California vs. Auburn football history: H2H, records, and more ahead of Week 2 matchup
An intriguing cross-conference battle of Week 2 will see California travel across most of the country to battle the Auburn Tigers on the plains. Both teams have had spotty college football excellence but have also struggled lately. Here's a quick look inside the series and the program's history.
California vs. Auburn Football History
California vs. Auburn head-to-head
This is the second time the two teams meet, a return game from last year's battle at Cal. Auburncame out on top of a 14-10 battle despite a 6-7 season last year. The Tigers were a 6-point favorite in the game. Auburn gained 230 yards of offense, passing for just 94 yards. Cal was held to just 273 yards.
The Bears led 10-7 at the half, but a fourth-quarter Auburn TD drive was the difference. This year, the Tigers are a 10.5-point favorite. Both teams are 1-0 coming off easy Week 1 wins. Auburn took down Alabama A&M 73-3, while Cal bested UC Davis 31-13. ESPN's FPI gives the Tigers an 81% chance of victory.
California vs. Auburn historical milestones
Auburn claims a pair of national titles, won in 1957 and 2010. The 2010 title came in the single season of dynamic QB Cam Newton. The Tigers returned to the championship game in 2013 but came up short. The Tigers have produced three Heisman trophy winners, Newtown being the most recent.
The Cal Golden Bears claim five national titles, but the most recent came in 1937. Cal has never produced a Heisman winner, but among the most notable current NFL alums from Cal are QB Aaron Rodgers and WR Keenan Allen.
Who will be Cal's QB?
Sophomore Fernando Mendoza should get the call at QB for the Bears. Mendoza started eight games last season, passing for 1,708 yards and 14 touchdowns. In Week 1 this year, he threw for 158 yards and a touchdown. Mendoza is backed up by transfer Chandler Rogers, who threw for 3,382 yards and 29 scores last season at North Texas.
Who will be Auburn's QB?
Auburn will continue riding with former Michigan State passer Payton Thorne. Thorne threw for almost 6,000 yards in two seasons at Michigan State but struggled last season at Auburn. He threw for 1,755 yards and 16 touchdowns but also had 10 interceptions. In Week 1, Thorne passed for 322 yards and four touchdowns in the easy Tiger win.
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