Overview
- Kendrick Raphael scored the go-ahead 2-yard touchdown with 43 seconds left to cap a seven-play, 75-yard drive.
- Freshman Jaron-Keawe Sagapolutele went 31-of-40 for 330 yards and four touchdowns without a turnover.
- SMU erased a 31-14 deficit to lead 35-31 with 2:22 remaining before Cal’s final march.
- Sam Keltner’s 52-yard field-goal attempt in the closing seconds was wide right, ending SMU’s bid to extend the game.
- Cal moved to 7-5 (4-4 ACC) in its first game post-Justin Wilcox, while SMU fell to 8-4 (6-2) as Duke advanced to face Virginia in the ACC championship.