1996 marked the return of Steve Mariucci to Cal.  Mariucci who was the offensive coordinator at Cal under Bruce Snyder led the Golden Bears to a 5-0 start to the season, only to lose 6 out the last 7 games. 

The Golden Bears took a 35-28 halftime lead over the Midshipmen, led by Deltha O'Neil's 100 yard kickoff return to open the game.  Cal was led offensively by quarterback Pat Barnes who threw for 313 yards.  Tight end Tony Gonzalez had 9 catches for 69 yards.

The 434 yards of total offense was not enough to overcome the 646 total yards that Navy poured on the Golden Bears defense.  The Golden Bears lost 42-38 and finished the year with a 6-6 record.