The Arizona State Sun Devils begin the game driving 72 yards all the way up to Cal's 3-yard line, but ASU settled with Zane Gonzalez's 21-yard field goal. The California Golden Bears' first drive was similar, as it ended in nine plays, 47 yards with a 39-yard field goal from Matt Anderson.
ASU was forced to punt on its next drive, but Cal receiver Kanawai Noa muffed the punt, giving up the ball to ASU's Marcus Ball on the Golden Bears' 10. The Sun Devils capitalized with Devin Lucien's 9-yard touchdown reception courtesy of quarterback Mike Bercovici.