The California Golden Bears defeated the University of Baylor Bears 70-22 in Cal's home opener on 8/31/02.
It may have been a victory against lowly Baylor. It may have been a non-conference game. But this was still very satisfying blowout victory! The game started with a double-pass trick play that went 71 yards for a touchdown, and already the fans in Strawberry Canyon were on their feet. The 35 points scored in the first quarter set a school record, and the 101 yard interception return was just icing on the cake. The victory also broke a 8-game home losing streak, and ushered in the "Tedford era" in the best way possible.
Coach Tedford, in an exclusive interview with HO'TFAAWEb, said this:
The 27,185 fans at Memorial Stadium were mesmerized by this 2002 version of the Golden Bears. Chants of "We want 70!" rang through the stadium as players no-one has ever heard of took the field for Cal in the late going. Tedford listened, and the final drive featured a 2 yard touchdown run by Marcus O'Keith with just under five minutes left in the game.
HO'TFAA Member Vic Rethy, when asked about the game, had this to say:
Tim Hough, also at the game, was more subdued: