Cal scores 2 defensive TDs in 1st quarter against Grambling

Cal is a trendy pick to be a contender in the Pac-12 North in 2015, and the Golden Bears will get even more love if their defense continues to play like they did against Grambling State.

The mainstream thought is that Cal will go as far as its defense takes it, and, well, the defense made quite the first impression Saturday afternoon.

The Golden Bears scored on two pick-sixes in the first quarter alone as Cal took a 35-0 lead after 15 minutes. They represented the first defensive touchdowns of the Sonny Dykes era in Berkeley.

First, Cameron Walker took advantage of a throw bouncing off the back of a Grambling State receiver who was still running his route and took it 14 yards to the house to make it 14-0. Next, Devante Downs took a duck from Grambling State QB Johnathan Williams eight yards to paydirt to push the lead up to 35-0.

Sure, Grambling State is an FCS opponent and Cal’s defense shouldn’t be judged by this performance alone with much tougher opponents on the horizon, but defensive coordinator Art Kaufman’s boys did what they needed to – and then some – to start the 2015 campaign.