Cal Embarks on First Visit to Virginia Tech
The California Golden Bears football team is set to make their inaugural visit to Virginia Tech this Friday. This exciting matchup marks the first time the Bears will face the Hokies in Lane Stadium, located in Blacksburg, Virginia. The kickoff is scheduled for 4:30 p.m. PT, and fans can catch the live action on ESPN.
Game Details
- Venue: Lane Stadium, Blacksburg, Virginia
- Time: 4:30 p.m. PT
- Broadcast: Live on ESPN
- Commentators: Anish Shroff (PxP), Andre Ware (Analyst), Paul Carcaterra (Sideline Reporter)
Team Performance and Records
The Golden Bears come into the game with a strong record of 5-2 and sit at 2-1 in the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC). In contrast, Virginia Tech holds a 2-5 record, with a 1-2 mark in the ACC. This will be an important contest for Cal as they aim for bowl eligibility with a potential 6-2 record.
Virginia Tech is returning to play after a bye week, following a 35-20 loss to Georgia Tech on October 11. The Bears have seen increased momentum, previously winning against North Carolina with a score of 21-18. This matchup will add to the Bears’ already notable season, marking their second consecutive Friday night game.
Key Players to Watch
- Kendrick Raphael: Leading rusher with five rushing touchdowns and 495 yards this season.
- Jacob De Jesus: A standout receiver, with notable kick return stats and a career-high of 13 receptions against North Carolina.
- Jaron-Keawe Sagapolutele: Freshman quarterback with a remarkable 1,696 passing yards, in pursuit of building on seven consecutive games with over 200 yards passing.
Defensive Highlights
The Bears’ defense has been impressive this season, allowing only four passing touchdowns, the lowest in the conference. They currently rank third in the ACC for passing efficiency defense.
Brent “Paco” Austin, a key player in the secondary, has made significant contributions with forced fumbles. He highlighted the Bears’ defensive strength alongside teammates with multiple turnovers against North Carolina.
Historic Significance and Expectations
This matchup against Virginia Tech serves as a significant milestone for Cal, marking their first encounter in the ACC league play. Additionally, this game offers an opportunity for the Bears to continue breaking records and establishing new team legacies.
As the Golden Bears prepare to tackle this pivotal game, fans eagerly anticipate a thrilling showdown. The potential for a sixth victory is significant for both team morale and postseason aspirations.
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