Without quarterback Fernando Mendoza, the Golden Bears struggled in their regular-season finale, ultimately suffering a significant defeat against No. 9 SMU, 38-6.
Cal played without several key players and ended up with their third-string quarterback, highlighting the immediate impact of injuries on team performance against a strong SMU.
Despite earlier successes leading up to the game, the loss to SMU dashed hopes for a strong finish and reminded of the brutal nature of college football injury crises.
Cal's offensive struggles against SMU exposed weaknesses that emerged in the absence of star players, showcasing the pivotal role of leadership and talent in high-stakes games.
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