On Saturday, Dec. 7, the California Vulcans fell to the Rock of Slippery Rock in the NCAA quarterfinals 13-31. While the Vulcans’ season comes to a close, their success cannot be ignored.
This season made their first NCAA playoff appearance in seven years, and their eighth appearance in the history of the school. Many eyes were on this matchup, as earlier in the season, the Vulcans got the best of Slippery Rock 28-7. That loss is the only loss that Slip has had all season. The Rock played with a chip on their shoulder as they outperformed California in all significant statistical categories, with 245 yards rushing on 40 attempts, and 154 yards on 17 completions.
QB Brayden Long threw three touchdown passes and no interceptions. The Vulcans had 188 yards on the ground and 90 yards passing. Davis Black completed 14 of 23 passes and threw for one touchdown and no interceptions, while also being sacked three times. Idris Lawrence for the Rock had a career game, of 163 yards on 23 carries—about seven yards per carry. Bobby Boyd Jr. also had himself a game, 105 yards on 13 carries, Black also had 97 yards on the ground for himself.
Despite their best efforts, the Vulcans weren’t able to take home the win. This season for California proved a lot of promise, they were able to obtain national ranking, broke playoff droughts, and produced nationally ranked players. Though this is the end of the road, the Vulcans have no reason to hang their heads.
