Golden Bears hang on to beat Colorado State

Sep 8, 2007, 22:59 GMT

Fort Collins, CO - DeSean Jackson and Jahvid Best each had long touchdown runs, as 10th-ranked California withstood a late rally to beat Colorado State, 34-28.

Jackson scored on a 73-yard run in the first quarter while Best scored on a 64-yard scamper in the fourth for the Golden Bears (2-0), who were coming off a 45-31 win over Tennessee last week.

Cal quarterback Nate Longshore completed 19-of-29 passes for 146 yards while Justin Forsett had 13 carries for 59 yards and a score.

Caleb Hanie threw for 301 yards on 21-of-30 passing with a touchdown and two interceptions for the Rams (0-2), who have lost nine straight dating back to last year.

Kyle Bell rushed for 102 yards and 26 carries with two touchdowns for Colorado State, which trailed 34-14 in the fourth quarter before rallying to make it a one-possession game.

Hanie hooked up with Damon Morton for a 66-yard TD with 3:47 remaining and Colorado State recovered the ensuing onsides kick.

George Hill then made a diving catch for a 44-yard reception to the Cal four- yard line and two plays later, Bell scored from three yards out to bring the Rams back within six with just under three minutes to play.

However, Colorado State's next kickoff went out of bounds and Cal was able to run out the clock and seal the win.

'We had a lot of opportunities throughout the course of the game,' said Bell. 'There were a lot of things we could have done to turn momentum back our way but we missed opportunities just like last week. We've still got a lot to build on.'

Colorado State struck first as Bell carried the ball four straight times, eventually crossing the goal line from eight yards out. The Golden Bears, however, answered on their next play from scrimmage when Jackson broke free on a reverse for a 73- yard touchdown.

Two Longshore completions of over 20 yards fueled Forsett's short touchdown run early in the second quarter that put Cal up 14-7. Colorado State answered as Hanie's short TD run tied the game.

Cal, however, took a 17-14 lead into the locker room on Jordan Kay's 47-yard field goal right before halftime.

Kay's 41-yard boot on Cal's first possession of the second half pushed Cal's lead to six and Justin Moye's interception early in the fourth ignited the Golden Bears' eight-play, 42-yard scoring drive.

Cal converted two third downs on its way to the end zone as James Montgomery scored from two yards out to hand the Golden Bears a 13-point cushion.

The Rams advanced to the Cal 32-yard line on Hanie's 24-yard completion to Hill. However, the drive stalled from there as Colorado State turned the ball over on downs. Best soon followed with his 64-yard touchdown run that made it 34-14 Cal with under six minutes to play.

'I take my hat off to (Colorado State), they came out here and played a great game,' said Jackson. No matter what the score was, they played their hearts out and I respect them.'

Game Notes

Morton finished with five catches for 116 yards for the Rams...Jackson also had five catches for 42 yards for Cal...In the only previous meeting between Cal and Colorado State, the Rams posted a 23-21 victory on the road back in 2003.

© 2007 The Sports Network

Game Notes

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