California Golden Bears Win a Football Game!

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:

"It feels great. I'm happy for the players. They deserve to win; they worked very hard in camp. It's got nothing to do with my first game and me. It has everything to do with the players and what they've been through. For them to bounce back and practice hard and have belief in what they're doing- I'm very pleased for them."

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:

"Great. Just friggin' great. The trick play, the ints, the passing, the running...they did it all man! This is a Rose Bowl team! GO BEARS!"

Tim Hough, also at the game, was more subdued:

"They gave up 22 points. I still think they have some work to do. After all - it was just Baylor."