California Crushes Washington

Once Geoff McArthur learned the ball would be coming his way, California’s star receiver envisioned himself making the catch -- just as he always does. He just didn’t see himself running so far once the ball landed in his hands.

McArthur made a 79-yard touchdown catch on the first play of the game and finished with six catches for a career-high 180 yards, and the Golden Bears set a school record with 729 yards in a 54-7 rout of Washington in a Pacific 10 Conference game Saturday.

“I pictured that happening,” McArthur said. “The surprise was the TD.”

Aaron Rodgers completed 20 of 33 passes for a career-high 348 yards and three touchdowns and also ran for a score.

Cal, which improved to 6-6 overall and 4-3 in the conference, ended a 28-year home losing streak to the Huskies with the Golden Bears’ most lopsided victory in the series since 1921, when they won, 72-3.

J.J. Arrington carried 14 times for 185 yards in place of starter Adimchinobe Echemandu, who was held out because of a sprained ankle, and Cal averaged more than 10 yards a carry while rushing for 381 yards.

“You don’t ever go into a game thinking that’s going to happen,” Cal Coach Jeff Tedford said. “When it goes like it did today, it’s a bonus.”

Washington (5-6, 3-4) needed a win to enhance its bowl hopes. To make the postseason, Washington must beat Washington State on Saturday.