Cal Falls to Virginia Tech 42-34 in Double Overtime Thriller

UPDATE: Cal’s hopes of bowl eligibility take a devastating blow as they lose 42-34 to Virginia Tech in a nail-biting double overtime clash at Lane Stadium on Friday night. The Bears, now 5-3 overall and 2-2 in the ACC, had a golden opportunity to secure their sixth win of the season but faltered in critical moments.

The game unfolded dramatically, starting with Cal’s quick strike in overtime as Jaron-Keawe Sagapolutele connected on a 25-yard touchdown pass to Mason Mini. However, Virginia Tech’s Kyron Drones answered back with a 17-yard rushing touchdown, leveling the score at 34-all.

In the second overtime, Drones delivered a 7-yard touchdown pass to Takye Heath, followed by a successful two-point conversion that gave the Hokies a commanding 42-34 lead. Cal’s final possession ended in disappointment as Sagapolutele was unable to complete any passes, sealing the Bears’ fate.

This loss derailed Cal’s ambitions for early bowl eligibility, a milestone they had not reached as early as this season since 2006. They now prepare for a challenging four-game stretch to finish the regular season, starting with a matchup against No. 16 Virginia next Saturday.

Virginia Tech, now 3-5 and also 2-2 in the ACC, showcased a powerful rushing attack, amassing 357 yards compared to Cal’s mere 39 yards on the ground. Drones was particularly impressive, rushing for 137 yards and scoring two touchdowns while also throwing for three.

Sagapolutele had a solid performance, completing 24 of 39 passes for 285 yards with one touchdown and no turnovers. The Bears’ defense was highlighted by linebacker Cade Uluave, who recorded 19 tackles, including three tackles for loss and two sacks.

Cal initially overcame a 10-0 deficit to lead 20-10 at halftime, only to see Virginia Tech respond with 17 unanswered points to take control. Just when it seemed like the Bears were out of the game, they rallied back, with running back Kendrick Raphael scoring his third touchdown to tie the game at 27-all with just 2:34 remaining in regulation.

As the clock wound down, Virginia Tech’s kicker, John Love, missed a crucial 45-yard field goal attempt that could have sealed the win in regulation, allowing Cal to force overtime with a last-second 49-yard attempt from Chase Meyer.

This high-stakes matchup not only showcased the resilience of both teams but also left fans on the edge of their seats, underscoring the unpredictable nature of college football. As Cal faces a tough road ahead, the urgency for victory has never been greater.

Stay tuned for further updates on Cal’s journey as they strive for redemption in the coming weeks.