Cam Ward has been prolific in career versus California
Washington State converted a California fumble recovered at the Golden Bears' 17 yardline into a field goal to reduce the deficit to 28-24. California scored TDs less than two minutes apart in the fourth quarter. The second one was a 52-yard fumble return by cornerback Nohl Williams to put California ahead 42-24.
Ward led two fourth-quarter scoring drives, but a missed field goal and interception caused the Washington State rally to come up short. Ward finished 35-60 for 358 yards, three TDs, one interception and three lost fumbles. The two Cal fumble returns for TDs came on bizarre plays.
The Uluave fumble return came on a Ward QB sneak. Uluave emerged out of the scrum with no one around him and returned for a score. On the Williams fumble return TD, Ward was hit in the pocket, the ball flailed forward and to the right sideline where Williams scooped it up and went in for the TD.
Ward finished the game with 11 completions of 15 or more yards and two runs of 10 plus. In two games versus California Ward has shown the ability to create big plays. Ward also struggled with turnovers in a 28-9 2022 win over Cal, going 27-40 for 343 yards, three TDs and two interceptions.