Cal Routs Texas Southern in Lopsided Week 2 Affair, 35-3

Berkeley, CA  –  The California Golden Bears entered their second game of the year coming off a dominant season opener against Oregon State. Entering Saturday, Cal returned home to Memorial Stadium in Week 2 to face off against Texas Southern University for the first time in program history, winning 35-3.

Cal vs. Texas Southern 2025: Week 2 Game Recap

Cal transfer running back from NC State, Kendrick Raphael, shined with 131 rushing yards in his first collegiate 100-yard rushing game. He was one of five Cal players to get in the end zone, leading the team to a 35-3 victory over Texas Southern. Raphael’s dominant rush opened up the pass game for the Bears to be able to win in such a dominating fashion.

True freshman starts year 2-0

Coming off a great start to his college career, freshman quarterback Jaron-Keawe Sagapolutele continued to showcase his talents in Saturday’s win over TSU, throwing for 259 yards. Yet his performance came back down to earth, throwing his first pick late in the second, including a ball that went straight through a receiver’s hands.

JKS wasn’t able to throw a passing touchdown, with his only score coming from a tush push from the one-yard line.

A big topic of discussion heading into Saturday’s contest was the performance of JKS, who threw for 234 yards and three touchdowns the week before at Oregon State. However, he wasn’t able to find the same success.

Against Oregon State, he demonstrated his ability to be a dynamic passer, both in and out of the pocket, finding receivers in the end zone. TSU was able to create a pocket and keep JKS in there, limiting his ability to extend plays as he was in previous weeks.

Run game takes over

The standout offensively for the Bears was the run game. Cal rushed for 181 yards, only 11 yards fewer than the entire TSU offense’s total yards.

Raphael was clearly the best player on the field in his first start, rushing for 7.3 yards on average. He set up the blue and gold for two of their four offensive touchdowns.

His effectiveness early in the game is what made it easier for JKS to get the pass game going. Raphael forced an adjustment by the TSU defense with Cal beginning to use his gravity as a decoy.

Raphael’s biggest rush was for 33 yards; the entire game, he spent each run just grinding it out and slowly chipping away.

“Just staying the course and trusting the process, trusting my (offensive) line and believing in the plays. Anything that will help the team win.” Raphael said describing his performance.

Back up running back LJ Johnson Jr. also was able to punch one in for six.

Offense opens up in second half

The Bears offense started off sluggish, not looking anything like the offense that won the week before. However, that didn’t last long with Cal putting up 35 points on the board.

“It was a matter of executing plays, we didn’t really block, run, throw, catch very well in the first half. So if we’re not doing that up to par, it’s going to be very hard to move the ball.” Cal head coach Justin Wilcox said regarding the slow start. “And give the other team credit they did a good job, but we have to be much better than that. Some guys were pressing a little bit, excited to play and trying to do a little too much. We can do a better job of focusing on the play that’s right in front of us and executing that play better.”

The pass game for the Bears was a team effort led by the receiving duo of Jacob De Jesus and Mark Hamper who each had 69 yards receiving on five receptions.

Additionally tight end Mason Mini showed up with five catches for 49 yards including a successful rush on a two point conversion.

The defense was also big holding TSU to just three points with a pick from defensive back Hezekiah Masses.

What’s next for Cal?

In all, Week 2 against Texas Southern was an impressive showing for Cal. It was a win that needed to be dominant, and the Golden Bears were able to do exactly that.

Week 3 comes with a much harder challenge as Cal takes on Minnesota in a pivotal showdown.