UPDATE: Cal’s aspirations for bowl eligibility take a devastating hit following a 42-34 double-overtime loss to Virginia Tech at a packed Lane Stadium on October 27, 2023. The Bears, who entered the game hoping to secure their sixth victory of the season, now face a challenging path ahead.
The game unfolded dramatically in overtime. Cal struck first with a 25-yard touchdown pass from Jaron-Keawe Sagapolutele to tight end Mason Mini. However, Virginia Tech quickly responded as quarterback Kyron Drones dashed in for a 17-yard touchdown, leveling the score at 34-all.
In the second overtime, Drones connected with Takye Heath for a 7-yard touchdown, marking his third scoring pass of the night. The Hokies converted a crucial two-point attempt, pushing their lead to 42-34. Cal’s final possession ended in disappointment as Sagapolutele was unable to complete a pass on four consecutive attempts.
With this loss, Cal drops to 5-3 overall and 2-2 in the ACC, missing a chance to achieve bowl eligibility for the first time before November since 2006. They now face a daunting schedule, beginning with a matchup against No. 16 Virginia next Saturday.
Virginia Tech, now 3-5 and 2-2 in the ACC, showcased a powerful rushing attack, amassing 357 rushing yards while Cal struggled with only 39 yards on the ground. Drones was a standout performer, rushing for 137 yards and scoring two touchdowns, alongside three touchdown passes.
Cal initially overcame a 10-0 deficit to lead 20-10 at halftime, demonstrating resilience throughout the match. After a strong first half, they saw their momentum shift as the Hokies scored 17 unanswered points to take the lead in the fourth quarter.
Despite the Bears’ valiant efforts, including a standout performance from linebacker Cade Uluave with 19 tackles, the inability to maintain their advantage proved costly. As Cal shifts focus to their final four regular-season games, fans are left questioning how this loss will affect their bowl hopes.
Next up, all eyes will be on Cal as they prepare for a critical clash against Virginia, with their season’s fate hanging in the balance. Will they bounce back and secure the wins needed to become bowl eligible? The urgency for victory has never been more pronounced.
