Virginia Tech and Cal are both looking to recover from recent disappointing losses when they meet this Saturday in an Atlantic Coast Conference matchup in Berkeley, California.
Virginia Tech (4-1, 1-1 ACC) faced a tough defeat at home, losing to Pitt 35-33 after kicker John Love missed a critical 36-yard field goal on the final play. The Hokies outgained their opponents in total offensive yards (499 to 295), but four turnovers proved costly, with quarterback Ethan Grunkemeyer throwing two interceptions and contributing to all turnovers in the game despite amassing 434 passing yards and four total touchdowns.
Cal (2-3, 1-1 ACC) also experienced a painful loss, where they led against UNLV but ultimately fell 39-31, allowing 15 points in the last 10 minutes. The Golden Bears committed 16 penalties for 147 yards, which hampered their performance, and suffered key injuries, including losing quarterback Jaron-Keawe Sagapolutele to a concussion and top running back Adam Mohammed to a knee injury. In his absence, Jackson Brousseau stepped in, throwing for 200 yards and two touchdowns.
Cal’s first-year coach, Tosh Lupoi, made changes to the offensive play calling during the UNLV game and expressed the need for adjustments.
Both teams are eager to bounce back and improve their records in this critical game.
