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

UPDATE: In a stunning turn of events, the Cal Bears suffered a heartbreaking 42-34 double-overtime loss against the Virginia Tech Hokies at Lane Stadium on October 27, 2023. This defeat not only dashed Cal’s hopes for early bowl eligibility but also marked a significant setback in their season aspirations.

As the game unfolded, Cal initially seemed poised for victory. Quarterback Jaron-Keawe Sagapolutele connected with tight end Mason Mini for a 25-yard touchdown in the first overtime, putting the Bears ahead. However, Hokies’ quarterback Kyron Drones responded decisively, rushing for a 17-yard touchdown to tie the game at 34-all.

In the second overtime, the Hokies took control after Drones threw a 7-yard touchdown pass to Takye Heath, marking his third touchdown of the night. Drones then executed a successful two-point conversion, giving Virginia Tech a commanding 42-34 lead. Cal’s final possession ended abruptly with four consecutive incompletions, sealing their fate.

This loss leaves Cal with a 5-3 record, and they now face a daunting schedule ahead, beginning with a critical matchup against No. 16 Virginia next Saturday. The Bears aimed to secure bowl eligibility for the first time before November since 2006, but now must regroup against formidable opponents.

Virginia Tech, improving to 3-5 after a rocky start to the season, showcased a dominant ground game, rushing for an impressive 357 yards against Cal. Drones was a standout performer, not only throwing for three touchdowns but also rushing for 137 yards and two additional touchdowns. In contrast, Cal struggled significantly on the ground, managing only 39 yards rushing.

The emotional rollercoaster of this game saw Cal initially fall behind 10-0 early in the first quarter before rallying to take a 20-10 lead by halftime. Despite a strong defensive showing from linebacker Cade Uluave, who recorded 19 tackles, including two sacks, Cal could not maintain their momentum in the second half.

Virginia Tech’s resurgence in the second half was fueled by a series of explosive plays, including a crucial 52-yard field goal from John Love and a pivotal touchdown pass to Heath that tied the game at 20-all. The Bears’ defense, which had previously shown promise, struggled to contain Drones’ multifaceted attack.

Now, as Cal looks ahead, the pressure is on to secure victories in their remaining games. Fans are left wondering if the Bears can bounce back from this gut-wrenching defeat and achieve their goal of bowl eligibility. The stakes have never been higher as the team prepares for a fierce finish to the season.

This thrilling matchup will surely be talked about for weeks to come. Stay tuned for updates as Cal prepares for what promises to be a challenging series of games ahead.