PLAYERS TO WATCH
–QB Brandon McIlwain has been known for running the football while Chase Garbers acts as the passer, but it was McIlwain who threw the ball 21 times to Garbers’ nine against Oregon. That may be due to the matchup, but McIlwain’s role has risen dramatically since last year’s starter Ross Bowers started Week 1 against North Carolina.
–WR Vic Wharton III returned from injury to turn in a solid performance against Oregon, with six catches for 68 yards. Wharton III, along with Kanawai Noa, has taken on a leading role since former five-star recruit and Cal standout Demetris Robertson transferred to Georgia.
–LB Jordan Kunaszyk was all over Oregon, with 11 tackles, including nine solo. He also produced a tackle for a loss and a quarterback hurry on Oregon QB Justin Herbert. Kunaszyk and Weaver have provided a critical veteran presence for a defense with several new leaders. Cal, though, did not have a sack against Oregon.
–S Jaylinn Hawkins has a team-high three interceptions, and in order to get Cal back on the right track, forcing a turnover against Khalil Tate and Arizona would go a long way. Tate is completing only 53 percent of his passes.
SERIES HISTORY: Arizona leads the all-time series with Cal 17-14-2 and has won four in a row dating to 2014.
QUOTE TO NOTE: “There’s definitely more that we could’ve done. Five turnovers is never acceptable. We’ve got to do a better job and especially myself, I’ve got to do a better job of being able to take care of the ball and get it to my receivers and to the running backs and let them have the opportunity to make a play.” — Cal quarterback Brandon McIlwain, after his team committed five turnovers in a 42-24 loss to Oregon in Berkeley. McIlwain threw two interceptions, as did quarterback Chase Garbers.