Cal throttles Sacramento State 55-14

BERKELEY - Opponents would be wise to prepare for California’s two-man quarterback rotation.

What began as a brief experiment a week ago has quickly evolved into a permanent part of the Golden Bears’ plans for starter Jared Goff and backup Luke Rubenzer.

The duo combined for six touchdowns while splitting playing time in Cal’s 55-14 win over Sacramento State on Saturday in its home opener, and coach Sonny Dykes expects the pattern to continue.

“It’s something we’ll look at every week,” Dykes said. “Jared throws the ball about as good as anybody. Luke can throw it, too. They have different strengths.”

Goff matched his career high of four touchdown passes while Rubenzer threw for one and ran for another.

Kenny Lawler caught two touchdown passes from Goff - including a leaping one-handed grab - while Maurice Harris and Darius Powe also scored on touchdown receptions. Goff went 17 of 22 for 229 yards.

Daniel Lasco added a 50-yard scoring run as the Golden Bears (2-0) raced to a 42-0 lead midway through the second quarter then coasted to its most lopsided win since beating Presbyterian 63-12 in 2011.

“That’s exactly how it’s supposed to go,” Goff said.

“It felt great. The offense executed very well, especially in the first half.”

It’s the first time Cal has opened with back-to-back victories since winning its first three games in 2011.

The Bears went 1-11 last year in Dykes’ first season.

Cal also got a lift from its defense, which held Sacramento State (1-1) to minus-12 yards rushing in the first half.

Lasco had a career-high 94 yards on nine carries and provided the signature play of the game with his long touchdown run in the second quarter. He took a handoff from Goff and broke through the left side of the line, did a 360-degree spin at the 45, then outraced three defenders over the final 20 yards to finish the second-longest touchdown run of his career.

Cal scored on its first seven drives before missing a field goal attempt to end the first half.