Tag: ACC Football

Tigers are Golden against the Bears as Clemson defeats California, 24-10

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Cal quarterback (#3) Jaron-Keawe Sagapolutele hands off to running back (#24) Adam Mohammed in a NCAA conference football matchup against Clemson Tigers at the California Memorial Stadium in Berkeley, CA on September 25th, 2026. (Photo credits to IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)

By Michael Villanueva

BERKELEY – On Friday night at the foot of the Berkeley Hills, the California Golden Bears (2-2) once again hosted the Clemson Tigers (3-1) for an ACC conference football showdown. However, the Clemson Tigers got the win Friday night and are now on a three-game winning streak. The Golden Bears and Tigers last faced off in a historic Florida Citrus Bowl in 1992, where Cal defeated Clemson 37–13. After tonight, Cal will have played its only Friday night of the season this week against Clemson.

After defeating Syracuse on the road in Week 2 on September 12, the Bears are 1-0 in ACC play in 2026. Last weekend, the team defeated Wagner 49-7, the biggest margin of victory since a road win at Oregon State on October 20, 2018. In terms of passing defense efficiency, Cal is ranked 10th nationally and first in the ACC (95.31).

Tonight’s game against Cal was Clemson’s first visit to the West Coast since the ACC’s westward expansion. It will be Clemson’s fourth game in California history on Friday. Still, one of the program’s most memorable games was Clemson’s most recent one in California. Clemson won its third national championship on January 7, 2019, when it defeated Alabama 44-16 in Santa Clara.

In the first quarter, the Golden Bears defense came up big on a play on Clemson’s quarterback, Tait Reynolds. Reynolds would throw his first and only interception to California defensive back Isaiah Crosby. This interception would be the first for Crosby in his collegiate career. Then the Tigers would prevent the Bears offense from scoring after the interception. However, Clemson QB Reynolds would get sacked by Aiden Manutai and lose the ball during the tackle. Bears Kamar Mothudi would pick up the football and run it in for a 35-yard touchdown, putting California on the scoreboard first, 7-0.

Second quarter, it would be an electric and explosive quarter for Clemson. Tigers field goal kicker Nolan Hauser would make a 30-yard field goal attempt and get Clemson their first points of the night, 7-3. After that, Clemson’s offense would have a 17-play offensive possession that would end with the Tigers scoring and taking up much of the clock in the second quarter. Tigers running back Gideon Davidson would score his first touchdown on a 1-yard rush to the end zone, giving Clemson the lead, 10-7.

At halftime, Clemson would hold over the Golden Bears 10-7. California’s offense would put up just 46 rushing yards and 47 passing yards. California’s quarterback Jaron-Keawe Sagapolutele would also get sacked twice in the first half. Clemson’s offense put up 109 rushing yards and 70 passing yards.

Going into the third quarter, California’s field goal kicker Chase Meyer would make a 30-yard field goal and give Cal three more points, tying the game 10-10. This scoring possession would be the only and last scoring possession for California. On a punt return for Clemson, Tigers’ Bryant Wesco Jr. would return a 65-yard punt return for a touchdown. This gave the Tigers back the lead and changed the score to 17-10. Bryant’s punt return would be the first one for Clemson in eight years.

Late in the fourth and final quarter of the game, the Tigers were still giving it to the Bears. Both of these teams would combine for one offensive touchdown. With three minutes left, Clemson’s running back, Gideon Davidson, rushes in a 75-yard rushing touchdown. Davidson’s second rushing touchdown of the night sealed the deal as Clemson gets the win over California, 24-10.

Against Wagner, Sagapolutele finished 27 of 33 throws for a career-high 413 yards and three touchdowns. Since Jack Plummer threw for 406 yards against USC on November 5, 2022, he is the first Cal signal-caller to throw for at least 400 yards in a game. After his performance, he was named a Manning Star of the Week. But in this game, Jaron-Keawe Sagapolutele ended up 16 for 29 for 119 yards and two interceptions for his fewest yards.

The California Golden Bears will hit the road to Sin City. The Bears will take on UNLV Rebels (1-2) in Las Vegas, Nevada, at Allegiant Stadium on October 3rd, 2026. The game will start at 12:30 p.m. and will be broadcast live on CBSSN. The last time the Bears and Rebels faced off was on December 18th, 2024, at the Art of Sport LA Bowl, Hosted By Gronk. The Rebels would get the win over the Bears, 24-13, and the all-time series is 1-1.

Cal gets first Win at home this season, beating Wagner Seahawks 49-7

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California Golden Bear running back (#24) Adam Mohammed stiff arms Wagner Seahawk defensive back (#18) Dashawn Long in a NCAA non-conference football game at Berkeley, California on Saturday, September 19th, 2026. (Photo credit to IMAGN IMAGES)

By Michael Villanueva

BERKELEY – California Golden Bears (2-1) got their first home win of the season after hosting and defeating Wagner Seahawks (1-3) 49-7. On a sunny Saturday afternoon in Berkeley, California, the Golden Bears returned back home after coming off their first road and conference win of the season against the Syracuse Oranges, 21-18. Golden Bear Kingston Lopa continues getting interceptions; last week Lopa had three interceptions, but in this game he would add more, which showed the Bears’ resilient defense. With big help on California’s offense. Especially Golden Bear quarterback Jaron-Keawe Sagapolutele, who threw two touchdowns last week and threw three touchdown passes this week.

Coming into the game for the Seahawks, this was the two teams’ first time meeting for a football game. In general, the last time the Seahawks played football in California was in 2004 against San Diego. With Cal joining the ACC almost two years ago, this is the Seahawks’ fifth game ever against an ACC team. This game for Cal marks the second straight opponent coming from New York, first Syracuse and now Wagner.

Cal quarterback Jaron-Keawe Sagapolutele would have himself a field day in this game. In the first three minutes, it would take Cal just seven plays to score. Jaron would make a fourteen-yard pass completion to his receiver Ian Strong. After that, Cal’s running back Adam Mohammed rushed right for a twenty-eight-yard gain for the first touchdown. Cal strikes first, 7-0. Then for the rest of the quarter, every time Cal’s offense was on the field, they would score. At the end of the first quarter, Cal would hold the lead over Wagner 29-0.

At the start of the second quarter, it would take Wagner twelve plays to finally get on the board. The Seahawks would get a big run play from their quarterback, Benjamin Newman. Newman would rush the middle for a twenty-three-yard gain on the carry. This would lead to Wagner’s eight-yard touchdown pass by Newman to Malik Redd on the front right side of the end zone. The score would still be in the Bears’ favor, 29-7. This touchdown possession was the only touchdown for the Seahawks the whole game.

After scoring twenty-nine points in the first quarter, Cal would score just ten points in the second quarter. Wagner’s defense would build some momentum from their offense scoring, and in Cal’s next offensive possession, they would hold the Bears to a field goal instead of a touchdown. Cal’s field goal in the beginning of the second quarter would make the score 32-7. At halftime, California would push the lead by thirty-two points over Wagner, 39-7.

Starting the third quarter, the Bears would march down the field. Starting off with a nineteen-yard pass from Cal’s QB Jaron to Ian Strong on the left side of the field. Then again, Cal’s QB Jaron would connect with Chase Hendricks on a thirty-one-yard pass on the left side. Ultimately setting up Cal’s running back Ashten Emory for an eight-yard rushing touchdown, pushing the score to 46-7. This would lead to the final quarter of the game.

In the fourth quarter, Cal would make a thirty-seven-yard field goal by Chase Meyer, making the score 49-7. Other than that, that would be the last scoring sequence in the game and would be the final score of the game. California would score six touchdowns and rack up 626 total yards. Cal’s QB Jaron-Keawe Sagapolutele threw for a career-high 413 yards and three touchdowns. The Bears would score on right of their 11 drives.

Coming up next for the Golden Bears, California will stay at home and host the Clemson Tigers on Friday, September 25th, at the California Memorial Stadium in Berkeley, California. The game will be broadcast live on ESPN. This game will also be the Bears’ second conference matchup this season.

Cal Berkeley Golden Bears Football Media Day: Bears head coach Lupoi meets the press

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Cal Berkeley’s football head coach Tosh Lupoi at the podium, discussing expectations for the upcoming Golden Bears football season at California Memorial Stadium on Tuesday, August 4th, 2026, in Berkeley, California. (Photo credit Michael Villanueva-SRS)

By Michael Villanueva

BERKELEY – “Give me a C!, C!, give me a A!, A!, give me a L!, L!, what’s that spell? CAL!” On a nice Tuesday afternoon, the University of California, Berkeley welcomed everyone back to the California Memorial Stadium for the football team’s Media Day. The school revealed some new eateries coming to the season, head coach Tosh Lupoi shared some insight on himself and the team, and brought out players to talk and discuss the upcoming season and expectations.

The season starts one month from today. The Golden Bears are getting ready for their camp, staying sharp on their academics, and embracing the new culture from their former defensive coordinator to their new head coach, Tosh Lupoi. Coach Lupoi and the players came into their media day, practically ready and wanting the season to start now.

With Cal bringing in new players from the portal, this year is the most players the team got from the portal (38 players). It was only right that the Golden Bears bring in new eateries for their fans and all who come to their games. Starting the eateries, the Golden Bears introduced their new ‘OG Salt and Pepper Smoked Brisket with house-made sweet & spicy pickles’. They also showed and debuted their new vegetarian item, the Edamame Dumplings. Fans can grab these items at the stadium and cheer on their Bears as they fight for the win.

After that, Cal Berkeley brought out head coach Tosh Lupoi to the podium for his press conference. Coach Lupoi remained resilient and fired up for the season. He talked about how he prepares his players to become the best version of themselves, whether that’s being a player or just themselves. He also talked about his old defensive coordinator mentality and transferring that to the head coach role.

“To win every battle that is approaching and present,” said head coach Tosh Lupoi. Coach Lupoi would later on and explain how he wants his players to stay focused in every circumstance. Through the ups and downs of Cal football history. He wants his players to always be in the moment and to come out victorious. He understands the struggles and circumstances that will come with it being his first year as a head coach at Cal.

Coach Lupoi’s impact on Cal has already played a big factor. Especially when it came to the players in the portal choosing Cal to continue their education and play football. “Coach Lupoi’s legacy and what he brings to the table is why I chose Cal,” said linebacker Solomon Williams. Williams had spent two seasons at Texas A&M before choosing Cal to play at in the portal.

The players are getting ready to head to the camp. Some of the players are already wanting to suit up and play for Cal. “I’m excited to play week 1 because that’s what sets the tone and our expectations, especially getting the win… getting the win would most definitely set everything in the right direction,” said linebacker Jayden Wayne. So with that, it’s safe to say that Cal football is back and ready to get California Memorial Stadium rocking again.

The California Golden Bears will start off the season in week 1 hosting a familiar school, the UCLA Bruins. The Golden Bears and the Bruins share a long history, especially since these two schools used to be in the same conference, the Pac-12. A “Battle of the West Coast California” will start off the season for coach Lupoi and the Bears. Last year Cal went 7-6, and with new leadership, players, and mentality. This year’s squad looks ready and determined to put up a better record. This game will be on Saturday, September 5th, right back here in the stadium at 7:30 p.m. The game will be broadcast on ESPN.

ACC Weekly: Can Pitt or SMU Define Themselves?

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By Morris Phillips

Pat Narduzzi’s Pitt Panthers haven’t really beaten anyone of substance. Rhett Lashlee’s SMU Mustangs have impressive results, but admittedly, they can’t say they’ve played clean football.

Who are these two ACC teams currently at the top of the heap of the expanded conference with their biggest challenges still ahead of them?

Honestly, they don’t know themselves. But the process of gaining their unique identities starts on Saturday night in Dallas when they meet with a share of first-place in November on the line.

“Pretty much what we saw: we played pretty good football minus six turnovers and a goal line stand, which makes it really bad football,” Lashlee admitted in recounting the Mustangs’ thrilling escape act at Duke, a 28-27 win in overtime in their previous game.

SMU built a 21-7 third quarter lead only to see the host Blue Devils tie it and force overtime with touchdowns on their last third quarter possession and the first fourth quarter possession. Throughout SMU and quarterback Kevin Jennings suffered self-inflicted wounds with three interceptions and three fumbles while not forcing any Duke turnovers. The 6-0 disparity in miscues was unusual, even more so when SMU held on in overtime. It marked the first time since Marshall’s 2011 win over Memphis that a team had overcome that severe of a turnover deficit.

“We’ve never had a game like that, I’ve never had a game like that. It’s kind of like a twilight zone scenario.”

Narduzzi’s Panthers weren’t considered to be an ACC title contender by the media, not even close. Picked 13th (while 1-7 Florida State was picked 1st), they’ve beaten North Carolina, Syracuse, and Cal, none of whom created much buzz in the poll either. The veteran coach, who’s known for his gruff manner and pushing his players’ buttons, likely spiced up pre-season practices with references to his team’s lacking reputation. Narrow, non-conference wins over Cincinnati and West Virginia didn’t get people talking either. Destroying Syracuse 41-13 last Thursday did, but the highlights were littered with the Orange making damaging mistakes.

Now Pitt’s 7-0 for the first time since 1982, and SMU is much more talented than anyone they’ve played to date. A big road win would bring validation, but it may take some tweaking of Pitt’s mentality. Narduzzi admitted as much.

“I want our guys to play angry. I want them to play with an attitude and a chip on  their shoulder all the time,” Narduzzi said. “We’ll find different ways to piss them off, get them angry, and feel disrespected.”

Neither team can write their ticket to the ACC Championship game with a win Saturday as Clemson and Miami are also undefeated in conference play. For SMU, whose only loss is to BYU, the path would get clearer as they finish against Boston College, Virginia and Cal, all of whom they will be favored against. Pitt’s backloaded schedule still has them hosting Virginia and Clemson, with visits to Louisville and Boston College.

One thing’s certain: the SMU-Pitt loser faces the uphill climb everyone expected them to face before the season started.

“Our motto for the year is ‘prove it,'” Narduzzi said. “Just find a way to get it done, and improve who you are week in and week out. Because nobody cares what happened in the first seven games of the season.”

Eli Holstein, Pitt’s prolific passer who transferred from Alabama, has thrown for 1,805 yards and 17 touchdowns. He didn’t finish the Syracuse game after suffering an undisclosed injury, but he’s been cleared medically and is expected to start against SMU. Kevin Jennings, the Mustangs’ signal caller was questionable as well, but he’s expected to start and contend with a Pitt defense that’s been excellent, and opportunistic.

SMU might have the best playmaker in running back Brashard Smith, who hits the hole with force while being a factor in the pass game. Smith has 10 touchdowns, and has steadily been trusted to handle the football more and more. Last week against Duke he had a season-high 26 carries for 117 yards and three receptions for another 22 yards.

HOKIES SEEK FOURTH STRAIGHT WIN AT SYRACUSE:

Bhayshul Tuten is performing like the barometer for Virginia Tech as one of the ACC’s best backs who has been even better in the Hokies’ current, three-game win streak. Tuten rushed for 80 yards on 17 carries last week as the Hokies drubbed Georgia Tech at home, 21-6.

Prior to that Tuten hit his career-best with 266 yards rushing in a win over Boston College. It was the fifth time the senior has eclipsed 100 yards on the ground, including all four of his home games.

Suddenly, Virginia Tech is 5-3 and 3-1 in the ACC, giving them hope that a miraculous finish to the season could propel them into the ACC Championship game. But first, they must deal with a difficult environment at Syracuse’s JMA Dome and their quarterback Kyle McCord, who’s been better more often than not, although he did struggle in the Orange’s 41-13 loss at Pitt.

Meanwhile, Tuten suffered an injury against Tech last week, and he’s looking for clearance to play on Saturday. Coach Brent Pry was non-committal but was hopeful that he’ll have his offensive leader on Saturday.

“He’s tough. If he has an opportunity to play he will,” Pry said of Tuten.

Stanford Cardinal podcast with Michael Roberson: Cardinal take on a potent Orange team Saturday at Syracuse in week 3

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Stanford Cardinal wide receiver Tiger Buchmeier (24) and running back Ryan Butler (15) take the field against the Cal Poly Mustangs at Stanford Stadium on Sat Sep 7, 2024 (Stanford Cardinal photo)

On the Stanford Cardinal podcast with Michael Roberson:

#1 Michael were heading into week 3 of the young Stanford Cardinal season at 1-1. The Cardinal bounced back after losing their home opener on Fri Aug 30th at Stanford Stadium 34-27. The Cardinal in week 2 landslided the Cal Poly Mustangs 41-7. You were on hand quarterback Ashton Daniels and the Cardinal put on a clinic on offense last Saturday?

#2 How bout Tiger Bachmeier who returned a 90 yard return for a touchdown in the third quarter it looked at that point that the Cardinal were going through the Mustang defense like butter.

#3 Stanford quarterback Ashton Daniels was on all cylinders last Saturday throwing for 221 yards and two touchdowns. How do you like what you see of Daniels and he looked like he had all day to throw last Saturday.

#4 For Cardinal second quarterback Justin Lamson he had a keeper himself for a score. How is the two quarterback rotation working out for Stanford?

#5 Stanford now faces the Syracuse Orange at JMA Wireless Dome in Syracuse New York. The Orange not only have won their first two games but did so with authority. In week 1 they defeated the Ohio Buckeyes 38-22 and in week 2 they beat Georgia Tech 31-28. Syracuse might not be an easy task this Saturday?

Join Michael Roberson for the Stanford Cardinal podcasts each Thursday at http://www.sportsradioservice.com

Cal Bears podcast with Stephen Ruderman: Cal rolling face San Diego State Saturday; Question is what Aztec team will Bears be facing?

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Cal Bears wide receiver Nyziah Hunter walks in for a touchdown against the Auburn Tigers in first half action at Jordan Hare Stadium in Auburn on Sat Sep 7, 2024 in week 2 of ACC action (AP News photo)

On the Cal Bears podcast with Stephen Ruderman:

#1 Stephen, Cal got that first chalked off their second win last Saturday and Bears quarterback Fernando Mendoza has been getting a lot of accolades after his performance against the Auburn Tigers.

#2 Mendoza threw for 233 yards and two touchdowns in Cal’s win by a touchdown over one of the best team’s in the ACC Auburn.

#3 Cal’s defense held Auburn to one touchdown at the half the Golden Bears had a 14-7 lead and holding the Tigers to a touchdown in the first half at Auburn was impressive if you consider Auburn crushed Alabama A&M in week one 73-3.

#4 The Tigers quarterback Patrick Thorne had his troubles throwing into traffic and getting picked off for four interceptions. Despite having a huge offensive day the week before against Alabama A&M Thorne voiced his concerns about his ability to avoid the pick off and completing and getting yardage on his passes.

#5 Cal takes on San Diego State on Sat Sep 14th. Which Aztec team will show up the team that handled Texas A&M with kid gloves in week 1, 45-14 or the team that got shut out by Oregon State 21-0 last Saturday in week 2? Cal is on a two game win streak how do you see Fernando Mendoza and the Bears matching up against San Diego State?

Join Stephen Ruderman for the Cal Bears podcasts each Thursday at http://www.sportsradioservice.com