam Ward , who played in 2023 for Cal's old Pac-12 rival, Washington State. Cal defeated Wazzu and Ward last year.