Cal Football Rewind: 5 Game-Changing Plays from the USC Win

3 – Back to Beck 

Bequette was the Pac-12’s Defensive Player of the Week, but junior cornerback Traveon Beck made a great case for the award as well. He made six tackles, one for a loss, and had three pass breakups while playing as the nickel corner. His interception early in the third quarter was his biggest play.

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Betsided

With USC approaching Cal territory, Bequette set them back with his second sack of the day on first down, driving Daniels back to USC’s 39-yard line. Trying to make up the lost yardage, USC went back to the passing game on second-and-18. Out of the shotgun, Daniels got rid of the ball quickly, throwing to his left to target Trevon Sidney.

Beck was ready. He started the play off the line of scrimmage but jumped the route perfectly, running right in front of Sidney and making a clean interception. Beck didn’t make contact with the receiver, so there was no possibility for a flag to be thrown. Had Beck not lost his balance after landing with the ball, he might have gone the other way for six.

The junior tied for the team lead with his third interception of the year, and it gave the Bears great field position to start their ensuing drive. Cal took advantage of that and drove down the field, taking the lead for the first time in the game. It was all set up by this beautiful defensive play.