Tag: ACC

Cal Bears game wrap: LA beats the Bay as USC Trojans defeat the California Golden Bears, 77-65

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California Golden Bears forward (#21) Sammie Yeanay shoots a three-pointer against the USC Trojans in a NCAA nonconference basketball game at the Haas Pavilion on Wednesday, November 11th, 2026, in Berkeley, CA. (Photo credits to Michael Villanueva)

By Michael Villanueva

BERKELEY -Happy Veterans Day to everyone who has worn our nation’s uniform, and thank you for your sacrifice and service to our country. The California Golden Bears (2-2) returned from Lake Tahoe and hosted the No.21 USC Trojans (3-0) on Wednesday night. In a rivalry dating back to 1916, California and USC faced off after both schools returned from Lake Tahoe on Sunday. However, the Trojans defeat the Bears 77-65, having USC feeling golden leaving the Bay Area. Trojans have now won the first three games of their season.

Alijah Arenas, Rodney Rice, KJ Lewis, Jacob Cofie, and Darius Ratliff were the starting five for the USC Trojans. The last time USC was in action was on Sunday night’s Caesars Lake Tahoe Classic, when the Trojans defeated Wichita State 93-86 with 32 points and nine assists from Rodney Rice and 30 points from Alijah Arenas. Rice and Arenas became the first USC teammates to both drop 30 points in a game since 2015.

Jordan Ross, Mantas Kocanas, Jake Wilkins, Sammie Yeanay, and Nojus Indrusaitis started for California. California also attended the Caesars Lake Tahoe Classic, but lost their first game of the season. The Bears were led by Mady Cooper, who scored 19 points and made five 3-pointers. The Golden Bears made nine of their 26 shots from beyond the arc, and Jordan Ross scored 15 points and five assists.

California’s Jake Wilkins was fouled while taking a shot and hit his free throws to get the first bucket of the night. In the first three minutes of play, Cal’s defense and the crowd at Haas Pavilion caused early turnovers for the Trojans. USC would have three early turnovers, and Cal took advantage of those errors. The Bears would lead 9-2.

Cal’s early efforts and their explosive plays would get them the early edge over USC. However, Trojans guard Rodney Rice would get USC back on track with a three-pointer and send the team on a 7-0 scoring run. Trojans’ defense would step up as the Bears were seeing scoring droughts throughout a majority of the game. Also, USC was staying aggressive on the defensive boards with Cal struggling to make a shot. The Trojans would end the half with 28 rebounds, while Cal only had 17 rebounds.

By halftime, USC was leading Cal by 9 points, 39-30. Leading the Bears in scoring at the end of the first half was Sammie Yeanay with 9 points. The Trojans were led by Rodney Rice with 12 points, 2-of-5 from three-pointers. Both teams were also shooting below 50% from beyond the arc. The Bears and Trojans both take pride in their defense, as every bucket that was made was well-earned.

Going into the final half, the Trojans were starting to get their offensive momentum going. USC guard KJ Lewis opened the first half with a 4-point play after getting fouled shooting from deep. USC’s lead would jump to 11 points, 53-42. That lead had a lot to do with Cal’s defense getting called for fouls. Trojans Rodney Rice would score 4 points strictly from free throws, after Cal couldn’t stop him from driving into the paint to score.

The Bears weren’t just gonna let the Trojans walk into their “Haas” and take over. In the last ten minutes of the game, Cal did their best they could to bounce back. After the shots were falling for the Trojans, USC couldn’t get one to go in for almost two minutes. The Bears would go on a crucial 7-0 scoring run during that time, and cut the lead to 4 points, 53-49.

The Bears’ late scoring runs brought life back into the fans and the players. The Trojans were ready to put the final dagger in the Bears. USC would retaliate with a 7-0 scoring run of their own in the final three minutes, and ultimately end the Bears’ optimism to win. As the game clock ran out, the USC Trojans would get the win 77-65. In Cal’s loss, the Bears were led by Sammie Yeanay with 14 points and 3 rebounds.

California will take a few days off before they return in action on Saturday afternoon. The Golden Bears will host the Utah Tech Trailblazers (1-2) at 2 p.m. and will be broadcast live on the ACCNX. The Trailblazers are coming off a road loss to Utah State, 118-86.

California went Golden with 17 made three-pointers, beating Radford, 84-70

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California Golden Bear guard (#25) Nojus Indrusaitis dribbles his way inside the paint against the Radford Highlanders in an NCAA non-conference basketball game at the Haas Pavilion in Berkeley, California, on Wednesday, November 4th, 2026. (Photo credit: Michael Villanueva)

By Michael Villanueva

BERKELEY – On Wednesday night, two days after their season-opening win, the California Golden Bears (2-0) returned to Haas Pavilion to host the Radford Highlanders (0-2). In the Bears’ Monday win, they shot 11-of-23 from the three-point range. In tonight’s game with Radford, the Bears shot 17-of-35 from three-pointer’s, almost 50% (49%), and with that shooting would get their second win of the season, 84-70, California wins.

On Monday night, Radford made their first stop on their two-game West Coast trip at the University of San Francisco. USF would go on to defeat Radford, 76-62, handing the Radfords their first loss in their first game of the season. Their head coach, Zach Chu, would send the same guys as the starters. With Frederik Erichsen, Mathieu Grujicic, Tristan Gross, Gabriel Ferreira, and Ja’Corey Robinson as the starters. Erichsen led the team in their loss with 12 points, 7 rebounds, and 1 assist.

The Bears are still without their returning and former starting forward, Lee Dort, due to ankle complications. California went with the same lineup from Monday’s evening win over Adams State with Jordan Ross, Mantas Kocanas, Jake Wilkins, Sammie Yeanay, and Nojus Indrusaitis. Five players from Cal would score double-digit points in the team’s win on Monday. The Bears were also missing their head coach, Mark Madsen, due to a family emergency.

Getting the first bucket of the night would be Cal’s Jake Wilkins with a three-pointer to get the fans in the Pavilion on their feet. However, Radford would go on a 6-0 scoring run in the first two minutes of the game and get an early lead, 8-5. The Bears responded by making three three-pointers in a row. This gave the Bears an early seven-point lead, 17-10.

The Bears’ defense made it hard for the Highlanders to get their three-point shooting going, but Radford wasn’t gonna let up. Head coach Zach Chu had his team attack the paint. By the end of the first half, Radford scored 24 points in the paint while Cal was only able to get 8 points. Cal would end the first half on a 5-0 scoring run, having a total of seven scoring runs just in the first half.

Halftime, California leads over Radford, 45-37. Bears Nojus Indrusaitis leads the team so far with 12 points, 2 rebounds, and 1 assist. The Bears’ shooting has been the main reason why they’re holding the lead. They’re shooting 9-of-17 from three-point range, and their defense is holding Radford’s deep ball shooting at 4-of-13. Although Radford’s aggressiveness has been their reason, they’re still within grasp. The Highlanders have scored 24 points in the paint, while California has scored 8 points in the paint.

To start the second half of the game, Nojus Indrusaitis, by himself, would go on a 7-0 scoring run. His early efforts changed the Bears’ lead to 8 points, 52-44. Although Radford would get a strong scoring run of a 7-0, and cut the lead to just one point, 52-51. Bears Jake Wilkins would slam a dunk on a fast-break transition and get the team ready to take over.

Middle of the 2nd half in the game, Cal’s last four offensive possession would all be made three-pointers. The Bears were feeling golden, as they went on a 12-2 scoring run for almost three minutes. This run would push the lead to 13 points, 71-58, and start to discourage Radford after getting the score within one point.

Applying more pressure on Radford, Cal from the nine-minute mark to the three-minute mark of the second half made 6 of 8 three-pointers. Cal’s Michael Cooper made three of those, and Nojus Indrusaitis made two of them in that span. Setting the score up to 79-62, Cal leads. With time running down and Radford desperately shooting shots, Cal wouldn’t allow any comebacks, especially in their “Haas”.

The final score of the game was 84-70. California was led in this win by Nojus Indrusaitis with a new career high at 30 points, 5 rebounds, and 2 assists. Coming off the bench with 16 points, 4-of-8 from the three-point line, 3 rebounds, and 3 assists, and proving to be a factor for the Bears’ offense was Michael Cooper.

Next, the Golden Bears are heading to “The Big Blue”. California’s basketball program is playing in the Caesars Lake Tahoe Classic on November 8th. The Caesars Lake Tahoe Classic will feature 3 Men’s games and 1 Women’s game. California men’s basketball will play, and it’s their first meeting with the Houston Cougars since 1999 at 5:30 p.m. Cal women’s basketball also is competing at the Classic, playing San Francisco in the event’s opening game at 11 a.m.

California beats Adams State, 115-86, and the Golden Bears start the 2026-27 season, 1-0

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California Golden Bear (#23) Sammie Yeanay shoots a free throw in the first half of the California men’s season opener against the Adams State Grizzlies at the Haas Pavilion in Berkeley on Monday, November 2nd, 2026. (Photo credit Michael Villanueva)

By Michael Villanueva

BERKELEY – The California Golden Bears (1-0) started their 2026-2027 NCAA men’s basketball season hosting the Adam’s State Grizzlies (0-1) on the first Monday of November. The road to the Final Four in Detroit starts today, and the Bears start their journey. California defeated Adams State, 115-86, to start the season with a win.

California athletics enter its third year joining the ACC. Last season, Cal got its first postseason win since 2014 and had the most wins in a season (22) since 2016. Before the team’s first home game, the Bears played two exhibition games on the road. They played at LMU and Oregon State, and went 1-1 in those two games. Now back at home for the first time this season, this was the first-ever meeting between Cal and Adams State.

Adams State University is an NCAA Division II school located in Alamosa, Colorado. Last year the Grizzlies went 18-11 overall in the season. However, on the road, Adams State went 6-9, so coming into Berkeley for the program’s first time will be challenging for the Grizzlies. They play in the RMAC, Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference, with their head coach Kenny Tripp. Coach Tripp would start Emilek Jallow, Oscar Sabine, Ta’Veus Randle, Ivan Dorn Jr., and Keagan Caton.

For the Bears, head coach Mark Madsen sent out Jordan Ross, Jake Wilkins, Sammie Yeanay, Nojus Industraitis, and Mantas Kocanas as tonight’s starters. Mantas Kocanas would get the start over Lee Dort. Ross, Wilkins, and Industraitis are three of the five new transfer Bears to the roster this season. Nine Bears return from last year’s season. This is also now head coach Mark Madsen’s fourth season at Cal.

Bears forward Sammie Yeanay would get the first bucket of the evening with a layup in the paint. After that, California would go on their first of many scoring runs in the game. The Bears went on a fast 5-0 scoring run and put the score at 13-7. Halfway through the first half, the Bears couldn’t miss. Especially Sammie Yeanay and Nojus Industraitis; they both were already in double-digit scoring. Yeanay had 10 points, and Industraitis had 12 points.

At the end of the first half, the score would be 66-37. California’s lead over Adam’s State would be by 29 points. The Bears would only miss three shots from deep so far, going 7-of-11. In all of their shooting categories, the Golden Bears were golden and were shooting 63% or higher. California’s leading scorers so far were Yeanay and Industraitis, and both of them had 15 points. On the bench for Cal, guard Michael Cooper would be electric and have 13 points, on 4-of-7 shooting and 3-of-4 from deep.

Starting the second half, Cal picked up where they left off on their scoring runs and went on a 5-0 scoring run. The score now after this run would be 71-37. After this, Cal’s hot shooting at home would go cold on them for a while. They would miss five straight shots and couldn’t score a basket for almost four minutes. However, what made up for the Bears’ cold shooting was their defense. Their on-ball defensive pressure would give them 7 steals and 5 blocks.

Entering the final ten minutes of the game, Adam’s State showed some fire and perseverance in them despite Cal’s lead over them being 26 points, 86-60. Two minutes later, the Bears were starting to get their aggressiveness in offense back. Eight out of twelve shots, in a span of four minutes, were all fastbreak dunks for Cal. Each dunk the Bears threw down in the final minutes was displaying their hustle and strength.

Adam’s State was still showing good spirits on the court. There was nothing much the Division II Grizzlies could do against the Division I Bears. Grizzlies guard Nathan Day would get the last bucket of the night on a three-pointer, and end the game with the final score, 115-86. California starts their season and first game at home, 1-0.

The California Golden Bears (1-0) will return in Haas Pavilion on Wednesday, November 4th. California will host the Radford Highlanders, and just like Adam’s State, this will also be the two programs’ first-ever meeting. The Radford Highlanders are also currently playing their first game of the season against the University of San Francisco Dons. Tip-off will be at 6 p.m. and will be broadcast live on the ACCNX.

Cal Bears podcast Barbara Mason: Bears can’t stop the Wolfpack in 31-10 lopsided affair for third straight loss in Raleigh

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Cal Bears quarterback Jaron-Keawe Sagapolutele (2) on the count against the NC State Wolfpack at Finley Carter Stadium in Raleigh NC on Sat Oct 31, 2026 (Cal Bears photo)

Cal Bears podcast Barbara Mason:

#1 Cal lost their third straight game to the NC State Wolfpack 31-10 on Saturday. Cal only scored in the second quarter with a touchdown and a field goal but that was all they could muster getting shutout in the first, third and fourth quarters.

#2 Cal quarterback Jaron-Keawe Sagapolutele went 24-40 for 196 yards one touchdown and one interception. Sagapolutele just couldn’t get enough offense going and was under pressure all afternoon.

#3 Cal running backs Anthony League carried three times for 29 yards and Adam Mohammed carrying nine times for 27 yards for the leading rushers but again no scoring in three of the quarters.

#4 For the wide receivers Chase Hendricks caught six times for 62 yards and Taimane Purcell four receptions for 33 yards. Sagapolutele struggled to get the ball to his receivers and Cal lacked the opportunities to get the ball to them.

#5 Cal is hoping to end the skid with their next game against the Virginia Cavaliers (4-4). The Cavaliers lost their last two games in a row losing to the Duke Blue Devils who edged them out 19-13 on Friday night. How do you see this match up at Virginia Sat Nov 14th?

Join Barbara Mason for the Cal Bears podcasts Sundays at http://www.sportsradioservice.com

Cal Bears podcast Daniel Dullum: Cal gets no offense as Wolfpack score big 31-10

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Cal Bears wide receiver Chase Hendricks (7) and the NC Wolfpack Dylan McCoy (24) leap for the football at Carter Finley Stadium in Raleigh NC on Sat Oct 31, 2026 (Cal Bears photo)

Cal Bears podcast Daniel Dullum:

#1 Cal lost their third straight game to the NC State Wolfpack 31-10 on Saturday. Cal only scored in the second quarter with a touchdown and a field goal but that was all they could muster getting shutout in the first, third and fourth quarters.

#2 Cal quarterback Jaron-Keawe Sagapolutele went 24-40 for 172 yards one touchdown and one interception. Sagapolutele just couldn’t get enough offense going and was under pressure all afternoon.

#3 Cal running backs Anthony League carried three times for 29 yards and Adam Mohammed carrying nine times for 27 yards for the leading rushers but again no scoring in three of the quarters.

#4 For the wide receivers Chase Hendricks caught six times for 62 yards and Taimane Purcell four receptions for 33 yards. Sagapolutele struggled to get the ball to his receivers and Cal lacked the opportunities to get the ball to them.

#5 Cal is hoping to end the skid with their next game against the Virginia Cavaliers (4-4). The Cavaliers lost their last two games in a row losing to the Duke Blue Devils who edged them out 19-13 on Friday night. How do you see this match up at Virginia Sat Nov 14th?

Join Daniel Dullum for the Cal Bears podcasts Sundays at http://www.sportsradioservice.com

Cal Bears podcast Daniel Dullum: Tough waking up to Wake Forest, Cal gets clobbered 41-7

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Cal Bears quarterback Jaron-Keawe Sagapolutele (3) got into the game against Wake Forest at Cal Memorial Stadium in Berkeley on Sat Oct 17, 2026 (AP News photo)

Cal Bears podcast Daniel Dullum:

1. Quarterback controversy: Why did head coach Tosh Lupoi start Jackson Brousseau instead of Jaron-Keawe Sagapolutele, and how might the quarterback competition affect Cal moving forward?

2. Sagapolutele’s return: After entering the game later, Jaron-Keawe Sagapolutele threw a 28-yard touchdown pass to Mason Mini. Could that connection help the Bears’ passing attack regain momentum?

3. Running game struggles: Ashten Emory led Cal with 56 rushing yards. What must Emory and the offensive line improve to make the Bears more effective on the ground?

4. Receiving production: Chase Hendricks caught eight passes for 54 yards, while Mason Mini added five receptions and a touchdown. How can Cal get more explosive plays from these two targets?

5. Defensive response: With Isaiah Crosby recording six tackles and Kamar Mothudi adding five, what changes must Cal make defensively to prevent opponents from scoring so easily after allowing 509 total yards to Wake Forest?

Cal Bears podcast with Daniel Dullum are heard Sundays at http://www.sportsradioservice.com

Demon Deacons unphased in the bay as they defeat the Golden Bears, 41-7, on “Grateful Bear Night”

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California Golden Bear (#7) Chase Hendricks makes the tackle on a Wake Forest Demon Deacon wide receiver Kameron Shanks (5) in a NCAA football game at the California Memorial Stadium on Saturday, October 18th, in Berkeley, CA. (Photo credits to Sports Illustrated)

By Michael Villanueva

BERKELEY – Saturday night, once again, the California Golden Bears (3-4) hosted and took on the no.21 Wake Forest Demon Deacons (6-1). Back to back conference matchups for the Bears after coming off of a Win against Virginia Tech. However, the Bears would have their hands full against Wake Forest as the Demon Deacon’s offense was too much for the Golden Bears with the final score being, 41-7

On November 8, 2024, the Bears traveled to Winston-Salem, North Carolina, for their first game with the Demon Deacons. Cal won 46–36 to secure its first conference win as an ACC member. Linebacker Liam Johnson’s game-winning interception and  future Super Bowl starter Craig Woodson and third-round NFL draft choice Nohl Williams were among the three passes that Cal intercepted. Fernando Mendoza, this year’s first-round pick in the NFL Draft, helped the Bears win throwing for a career-high 385 yards and three touchdowns.

In the first quarter, Cal started the game with the ball, and with Jaron-Keawe Sagapolutele listed active, after recovering from a concussion two weeks ago, Sagapolutele was assigned the backup quarterback in this game. Cal’s Jackson Brousseau would get the start again, after coming off his first win as a starter against Virginia Tech last week. However, Brousseau first offensive possession, he couldn’t get the Bears to pass their 40-yard line.

Wake Forest would have early success on their offensive possession’s which led to them scoring twice. On their first offensive drive, they had to start at their 1-yard line from Cal’s punt. That wouldn’t phase Wake Forest, as it took them just five plays to get the first touchdown of the night in Berkeley. Wake Forest quarterback Gio Lopez would complete a 39-yard touchdown pass to Dominick Barry and making the score 7-0.

After another three and out on Cal’s offense. Wake Forest returned to the field and on their first play on offense, they would score. Cal’s defense would send an all out blitz on Wake Forest, but their quarterback Gio Lopez anticipated them and was able to find Jack Foley for a 29-yard touchdown pass. Lopez and hiss offense would change the score, 14-0, over the Bears. Cal’s offense altogether in the first quarter would put up just 52 yards, while Wake Forest had 163 yards.

Going into the second quarter, Wake Forest started with the ball and took their time marching down the field on Cal’s defense. It would take the Demon Deacons eleven plays to score on this drive. Wake Forest’s running back Jamar Searcy, from Oakland, CA, would rush in a 1-yard touchdown, and push the lead to 21-0. Wake Forest’s defense has given the Bears a hard time, that they would see another three and out on their offense. Then in just five plays, Wake Forest would score again, Ty Clark III would rush in a 31-yard touchdown. However, Deamon Deacon’s would go a 2-point conversion, but failed to get it. The score would now be 27-0. Wake First first four drives in the game all ended in a touchdown for them.

With just a minute and twelve seconds left of the first half, Wake Forest defense stopped the Bears from scoring on their 1-yard line. So from starting a yard away from your end zone, Wake Forest has the ball in awkward field position. However that wouldn’t affect them as it took them just seven plays to score. Gio Lopez would find Dominick Barry, again, for a 30-yard touchdown pass. This is now Barry’s second touchdown of the night, and setting up halftime with the score at, 34-0.

Heading back from halftime and going into the third quarter, Wake Forest’s offense would hop on the field first. This time, Cal’s defense would come up and hold the Demon Deacons offense to punt on nine plays. However, Cal’s offense on their first possession entering the second half wasn’t much either. The Bears would only snap the ball for 6 plays until they were met to punt. Gio Lopez wasn’t done yet as him and his offense would put up anither touchdown in seven plays.

Lopez would find his receiver, Dominick Barry., for a 2-yard touchdown pass. Barry’s touchdown was his third one of the night. His efforts and touchdown on this drive would push the lead for Wake Forest to 41-0. Going into the final quarter of the game, the Bears wouldn’t take a blowout loss. At the five minute mark of the fourth, the Bears tight end Mason Mini, would catch a 28-yard touchdown pass from Jaron-Keawe Sagapolutele. Sagapolutele would make his mark after being benched at the start of the game. He would bring the Bears first and only touchdown of the game.

With the clock winding down and Wake Forest’s offense putting up 20 points in the second quarter. The Bears would fall to the Demon Deacons of the final score being, 41-7. Gio Lopez would throw for 4 touchdown passes to cruise right through the Bears and get the Demons feeling Golden.

After playing at home in their last two games, the Bears will hit the road for their next three games. Cal’s first stop on this three game road trip will be with the SMU Mustangs. The Bears and Mustangs will play each other on October 24th at 9 a.m. and will be broadcast live on the CW Network. After the Mustangs, the Bears will take on North Carolina State and then face off against Virginia. `

Cal Bears beat the Virginia Tech Hokies, 25-20

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Virginia Tech Hokies quarterback (#17) Ethan Grukenmeyer looks downfield for an open receiver in an NCAA football game against the California Golden Bears at California Memorial Stadium on Saturday, October 10th, 2026, in Berkeley, CA. (Photo credit to IMAGN IMAGE)

By Michael Villanueva

BERKELEY – Saturday afternoon, the California Golden Bears (3-3) returned home to host the Virginia Tech Hokies (4-2) in this week’s six-game matchup. The Hokies led all game until a late fourth-quarter Bears offensive drive took the lead. However, Virginia Tech would have a chance to win the game, but the Bears’ defense came alive. California would get the win, 25-20 over Virginia Tech; this was also the Hokies first time playing in Berkeley.

Cal and Virginia Tech played their first-ever ACC football game at Databricks Field at California Memorial Stadium in Berkeley. The Golden Bears and Hokies have a 1-1 record in their all-time series. In their first game as conference rivals last season, Virginia Tech won 42-34 in double overtime in Blacksburg, Virginia. The game was tied at 27 points at the end of regulation in last year’s back-and-forth game, forcing overtime. Before Virginia Tech scored the game-winning goal in the second extra time, the Bears and the Hokies traded touchdowns in the first overtime.

Cal quarterback Jaron-Keawe Sagapolutele did not play this afternoon as he’s recovering from a concussion in last week’s matchup against the UNLV Rebels. Jackson Brousseau started for Cal, his first start as a Golden Bear. Brousseau started 8 games at Colorado State last year. Adding to the bad news for the Bears, their star defensive back Kingston Lopa was also out. He’s recovering from a concussion he got last week as well, and he was leading the country in interceptions.

In the first quarter of the game, both teams were struggling offensively. Neither team was able to score in this quarter. The Bears were struggling to convert the ball on third downs; by the end of the quarter, the Bears went 0-of-3 on third downs. Also, Cal’s rushing game wasn’t seeing any success either, as the team’s rushing had -3 yards to start the game.

Going into the second quarter, Virginia Tech would get on the board first. Hokies quarterback Ethan Grunkemeyer would throw a 30-yard touchdown pass to Ayden Greene, and the Hokies led 7- 0. Then about six minutes later, the Bears were able to respond in five plays with Cal’s running back Ashten Emory. Emory would rush in a 5-yard touchdown and tie the game, 7-7.

Right before the two-minute warning, Virginia Tech would march down the field and finish their drive scoring. Hokies running back Marcellous Hawkins Jr. rushes a 5-yard touchdown for Virginia Tech, giving them the lead, 14-7. However, to end the first half of the game, Bears kicker Towns McGough makes a 35-yard field goal, cutting the lead to 14-10.

At the start of the third quarter, the Bears’ offense became aggressive, and being at home helped Cal. After an eleven-play drive, the Bears weren’t able to get a touchdown but were able to get a field goal. California McGough would make another field goal, this time at 22 yards. He brought the Bears, 14-13, to the Hokies. Bears’ defense also came up big on their stops and didn’t let the Hokies score in the third quarter.

In the final quarter of the game, Virginia Tech and Cal gave it their all to get the win. Both of these teams lost last week, so a win can help project the rest of both their seasons. With four minutes left on the clock, the Bears were able to convert a touchdown while in the red zone. Bears Brousseau would throw to Carson Perry-Smith for a 3-yard touchdown, giving Cal the lead, 19-13. California would go for the 2-point conversion, but failed.

Virginia Tech’s turn on offense after Cal scored, it took the Hokies nine plays to score. Virginia Tech’s Grukenmeyer rushed in a 1-yard touchdown for them and gave the Hokies back the lead, 20-19. Hokies went for the 2-point conversion, but failed. That gave the Bears hope for a comeback, whether it ends on a touchdown or field goal. So in six plays, Cal’s Ashten Emory would get his second touchdown of the game after rushing in a 2-yard touchdown. His scoring gave the Bears the lead and was ultimately the dagger on the Hokies, 25-20.

The Hokies had 18 seconds left of the game with no timeouts. However, they were able to bring the ball into their red zone, the 7-yard line. 3 seconds and the ball at the 7-yard line, Cal’s defense holds off Virginia Tech. Hokies Grukenmeyer was looking for Luke Reynolds, who couldn’t hold on to the ball as it hit his chest and then dropped. Reynolds had 4 catches in this game, but couldn’t grab this catch for the Hokies. Giving California the win and feeling Golden at home, the Bears’ last home win this season was on September 19th, against Wagner Seahawks.

California is now 2-2 at home this season. The Golden Bears will enjoy this conference win and get ready for their next game. Their next game will be on Saturday, October 17th, at home, as the team will get ready to host the Wake Forest Demon Deacons (5-1) in another conference matchup. The game will start at 7:30 p.m. and will be broadcast live on ACC Network.

Stanford Cardinal podcast Michael Roberson: Stanford gets crushed by Wake Forest 57-3; Cardinal in trouble on both sides of the ball

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Stanford Cardinal and the Wake Forest Demon Deacons line up in NCAA action Sat Oct 3, 2026 at Allegacy Federal Credit Union Stadium in Winston Salem NC (photo by Stanford Cardinal media)

Stanford Cardinal podcast Michael Roberson:

#1 Davis Warren: What went wrong for Stanford quarterback Davis Warren against Wake Forest, and how did his 19-of-30, 136-yard passing performance affect the Cardinal offense?

#2 Micah Ford: Despite Stanford’s offensive struggles, running back Micah Ford carried the ball 16 times for 45 yards. What did his performance reveal about Stanford’s ability—or inability—to establish the run?

#3 Nate Brown: Wide receiver Nate Brown led the Cardinal with four catches for 42 yards. How effectively did Brown and the other Stanford receivers create opportunities against Wake Forest’s defense?

#4 Sedrick Irvin: Stanford’s Sedrick Irvin contributed both as a runner and receiver, finishing with 10 rushing yards and three receptions for 21 yards. How important was his versatility to the Cardinal’s offensive effort?

#5 Emmet Kenney: Emmet Kenney provided Stanford’s only points with a 43-yard field goal. What does the Cardinal’s reliance on Kenney’s kick say about the team’s struggles to finish offensive drives?

Michael Roberson covers the Stanford Cardinal for http://www.sportsradioservice.com

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.