Cam Ward has been productive against California in his career

Washington State converted a California fumble into a field goal at the Golden Bears' 17-yard line to cut the deficit to 28-24. California scored touchdowns less than two minutes apart in the fourth quarter. The second was a 52-yard fumble return by cornerback Nohl Williams that gave California a 42-24 lead.

Ward led two scoring drives in the fourth quarter, but a missed field goal and an interception caused Washington State's rally to fail. Ward finished the game 35-60 for 358 yards, three touchdowns, one interception and three lost fumbles. The two Cal fumble returns for TDs came after bizarre plays.

The Uluave fumble return came from a Ward QB sneak. Uluave emerged from the scrum with no one around him and returned for a score. On Williams' fumble return TD, Ward was hit in the pocket, the ball flew forward and to the right sideline, where Williams picked 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 yards. In two games against California, Ward has shown the ability to create big plays. Ward also struggled with turnovers in a 28-9 win over Cal in 2022, when he went 27-40 for 343 yards, three touchdowns and two interceptions.