Washington quarterback Keith Price threw three touchdown passes and the defense came up with a late goal-line stand as the host Huskies beat California 31-23 in the Pac-12 opener for both teams.

It was Washington’s third straight win over the Golden Bears.

Cal marched 87 yards to the Huskies’ 1 in the final minute, but Justin Glenn stopped running back Isi Sofele for a 2-yard loss on third down. On 4th-and-goal, Zach Maynard overthrew his receiver in the end zone.

The Huskies led 24-23 early in the fourth when a roughing the passer penalty extended their drive. Soon running back Chris Polk got behind the defense and caught a 70-yard strike from Price. Polk easily beat a linebacker for his first career TD catch.

Washington (3-1, 1-0) led 21-20 after a first half in which the teams combined for one punt.

Price entered tied for the lead nationally in touchdown throws. He now has 14 against three interceptions.

Washington freshman linebacker John Timu had to be carried off the field in an ambulance after a collision late in the third quarter. He had movement in all his extremities, and was being taken for X-rays.

Cal (3-1, 0-1) fell to 6-4 in conference openers under coach Jeff Tedford.