Cal Bears quarterback Jaron‑Keawe Sagapolutele is sacked by the Virginia Cavaliers defensive lineman Jacob Holmes (23) at Memorial Stadium in Berkeley on Sat Nov 1, 2025 (AP News photo)

Cal Bears podcast Morris Phillips:

#1 How will freshman Cal Bears (5-4) quarterback Jaron‑Keawe Sagapolutele, who has thrown for over 200 yards in every game this season, adjust to facing the Louisville Cardinals (7-1) defense that ranks 11th nationally in yards allowed?

#2 With the Bears averaging just about 78.6 rushing yards per game (second-lowest among FBS teams), how critical will it be for running back Kendrick Raphael to break off big runs and relieve pressure on the passing game?

#3 On defense, Cal’s veteran linemen Aidan Keanaaina and T.J. Bollers have formed a strong front — how will they perform against Louisville’s run game, especially with the Cardinals dealing with backfield injuries.

#4 Wide receiver Jacob De Jesus leads Cal with 57 catches this season—is his connection with Sagapolutele their most viable path to moving the chains and keeping the Bears competitive in this matchup?

#5 Considering that Cal’s pass defense and secondary have been tested, how vital will it be for cornerback/safety combination including players like Austin career-high six pass breakups to lock down the Cardinals’ passing attack and limit big plays?

Morris Phillips is a Cal Bears beat writer for http://www.sportsradioservice.com