California (3-0) wrapped up its nonconference schedule with a 45-23 win—the highest-scoring result by the Bears in Coach Justin Wilcox’s tenure—over Football Championship Subdivision foe Idaho State (1-1) Saturday.
Cal fans seemed to forget about quarterback Ross Bowers, who threw more than 3,000 yards last season, as redshirt-freshman Chase Garbers led the Golden Bears to victory with a contribution of 224 passing yards including three touchdowns and one interception. Garbers set career highs in completions (20), passing yards and touchdown passes.
With the win against the Bengals, Coach Wilcox maintains his perfect record (6-0) against non-conference opponents in two seasons including three games against Power Five teams (North Carolina in a home-and-away series and Ole Miss).