Highlights, key plays and photos from No. 16 Utah’s big win over Cal

The Deseret News is providing live coverage of Saturday’s game between No. 16 Utah and Cal. Check back for updates throughout the game.

By relying on their run game, the Utes put in a dominant offensive performance against Cal, securing their first comfortable win since mid-September.

Next up for the Utes? No. 10 USC on Oct. 21.

Fourth quarter

Utah 34, Cal 14

1:57 — Cole Becker knocks through a 38-yard field goal for the Utes. Utah 34, Cal 14.

6:51 — Sione Vaki builds on an already stellar performance, running 72 yards for his second touchdown of the day. Utah 31, Cal 14.

7:49 — The Bears miss a field goal attempt. Safety Cole Bishop, a standout defender for Utah, was penalized for targeting during the drive and disqualified from the game. Because of the timing of the penalty, Bishop will have to miss the first half of next week’s Utah-USC game. Utah 24, Cal 14.

11:14 — Cal quarterback Fernando Mendoza goes down hard during a pass play and has to exit the game. Ben Finley takes over.

12:54 — Utah turns the ball over on downs after going for it at the Cal 34-yard line.

Third quarter

Utah 24, Cal 14

4:21 — Cal’s offense kicks back into gear thanks, in large part, to quarterback Fernando Mendoza. He completes a 24-yard pass to Taj Davis for the score. Utah 24, Cal 14.

9:11 — Utah quarterback Bryson Barnes caps off a short-and-sweet touchdown drive with a 4-yard run. Utah 24, Cal 7.

10:27 — Utah gets the ball back right by the endzone thanks to a sack from Jonah Elliss. Cal quarterback Fernando Mendoza lost the ball, which was then recovered by the Utes.

10:35 — The Utes grow their lead by three points with a field goal from Cole Becker. The drive included a 41-yard pass from quarterback Bryson Barnes to wide receiver Munir McClain. Utah 17, Cal 7.

Halftime

After a slow start to the season, Utah’s offense is finally looking good, at least on running plays.

The Utes have strong runs from Ja’Quinden Jackson, Sione Vaki and quarterback Bryson Barnes (yes, he ran quite a bit, too) to thank for their 14-7 halftime lead.

Second quarter

Utah 14, Cal 7

0:26 — Utah’s dramatic final drive of the first half, which involved a fourth-down conversion and a roughing-the-passer penalty, ends in a Sione Vaki touchdown run. Utah 14, Cal 7.

7:56 — Ja’Quinden Jackson gets in for the score — his first of the season. The rushing touchdown was a fitting end to a run-heavy drive. Utah 7, Cal 7.

13:29 — Lander Barton intercepts Cal quarterback Fernando Mendoza, giving the Utes the ball in Bears territory.

First quarter

Cal 7, Utah 0

1:18 — Kicker Cole Becker misses the field goal attempt, bringing a depressing end to a promising drive. Sione Vaki, a two-way player for Utah, helped jumpstart Utah’s offense with a 32-yard run. Cal 7, Utah 0.

5:41 — The Bears draw first blood with a 48-yard touchdown pass from quarterback Fernando Mendoza to running back Jaydn Ott. The drive included a 21-yard reception by wide receiver Taj Davis. Cal 7, Utah 0.

13:21 — Utah Bryson Barnes is starting at quarterback for Utah. Kyle Whittingham confirmed before the game that Cam Rising will not play.

13:58 — Cal’s offense gets off to a rough start, failing to get a first down. It felt like the Bears saw more flags than yards during that drive.

Pregame prep

Here are a few stories to get you ready for Utah’s game against Cal.

Related

• Utah’s season hits inflection point, starting with Cal game

• True freshman Spencer Fano holding his own at one of the hardest positions

• No. 16 Utah vs. Cal: How to watch, listen to or stream the game

• What are Cal coaches saying about Utah — and what challenges could Bears present?

• Will extra week of prep time and recuperation result in victories for Utes, Cougars?