Tag: ACC

Stanford Cardinal podcast Michael Roberson: Can Gulbranson handle Pitt’s defensive front?

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Stanford Cardinal quarterback Ben Gulbranson (15) tries to get a pass away while under pressure from Miami Hurricanes defensive back Kelonte Scott (0) in the first half at Hard Stadium Miami on Sat Oct 25, 2025 (AP News photo)

Stanford Cardinal podcast Michael Roberson:

#1 With Stanford Cardinal quarterback Ben Gulbranson now leading the offense, how will the Cardinal use his experience to challenge Pittsburgh’s defensive front?

#2 How important will running back Tuna Altahir be to Stanford’s game plan against the Panthers, and how can the Cardinal’s offensive line help him establish the ground game?

#3 On the defensive side, can Stanford linebacker Hunter Barth help limit big plays by Pittsburgh, especially in the passing game or on screen passes?

#4 Stanford wide receiver Jonanthony Hall is one of the younger playmakers for Stanford — how much of a factor could he be in upsetting Pittsburgh’s secondary?

#5 Finally, how is the Cardinal offensive line—anchored by senior tackle Jack Leyrer—expected to hold up against Pittsburgh’s blitzes and pass rushes?

Michael Roberson does the Stanford Cardinal podcasts each week at http://www.sportsradioservice.com

Stanford Cardinal podcast Daniel Dullum: Stanford can’t do anything with Miami get crushed 42-7

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Stanford Cardinal quarterback Ben Gulbranson (15) tries to get a pass away while under pressure from Miami Hurricanes defensive back Kelonte Scott (0) in the first half at Hard Stadium Miami on Sat Oct 25, 2025 (AP News photo)

Stanford Cardinal podcast Daniel Dullum:

#1 Stanford Cardinal (3-5) in the first half of their game in Miami against the Miami Hurricanes (6-1) was under control and it looked as if this might turn out to be a tight ball game as it wound up as a 7-7 tie after the first half.

#2 Second half it was just a blow out the Cardinal defense couldn’t shut down the Miami offense in the third quarter the Hurricane scored 21 points and in the fourth quarter the Hurricane scored 14 to put frosting on the cake for the 42-7.

#3 The Hurricanes quarterback Carson Beck had lots of time to throw in the second half and piled up points for the win. Beck went 21-28, 189 yards and one touchdown.

#4 Stanford quarterback Ben Gulbranson struggled all afternoon completing only nine passes out of 21 attempts for 50 yards and one touchdown. Gulbranson was running for his life in the second half and couldn’t move the ball to the other end.

#5 Next up for the Cardinal the Pittsburgh Panthers (6-2). Pitt is on a roll they crushed the NC State Wolfpack (4-4) 53-34 on Saturday. Pitt’s quarterback Mason Heintschel had his way going 28-48 for 423 yards, three touchdowns. Will Stanford have their hands full again with another quarterback who could have all day to throw?

Join Daniel Dullum does the Stanford Cardinal podcasts Sundays at http://www.sportsradioservice.com

Cal Bears podcast Morris Phillips: Can Cal take advantage of a struggling Hokies team Friday?

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Cal Bears running back Kendrick Raphael takes the ball over the goal line for a touchdown against the UNC Tar Heels on Fri Oct 17, 2025 at Memorial Stadium in Berkeley (East Bay Times photo)

Cal Bears podcast Morris Phillips:

#1 How will Cal’s (5-2) offense — led by Jaron-Keawe Sagapolutele — fare against Virginia Tech’s (2-6) defense, especially given his freshman status and the expectation on him?

#2 Will Kendrick Raphael’s rushing attack be able to make a difference and relieve pressure from the passing game?

#3 How significant will the role of Jacob De Jesus, Mason Mini and Trond Grizzell be in Cal’s passing/receiving game plan?

#4 Can Cal’s defense hold up against Virginia Tech’s offense — especially in key situations like third downs or the red zone?

#5 What impact might turnovers or special teams play have on the outcome of the game (for example, Cal’s return game via De Jesus, or Cal’s ability to force/exploit turnovers)?

Morris Phillips does the Cal Bears podcasts Thursdays at http://www.sportsradioservice.com

Stanford Cardinal podcast Michael Roberson: Cardinal looking to get past Miami’s defense Saturday

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Stanford Cardinal safety Scotty Edwards (21) shares congratulations with teammate inside linebacker Jahsiah Galvan (0) against Florida State at Stanford Stadium on Sat Oct 18, 2025 (Stanford Cardinal photo)

Stanford Cardinal podcast Michael Roberson:

#1 How will Stanford Cardinal quarterback Ben Gulbranson and wide receivers CJ Williams and Bryce Farrell try to breakthrough Miami’s tough defense that’s one of the FBS’ best?

#2 Stanford running back Micah Ford is their best running back this season will Ford’s ability and the Cardinal ground will be able to keep up with Miami’s high-powered defense?

#3 Miami’s defense is holding their opponents to 15.3 points per game and has been able to defend the run—Can Stanford counter the Miami defense and find any weaknesses against them?

#4 Offensively the Cardinal are averaging 326.3 yards per game 115 in the FBS. The Hurricanes defense had given up an average of 291.5 yards per game 15th in the FBS. Can you see any changes that Stanford needs to make to stay competitive.

#5 The Cardinal have had troubles trying to convert third downs to first downs with a low 33.7% and Miami has been able to get red zone and third down defensive success will head coach Frank Reich be able to counter that?

Stanford Cardinal podcasts are heard with Michael Roberson weekly at http://www.sportsradioservice.com

Stanford Cardinal podcast Daniel Dullum: Next up Stanford takes on a very difficult Miami University can they pull it off?

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Florida State Seminoles quarterback Tommy Castellanos (1) leaps into the end zone for a touchdown against the Stanford Cardinal whose defense had been having success much of the game at Stanford Stadium in Palo Alto on Sat Oct 18, 2025 (AP News photo)

Stanford Cardinal podcast Daniel Dullum:

#1 What adjustments did Stanford (3-4) make defensively in the fourth quarter to stop Florida State’s (3-4) late surge and secure the goal‑line stand on the final untimed down in the Cardinal 20-13 win?

#2 How did Florida State rack up 444 total yards of offense yet still fail to convert that production into a win? What key plays or opportunities did they squander?

#3 Stanford’s offense produced just 293 yards — what factors enabled them to score 20 points and win despite being outgained?

#4 What role did turnovers, penalties, or special‑teams mistakes play in the outcome of the game? Which ones were particularly costly?

#5 Stanford plays the Miami Hurricanes (5-1) next Sat Oct 25 at the University of Miami a 4:00pm PT kick off. The Hurricanes have been playing well winning three of their last four games. They did lose against the Louisville Cardinals in a close one last Saturday 24-21 for their first loss of the season. The Hurricane are 5-1 this one is on the road do you see the Cardinal with their hands full for this one?

Daniel Dullum does the Stanford Cardinal podcasts each Saturday at http://www.sportsradioservice.com

Cal handles Belichick and UNC with 21-18 victory; pick up fifth win

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The Cal Bears Jacob De Jesus dives into the end zone for a first quarter touchdown against the UNC Tar Heels at Memorial Stadium in Berkeley on Fri Oct 17, 2025 (Cal Bears photo by Nancy Paiva)

By Morris Phillips

BEREKELY–The Cal Bears picked up their fifth win of the season improving to 5-2 with a 21-18 win over the UNC Tar Heels (2-4) at Cal Berekley’s Memorial Stadium on Friday night.

The game got off to an ominous start for North Carolina. On the very first play from scrimmage, the Heels fumbled the ball after a short pass, and Cal capitalized quickly. Just four plays later, with only about six minutes gone, Cal freshman quarterback Jaron‑Keawe Sagapolutele scored on a short rushing touchdown to give the Bears a 7‑0 lead.

The Tar Heels answered back with running back Benjamin Hall who took a handoff for an 18‑yard touchdown knotting up the game at 7‑7, giving the struggling Tar Heels some hope. But Cal came right back before the half, as Sagapolutele tossed to wide receiver Jacob De Jesus for a touchdown, and the Bears took a 14‑10 lead.

Third quarter action, Cal got more offensive scoring. The Bears scored on a fourth‑and‑one, when running back Kendrick Raphael took a two yard carry for touchdown, getting Cal up 11 points ahead 21‑10. UNC’s offense tried as hard as they could, but just couldn’t get enough offense and Cal stopped the Tar Heels for much of the third quarter from advancing the ball.

Fourth quarter: North Carolina tried to make a comeback in the game. The Tar Heels cut the Bears lead to 21-18, giving UNC some hope to get within striking distance. UNC couldn’t convert, when receiver Nathan Leacock caught a pass near the goal line but couldn’t get over the line, the Bears defensive back Brent Austin broke it up by knocking the ball out of Leacock’s hands only for Cal’s defensive back to recover the ball in the end zone with just four minutes left in the contest as Cal came away with the win.

Cal came away with the win with four point victory , the game did have some positives for UNC. The Tar Heels improved on defense keeping the game close, and the offense got a good performance from wide receiver Kobe Paysour. UNC errors were costly however when they had an fumble and a goal line fumble earlier. Cal put for their effort put a stop on UNC’s drive showing a strong defense. The Tar Heels continue to have troubles to finish drives. Cal had a number of penalties with nine penalties for 80 yards.

Cal takes on Virginia Tech next Friday Oct 24th at Lane Stadium in Blacksburg VA kick off 4:30pm PT

Cal Bears podcast Morris Phillips: Can Cal beat Bill Belichick and UNC this Friday at UC Berkeley?

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UNC Tar Heels head coach Bill Belichick on the sidelines working the play calling against the Clemson Tigers at Chapel Hill NC on Sat Oct 4, 2025. Belichick and UNC will face the Cal Bears on Fri Oct 17, 2025 at UC Berkeley at Memorial Stadium with a 7:30pm PT kick off (AP News photo)

Cal Bears podcast Morris Phillips:

#1 Can Cal’s defense, especially its pass defense, contain whatever UNC throws at them?

#2 How much will the Bears running back Kendrick Raphael be involved, and can he break big runs?

#3 How well can the inside linebacker duo of Cal’s Cade Uluave and Luke Ferrelli manage UNC’s offense?

#4 Will Cal’s playmakers on offense — tight end Mason Mini, receiver Jacob De Jesus, and WR Jordan King — step up in a big game?

#5 UNC has struggled in their last two games losing by scores of 38-10 to Clemson and 34-9 to University . That said should this game be a cake walk for Cal or Cal better be ready for some UNC head coach Bill Belichick football?

Morris Phillips does the Cal Bears podcasts each Thursday at http://www.sportsradioservice.com

Stanford Cardinal podcast Michael Roberson: Stanford, Gulbranson hoping to get back in win column host Florida State Saturday

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Stanford quarterback Ben Gulbranson (15) gets a pass away against the SMU Mustangs at Gerald J Ford Stadium in Dallas on Sat Oct 11, 2025 (AP News photo)

Stanford Cardinal podcast Michael Roberson:

#1 It wasn’t even close in Stanford’s last game against SMU getting landslided 34-10?

#2 Stanford quarterback Ben Gulbranson couldn’t get any offensive scoring going throwing 22-30 for 278 yards, one touchdown and one interception.

#3 What were the key turning points or momentum shifts during the game?

#4 No doubt Stanford struggled offensively and defensively in total total yards, turnovers, sacks?

#5 Up next the Florida State Seminoles are headed for the Farm. FSU is 3-3 and lost their last game to Pitt by a close score of 34-31. Can the Cardinal turn it around and take advantage of home field and get some offense jelling in this next Sat Oct 18th.

Michael Roberson is a beat writer covering Stanford Cardinal football and basketball at http://www.sportsradioservice.com

Cal Bears podcast Morris Phillips: Cal hosts UNC tries to recover from Duke loss

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Cal cornerback Hezekiah Masses could not prevent Duke’s Cooper Barkate from catching a touchdown pass. / D. Ross Cameron-Imagn Images

Cal Bears podcast Morris Phillips:

#1 How did Duke manage to erase Cal’s early 21‑7 lead and dominate the rest of the game?

#2 What role did turnovers and sacks play in the outcome, and which players were most responsible on both sides?

#3 How effective was Cal’s freshman quarterback Jaron Keawe‑Sagapolutele early versus later in the game, and what changed?

#4 Which Duke offensive players made the biggest impact, and how did Cal’s defense struggle to contain them?

#5 Cal hosts UNC head coach Bill Belichick and the UNC Tar Heels and it’s a winnable game for Cal who have home field. The Tar Heels have been struggling losing their last two games and are 2-3 how do you see this match up between UNC and Cal in Berkeley on Fri Oct 17 a 7:30pm PT kickoff.

Cal Bears podcasts are heard Thursdays with Morris Phillips at http://www.sportsradioservice.com

Stanford Cardinal podcast Daniel Dullum: Cardinal set to face SMU Sat Oct 11 in Dallas

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The Stanford Cardinal line up against the San Jose State University Spartans on Sat Sep 27, 2025 at Stanford Stadium in Palo Alto. Stanford has a bye this week and play the SMU Mustangs on Sat Oct 11, 2025 in Dallas. (photo by Stanford Cardinal)

Stanford Cardinal podcast Daniel Dullum:

#1 What key plays or decisions swung the momentum in Stanford’s favor in the final minutes? That 4th‑and‑10 conversion by Stanford, or critical missed field goals by San José State? The Cardinal won this one 30-29.

#2 How did the quarterbacks perform under pressure, and which one made the biggest impact down the stretch? Spartans quarterback Walker Eget threw for 473 yards and 3 TDs, while Stanford quarterback Ben Gulbranson engineered a last‑minute drive.

#3 How did special teams especially field goal attempts and kicking influence the outcome of the game? San José State had multiple missed field goals that could have changed the final result.

#4 What does this result say about San José State’s ability to close out tight games against Power‑5 opponents? They’ve historically struggled in such matchups, and this one slipped away in the final minute.

#5 How does this game affect the trajectory or confidence of each team going forward in the season? For Stanford, a comeback win against a local rival; for SJSU a tough loss.

Daniel Dullum is a Stanford Cardinal podcaster at http://www.sportsradioservice.com