WINSTON-SALEM – In a high-scoring Friday night clash in Winston-Salem, the California Golden Bears survived a furious fourth-quarter comeback attempt by Wake Forest to secure a 46-36 victory at Allegacy Federal Credit Union Stadium.
The Golden Bears (5-4) jumped out to an early lead and never trailed, though the Demon Deacons (4-5) kept the fans on edge until the final minutes. Cal quarterback Fernando Mendoza orchestrated a massive, but efficient, passing attack, completing 40 of 56 passes for 385 yards and two touchdowns, while the Cal defense recorded six sacks against Wake Forest quarterback Hank Bachmeier.
Cal's fast start included a 29-yard field goal by Daniel Morris and a 16-yard fumble return touchdown by Matthew Williams in the first quarter, pushing the Bears to a quick 10-0 advantage. Wake Forest running back Demond Claiborne, who finished with 113 yards on 23 carries, responded with a 1-yard touchdown run to keep the Demon Deacons within striking distance.
The second quarter belonged to Cal, as the Bears outscored Wake Forest 19-7. Mendoza connected with Monroe Matthews for an 11-yard touchdown and found Trond Merriweather for a 2-yard score. The Bears also added two field goals, including a 54-yarder by Roberto Coe as time expired in the first half, giving Cal a commanding 29-14 lead at the break.
Wake Forest showed resilience in the second half, with Bachmeier finding Wesley Greene for a 45-yard touchdown strike in the third quarter. Though Mendoza countered with a 5-yard touchdown run, the Demon Deacons continued their comeback effort in the fourth quarter.
Bachmeier scored on a 4-yard run and completed a two-point conversion pass to Horatio Lodge to narrow the gap to 36-29. After Coe's second 54-yard field goal of the night pushed Cal's lead back to ten points, Wake Forest's Tate Carney punched in a 2-yard touchdown run with 3:57 remaining to make it 39-36.
The game's outcome remained in doubt until Cal's defense sealed the victory with an interception and touchdown run in the final two minutes. The Bears' defensive effort was led by Matthew Williams, who recorded eight tackles and recovered the crucial first-quarter fumble that he returned for a touchdown.
Despite the loss, Wake Forest's defense showed determination, with linebacker Nick Andersen leading all tacklers with 12 stops (6 solo). The Demon Deacons also found success through the air, as receiver Taylor Morin caught nine passes for 110 yards.
Cal's offensive performance was marked by balance and efficiency. Eight different receivers caught multiple passes, with Matthews leading the way with eight receptions for 83 yards and a touchdown. The Bears dominated time of possession, controlling the ball for over 33 minutes and converting 30 first downs.
The game featured impressive special teams play, with both Cal kickers showing exceptional range. Morris connected on field goals from 29 and 38 yards, while Ryan Coe demonstrated remarkable leg strength with his pair of 54-yard conversions.
The victory gives Cal their first ever conference win as a member of the ACC, while Wake Forest's hopes for bowl eligibility remain alive despite the setback. The Demon Deacons showed their offensive capabilities by accumulating 394 total yards, but ultimately couldn't overcome Cal's early advantage and consistent offensive output.
.png)
