California’s offense has flowed smoothly behind freshman quarterback Jaron-Keawe Sagapolutele during its 3-0 start to the season.
Sagapolutele will try to continue the hot start to his college career Saturday night when Cal visits San Diego State for a nonconference game.
The Hawaii native has completed 71 of 106 passes for 780 yards through three games with six touchdown passes and one interception.
“It’s such a joy being able to learn an offense such as this. A true pro-style,” Sagapolutele said. “It’s really just trusting what we see on the sideline after a drive. Something that we missed and building off that just continuing to get better and just trusting in my guys.”
Sagapolutele completed 24 of 38 passes for 279 yards and three TDs in a 27-14 win against visiting Minnesota last weekend.
“Jaron just continues to impress,” Cal coach Justin Wilcox said. “His demeanor out there, his understanding of the offense and what we’re asking him to do.”
Cal defensive back Hezekiah Masses is one of five players in the nation to snare three interceptions so far. His presence on the field has drawn the attention of the Aztecs.
“He’s very ball aware and very opportunistic,” San Diego State coach Sean Lewis said. “If he gets his hands on it, he usually does a good job securing it.”
The Aztecs (1-1) did not play last weekend after losing 36-13 to Washington State on Sept. 6.
Lucky Sutton rushed for 88 yards on 15 attempts against the Cougars after running for 100 yards and two scores in the season-opening win against FCS Stony Brook.
“Coach (Sean) Lewis has always done a really good job offensively,” Wilcox said. “They’re coming off a bye week, so I’m sure there’s going to be some things we haven’t seen on tape.”
San Diego State has played in three consecutive games in which neither team committed a turnover, matching the longest streak in the FBS since at least 1996 (Rutgers, Oct. 4-18, 2008).