All phases of game in high gear in Cal’s win
California quarterback Michael Keir completes a pass Saturday against Millersville.
California’s Tom Green tries to evade the tackle of Millersville’s Alpha Khan Saturday at Adamson Stadium.
California’s Aaron Terry intercepts a first-quarter pass Saturday against Millersville at Adamson Stadium.
California’s Aaron Terry carries the ball Saturday against Millersville.
CALIFORNIA – Senior defensive end Jawan Turner understands the pinnings of success for college football teams.
“Offense sells tickets,” said Turner, “and defense wins ballgames.”
Turner forced a fumble, then returned it for a touchdown and had two of California University’s eight quarterback sacks in a 61-0 rout of Millersville in a PSAC crossover game Saturday afternoon at Adamson Stadium.
The win moved Cal to 2-0, a mark the Vulcans compiled thanks to outscoring Cheyney and Millersville by a combined 140-3 over the last two weeks.
As much as Cal’s offense produced – 412 yards and 27 points – it was the defense that not only held Millersville to 40 total yards but also recorded the Vulcans first shutout since 2012.
“If the other team doesn’t score, there is no way you lose,” said Turner, whose 36-yard fumble return made it 17-0 in the second quarter. “You can score as many points as you want but if you don’t stop the other team from scoring, it doesn’t matter.”
If the defense continues to develop, then the final piece might be in place for a Cal to win the PSAC and make a deep run into the NCAA Division II playoffs. The two teams ranked in the preseason coaches poll ahead of Cal in the West Division – Indiana and Slippery Rock – own a combined 4-2 record against the Vulcans over the past three seasons. Slippery Rock has used its offense – the Rock scored 117 points over the last three meetings – and IUP’s defense has held Cal to only 43 points since 2013.
“Our defense is built on putting pressure on the offense … and that’s what they did,” said Cal first-year head coach Gary Dunn, who was making his home debut at his alma mater. “Our big thing on defense is to defend every blade of grass and I think we’re doing that now.”
A third factor, special teams, played a huge role in the win. Garry Brown returned the second half kickoff 98 yards for a touchdown to push the lead to 31-0 and on the ensuing kickoff, Millersville’s Nii Kotoi Nikoi was hit, fumbled the ball and Todd Coles returned it 25 yards for the second touchdown in a 10-second period that extended the Vulcans’ lead to 38-0.
“You couldn’t ask for more out of sppecial teams,” said Coles. “We work hard on it every day. Our practices habits carry over to the game. (Special teams) are going to be critical (in big games). It can alter the game.”
Just as in last week’s 79-3 rout of Cheyney, Cal’s offense produced touchdowns and Mike Keir appears to be sett ling in nicely at quarterback. Keir completed 15 of 23 passes for 198 yards and two TDs. Both touchdowns went to Brown, who caught a 33-yarder in the second quarter and a 2-yarder in the third. Brown finished with five receptions for 78 yards and his three touchdowns give him five on the season.
“Our wide receivers are a great group,” said Keir, who has seven touchdowns in two games. “Garry is one of the best in the country.”
Millersville got off to a strong start, driving the football to Cal’s 30-yard line before senior strong safety AaronTerry intercepted a J.J. Paige pass to end the threat.
“Cal’s a good football team; there is no doubt about that,” said Millersville head coach Greg Breitbach. “Ultimately, it came down to our own self destruction. Coming out of the half, the kickoff return for a touchdown and the fumble return for a touchdown were momentum killers.”
Sophomore running back Jalen Bell rushed for 37 yards on five carries. Bell is the cousin of Steelers’ running back Le’Veon Bell. Sophomore linebacker Brendan Blair had three tackles. He is the cousin of former Pitt basketball great DeJuan Blair. … Linebacker Dymond Thomas had an interception and sack for Cal. Canon-McMillan’s Chad Hagan had a tackle.