Blocked Punts Help Hawaii Defeat Cal
Matthew Harding blocked a punt to set up a touchdown, then scored on another block as Hawaii, its special teams making up for a struggling offense, stunned California, 21-7, on Saturday.
Ryan Longwell, Cal’s punter and kicker, missed two field-goal attempts in addition to having two punts blocked.
Two holding penalties, one that negated a 55-yard punt, left Cal facing fourth and 47 at its 26 early in the second quarter.
Harding, a junior from San Dimas High, swept in unblocked from the right to smother Longwell’s punt and Khary Williams picked up the ball and returned it 20 yards for a touchdown that tied the score, 7-7.
Longwell had a second punt blocked early in the third quarter when Robby Blakeney burst through the middle. Harding scooped up the ball at the Cal 16 and scored untouched.
Hawaii (2-1) also sacked California quarterback Dave Barr eight times.
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