(BCSNN) — California opened with a jolt and closed with a clutch defensive stand, holding off North Carolina 21–18 on Friday night at California Memorial Stadium.

The Bears never trailed, but the game’s final minutes delivered high drama as the Tar Heels threatened to steal the lead. With under four minutes to play, UNC’s Nathan Leacock appeared destined for the end zone—until Brent Austin stripped the ball at the 1-yard line and recovered it in the end zone for a touchback.

"That's as good an individual play as we've had this season," said Cal Head Football Coach Justin Wilcox. "It was an unbelievable play."

The play preserved Cal’s narrow lead and capped a night defined by timely execution. Jacob De Jesus was the engine of the passing game, hauling in a career-high 13 catches for 105 yards and a touchdown—the most receptions by a Golden Bear since 2016 and tied for sixth all-time in program history. Kendrick Raphael added 81 rushing yards and a score, while Jaron-Keawe Sagapolutele opened the game with a 3-yard touchdown run after Cam Sidney forced and recovered a fumble on the game’s first snap.

California (5–2, 2–1 ACC) controlled possession in the final minutes, draining the clock until just six seconds remained. The win keeps the Bears in the thick of the ACC race. They’ll head east next week for a Friday night matchup at Virginia Tech, with kickoff set for 4:30 p.m. PT on ESPN.