Cal’s Jared Goff has a passing interest in UCLA

Jared Goff is one of the Pac-12 Conference’s prolific gunslingers.

California’s quarterback threw 531 passes last season, though they resulted in only one victory, over Portland State.

Goff and the Bears still have that sling-it attitude, but it has been working better for them in the win-loss column this season. The Bears go into Saturday’s game against UCLA with a 4-2 record.

“We wanted to prove all the naysayers wrong,” Goff said this week. “I think that made us a relaxed team. We’re looking forward to doing more damage.”

Goff passed for 3,508 yards and 18 touchdowns as a freshman last season. This season, he has passed for 2,179 yards and 22 touchdowns.

His productivity has led to some eye-opening scores. Cal defeated Colorado, 59-56, and Washington State, 60-59.

“I think a year of experience and an off-season working with these guys has made me more comfortable,” Goff said. “I know people’s tendencies better and I know the offense better. I got the details down.”

Which gives him a bit of a swagger.

“When you can score at any moment, it makes things fun,” Goff said.

Except last week. Victories over Northwestern, Sacramento State, Colorado and Washington State were nice. Facing Washington last week gave the Bears a clue that reaching the upper levels of the Pac-12 was going to take more work.

The Huskies rolled to a 31-7 victory in Berkeley. The Bears, and Goff, lent a hand. California was about to score to take a 7-0 lead when Goff fumbled on the one-yard line, sending Washington’s Shaq Thompson on a 100-yard return. Goff also lost the ball with the Bears on their 29. The fumble led to a touchdown and a 14-0 Huskies lead.

“Aside from last week, when we made mistakes, we’ve been putting up good numbers,” Goff said. “We’re looking forward to UCLA.”

Mobile access

Goff might not be the only quarterback the Bruins have to be concerned with Saturday. Luke Rubenzer is not as good of a passer as Goff, but he is more mobile. He has 90 yards in 24 carries.

UCLA Coach Jim Mora said he expects to see Rubenzer play for the Bears at some point Saturday.

The Bruins have had their troubles with dual-threat quarterbacks the last two weeks. Kendal Thompson had 83 yards rushing in Utah’s 30-28 victory. Marcus Mariota ran for 75 yards and two touchdowns in Oregon’s 42-30 victory.

Line dance

Conor McDermott’s improved health gives UCLA some options along the offensive line.

McDermott, who has worked his way back from shoulder surgery, could be a fit at left tackle. That would allow Malcolm Bunche to slide over to left guard.

Bunche worked at guard during spring practice after transferring to UCLA from Miami as a graduate student. The Bruins are expected to be without starting left guard Alex Redmond (ankle) for a third consecutive week.

McDermott replaced Bunche at left tackle in the fourth quarter against Oregon.