38 - 35 The Golden Bears secured their first winning season since 2019 with a stunning 38-35 win over the Mustangs. SMU had a 52-yard field goal attempt to send the game to overtime, but the kick went wide. Cal won despite giving up 21 straight points after taking a 31-14 lead. A 2-yard Kendrick Raphael touchdown run with 43 seconds left in the game proved to be the difference. Rapheal finished the game with 111 yards and a touchdown on 33 carries. He also had 53 receiving yards. Quarterback Jaron-Keawe Sagapolutele completed 31 of 40 passes for 330 yards and four touchdowns. Jacob De Jesus caught 12 passes for 97 yards and a touchdown. SMU quarterback Kevin Jennings threw for 250 yards and two touchdowns on 24-36 passing. Running back Chris Johnson Jr ran for 128 yards and a touchdown on 10 carries. With the loss, SMU was eliminated from appearing in the ACC Championship Game.
