Cal Falls to Virginia Tech 42-34 in Overtime Thriller, Bowl Hopes Diminished

UPDATE: The Cal Bears suffered a crushing 42-34 double-overtime defeat against the Virginia Tech Hokies on October 27, 2023, at the sold-out Lane Stadium, dashing their hopes for early bowl eligibility. This loss marks a significant setback for the Bears, who aimed to secure their sixth win and qualify for a bowl game earlier than any year since 2006.

The thrilling overtime unfolded dramatically. Cal’s Jaron-Keawe Sagapolutele connected with tight end Mason Mini for a stunning 25-yard touchdown on the first play of overtime. However, Virginia Tech’s Kyron Drones responded swiftly, rushing for a 17-yard touchdown to tie the game at 34-all.

In the second overtime, the Hokies took control when Drones threw a 7-yard touchdown pass to Takye Heath, marking his third touchdown pass of the night. Drones then converted a crucial two-point conversion, putting Virginia Tech ahead 42-34.

With their backs against the wall, the Bears failed to score on their final possession, as Sagapolutele’s four attempts fell incomplete. Cal now stands at 5-3 overall and 2-2 in the ACC, facing a tough four-game stretch to finish the regular season. Next up is a home game against No. 16 Virginia next Saturday.

The Hokies, now 3-5 with a 2-2 conference record, showcased a powerful ground game, rushing for an impressive 357 yards while Cal managed just 39 yards on the ground. Drones was pivotal, racking up 137 rushing yards along with two rushing touchdowns and three touchdown passes.

Sagapolutele completed 24 of 39 passes for 285 yards with one touchdown and no turnovers, while linebacker Cade Uluave delivered a standout performance with 19 tackles, including three tackles for loss and two sacks.

Both teams started strong, with Cal battling back from an early 10-0 deficit to lead 20-10 at halftime. However, Virginia Tech rallied, scoring 17 unanswered points to take a 27-20 lead in the fourth quarter. The Bears managed to tie the game late, with Kendrick Raphael rushing for a touchdown, but were unable to clinch victory.

This heartbreaking loss raises questions about Cal’s postseason aspirations, as they now face a daunting challenge against ranked opponents in the coming weeks. Fans and analysts alike will be watching closely as the Bears attempt to regroup and refocus their efforts for what lies ahead.

Stay tuned for further updates on Cal’s journey and how they respond to this tough loss.