The California Golden Bears face the most significant challenge of their 2024 season when they take on the SMU Mustangs in Dallas at 3:30 p.m. ET. That test got a little more difficult as reports surfaced about the availability of starting quarterback Fernando Mendoza.
Latest Fernando Mendoza Availability Update
According to multiple reports just an hour out from kickoff, Cal quarterback Mendonza will miss the all-ACC clash with the conference-leading Mustangs. ESPN’s Pete Thamel was the first to reveal that the sophomore slinger would be absent against SMU as he is suffering from an undisclosed illness.
Mendonza will be replaced in the Cal starting lineup by journeyman passer Chandler Rogers. The former Louisiana-Monroe Warhawks and North Texas Mean Green passer has played sparingly since arriving in Berkley ahead of the 2024 season, completing just four of 10 pass attempts for a grand total of 33 yards.
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However, he has been a prolific passer during his college career. Rogers threw for 3,382 yards and 29 touchdowns in his one season with North Texas. He’s no stranger to playing in Dallas after facing SMU on the road last season when the Mustangs were in the AAC. Rogers threw for 240 yards and two scores in that encounter, completing 58.1% of his pass attempts in a loss.
Mendoza was enjoying something of a breakout season for the Bears prior to his absence with illness. Playing in all 11 games in Cal’s debut season in the ACC, he’d completed 68.7% of his attempts for 3,007 yards and 16 touchdowns. The sophomore was coming off an impressive performance against the Stanford Cardinal, where he threw for 299 yards and three touchdowns.
Cal vs. SMU kicks off at 3:30 p.m. ET, live on ESPN2. There is relatively little to play for, with the Mustangs having secured a place in the ACC Championship Game but wanting to bolster their resume in the eyes of the College Football Playoff Selection Committee. Cal has already secured a bowl berth and is projected to play in the LA Bowl against the UNLV Rebels.
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