California stuns Auburn with 21-14 victory in Alabama
- Fernando Mendoza led California with 233 passing yards and two touchdowns, completing 19 of 21 passes before halftime.
- Auburn struggled offensively, committing five turnovers, including four interceptions by quarterback Payton Thorne.
- California's victory boosts their confidence and marks a significant achievement against a talented SEC opponent.
In a thrilling college football matchup on Saturday, California secured a 21-14 victory over Auburn in Alabama. Quarterback Fernando Mendoza showcased his skills by throwing for 233 yards and two touchdowns, completing 19 of 21 passes before halftime. The Golden Bears capitalized on Auburn's offensive struggles, which included five turnovers, with Mendoza's first-half touchdowns going to redshirt freshman wide receiver Nyziah Hunter. Auburn initially took the lead with a touchdown from Payton Thorne to KeAndre Lambert-Smith but faltered thereafter. Auburn's quarterback Thorne faced significant challenges, throwing four interceptions, including one that directly led to California's go-ahead touchdown early in the second quarter. Despite a late rushing touchdown from Thorne that narrowed the score, Auburn's attempts to tie the game were thwarted by two more interceptions. This marked a disappointing outcome for Auburn, as head coach Hugh Freeze lamented the impact of turnovers on their performance. California's head coach Justin Wilcox expressed pride in his team's execution and the confidence gained from the win, especially against a formidable opponent in a challenging environment. The Golden Bears have shown remarkable improvement this season, having not committed any turnovers in their first two games while forcing eight from their opponents. With this victory, California has now won four of its last five games against SEC teams, reinforcing their competitive edge. Looking ahead, California will host San Diego State, while Auburn prepares to face New Mexico at home next week.