BERKELEY — Freshman quarterback Jaron-Keawe Sagapolutele and the Cal offense needed nearly a half to find their rhythm against Texas Southern in the Bears’ home opener on Saturday afternoon.

Leading just 3-0 against an FCS opponent from the Houston, the Bears (2-0) scored with 1:19 left in the second quarter then reached the end zone on their first two possessions of the third quarter on the way to a 35-3 victory in front of 35,898 at Memorial Stadium.

Sagapolutele, who earned ACC Rookie of the Week honors for his sharp performance at Oregon State the week before, was very much out of rhythm early. But he completed seven straight passes for 74 yards and scored on a 1-yard quarterback sneak as the Bears hiked the lead to 11-0 before halftime.

He then was 4 for 4 for 62 yards on a drive

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