UPDATE: In a pivotal matchup, the University of California (Cal) hosts No. 21 Southern Methodist University (SMU) today at 5 p.m. PST at Memorial Stadium in Berkeley. This game marks the beginning of the post-Justin Wilcox era for the Bears following his recent firing after a disappointing 31-10 loss to Stanford.
The stakes are high as Cal enters the game with a record of 6-5 overall and 3-4 in the ACC, while No. 21 SMU comes in with a strong record of 8-3 and 6-1 in the ACC. The Mustangs are looking to clinch a spot in the ACC Championship game with a victory today. If they lose, they face a complex tiebreaker scenario to secure their championship berth.
Interim head coach Nick Rolovich, who has taken the reins after Wilcox’s departure, expressed openness to remaining on the staff, regardless of who is ultimately chosen as the next head coach. Rolovich, previously a senior offensive analyst, aims to inspire the team amid this significant transition.
Freshman quarterback Jaron-Keawe Sagapolutele is also in the spotlight, needing just 117 yards to surpass Aaron Rodgers and claim the No. 10 spot on Cal’s single-season passing list, having thrown for 2,787 yards this season. Meanwhile, senior defensive lineman Aidan Keanaaina leads the Bears with 49 tackles, showcasing his critical role in the team’s defensive strategy.
On the other side, SMU’s quarterback Kevin Jennings has been a standout performer, racking up 3,113 yards and 24 touchdowns. In last year’s encounter, Jennings threw for 225 yards and two touchdowns, leading SMU to a dominant 38-6 victory over Cal in Dallas. The Mustangs have won six of their last seven games since integrating ten new starters into their lineup.
The Mustangs boast a remarkable defensive record, leading the nation with 27 takeaways, including 17 interceptions and 10 fumble recoveries. This defensive prowess could be pivotal as they face Cal’s formidable offense, which features wide receiver Jacob De Jesus, who leads the ACC with 87 receptions this season. De Jesus sits just 14 catches away from breaking the single-season record of 100 receptions set by Dameane Douglas in 1998.
With both teams vying for crucial wins, expect a fierce contest as Cal seeks to turn the tide in their season while SMU aims to secure their championship spot. Tune in to ESPN2 or listen live on 810-AM as this exciting matchup unfolds.
Stay tuned for live updates and post-game analysis as this developing story continues to evolve.
