BERKELEY, Calif. — Running back Kendrick Raphael delivered a breakout performance Saturday, rushing for a career-best 131 yards and a touchdown to power California to a commanding 35–3 victory over Texas Southern at Memorial Stadium.
The junior transfer from NC State repeatedly found seams up the middle, averaging 7.3 yards per carry and breaking the 100-yard mark for the first time in his collegiate career.
“That’s the kind of performance we’ve been waiting to see,” said Cal head coach Justin Wilcox. “He ran hard, made decisive cuts, and gave us a real spark. I’m proud of how he responded this week.”
Raphael’s effort marked a major leap forward after a quiet debut last week, when he managed just 37 yards on nine carries. Against the Tigers, he showcased vision, patience, and power, wearing down the defense with consistent gains.
“I thought I might break one,” Raphael said. “But I just kept trusting the process and my offensive line. It felt good to finally put a game like that together.”
Sagapolutele Settles In
True freshman quarterback Jaron-Keawe Sagapolutele followed up a strong debut with another efficient outing. He threw for 259 yards, added a 1-yard rushing touchdown in the second quarter, and avoided costly mistakes aside from one interception.
L.J. Johnson Jr. also contributed with a 12-yard touchdown run, and kicker Abram Murray connected on a 44-yard field goal to help the Golden Bears improve to 2–0.
Stifling Defense
Cal’s defense dominated from start to finish, holding Texas Southern to just 194 total yards and preventing them from reaching the end zone. It marked the first time since 2021 that the Golden Bears kept an opponent from scoring a touchdown.
“If you hold a team to just three points, that’s something to be proud of,” Wilcox said. “But we still have plenty to clean up. There’s a higher level we can reach, and we’ll keep working toward that.”
The Bears’ front seven controlled the line of scrimmage, consistently collapsing the pocket and disrupting the Tigers’ backfield. Meanwhile, Cal’s secondary tightened coverage, batting down several passes and limiting explosive plays.
Texas Southern Struggles to Find Rhythm
The Tigers (0–2) couldn’t find an offensive rhythm, converting just 3 of 14 third downs. Quarterback KJ Cooper made a few plays with his legs but was unable to sustain drives or stretch the field. Their only points came from a 39-yard Christian Avelar field goal in the fourth quarter.
The matchup was the first-ever meeting between the two programs.
Halftime Lead and Strong Finish
Cal led 10–0 at the break thanks to Sagapolutele’s goal-line plunge and Murray’s field goal. The Bears then broke the game open in the second half, with Raphael and Johnson finding the end zone and the defense continuing to smother the Tigers.
What’s Next:
Texas Southern returns home to face Lamar University next Saturday.
California stays in Berkeley to host Minnesota as they continue their non-conference slate.
