Cam Ward has been prolific in career versus California

In two career games versus California, Cam Ward has completed 61.2 percent of his pass attempts for 697 yards, six touchdowns, three interceptions and one rushing touchdown with three lost fumbles in the 2023 game. Two of those lost fumbles were returned for defensive TDs.

Washington State could not overcome the two defensive TDs in a 42-39 loss in 2023. Ward led Washington State to a 28-9 win over California in 2022, led by Ward. California sacked Ward seven times in the two games, with six coming in 2023. The first Ward fumble in 2023 was returned 51 yards for a TD by linebacker Cade Uluave.

California extended their lead to 14-0 when Miami Columbus alum Fernando Mendoza threw a six-yard touchdown pass. Ward had a three-yard TD run to get Washington State on the board at 14-7. California extended the lead to 21-7 when offensive lineman Brian Driscoll recovered a fumble in the end zone.

Driscoll's TD was the first of six California and Washington State would exchange in the second quarter. Washington State had the ball down 21-14 after forcing California to punt, but Ward fumbled on the Cougars' 10-yardline to set up the Golden Bears for another TD to extend the lead to 28-14.

Ward finished the first half 14-25 for 167 yards with one TD and no interceptions but had the lost fumble returned for a TD. Ward led a big play Washington State offense with six first-half completions of at least 15 yards. California led 28-21 at halftime. The two turnovers were the difference in the first half.