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Officials make controversial no-call on Cade Uluave targeting review in Cal-Auburn

ns_headshot_2024-clearby:Nick Schultz•09/07/24•

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Cal vs. Auburn
© John Reed-Imagn Images

With seven minutes to go in the third quarter between Cal and Auburn, the officials went to the monitor to look at potential targeting. Golden Bears linebacker Cade Uluave appeared to lower the crown of his helmet when tackling Tigers running back Jarquez Hunter, which led to the booth review.

However, the call on the field stood. There was no targeting on the play, and Auburn went on to punt to end the drive.

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Play went on as Cal continued to hold a 14-7 lead over Auburn. While ESPN2’s Brock Osweiler noted Hunter also lowered his head – thus likely leading to the no-call – he thought Uluave still led with the crown of the helmet enough to warrant a penalty.

“I’m palms up, Flem. I’m palms up,” Osweiler told Dave Flemming. “To me, that’s a hit with the crown of the helmet. I understand Hunter lowers his head, but he’s trying to find his balance. It’s not like he did it intentionally. That’s one where you wish you had the rules official to call in right now and get an explanation.”

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Auburn struck first in Saturday’s game. KeAndre Lambert-Smith got the Tigers on the board on the first series of the game, catching a 15-yard touchdown pass from Payton Thorne. But Cal answered right back when Nyziah Hunter hauled in a 19-yard reception from Fernando Mendoza to tie things up.

The Golden Bears then took the lead on Hunter’s second touchdown catch of the game. That came with 10:39 to go in the second quarter, and that score held into the fourth quarter. With 11:27 to play, Cal extended the lead to 21-7 when Jaivian Thomas broke a 32-yard run to firmly press Auburn’s back against the wall.

Cal had a big day on offense, fueled by Mendoza’s arm. He had 223 passing yards entering the final 15 minutes on The Plains, while Thorne struggled. He was just 8-for-17 for 121 yards and threw his lone interception of the game as time expired in the third quarter.