First thoughts: Auburn defeats Cal, ends west-coast winless drought

_JHokanson

payton-thorne-auburn-football (1) — Quarterback Payton Thorne (1) looks towards the sideline during Auburn's game at Cal on September 9, 2023. (© Neville E. Guard-USA TODAY Sports)

Auburn football somehow, some way pulled off the win against Cal on Saturday night. The win marked the first in the state of California in program history, as Hugh Freeze and Co. won 14-10 behind a late-game touchdown pass from Payton Thorne to Rivaldo Fairweather. Here's some first thoughts following the action.