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

UPDATE: Cal’s hopes for early bowl eligibility took a devastating blow on October 27, 2023, as they suffered a heartbreaking 42-34 double-overtime loss to Virginia Tech at a sold-out Lane Stadium.

The game unfolded dramatically as Cal initially surged to a 20-10 halftime lead before Virginia Tech rallied back. The Hokies, now 3-5 on the season, clinched victory with a powerful performance, overcoming an early 10-0 deficit and showcasing resilience after firing their coach earlier this year.

In overtime, Cal took the lead with a swift 25-yard touchdown pass from quarterback Jaron-Keawe Sagapolutele to tight end Mason Mini. However, Virginia Tech’s quarterback Kyron Drones answered back, running 17 yards to tie the game at 34-all.

The second overtime saw Drones firing a 7-yard touchdown pass to Takye Heath, extending Virginia Tech’s lead to 42-34. Cal’s final possession ended disappointingly with four consecutive incomplete passes from Sagapolutele, sealing their fate.

Cal’s loss drops their record to 5-3, with a crucial matchup against No. 16 Virginia looming next week. The Bears had aimed for their sixth win to secure bowl eligibility earlier than any season since 2006.

Virginia Tech dominated the ground game, rushing for a staggering 357 yards, while Cal struggled with only 39 yards on the ground. Drones led the charge for the Hokies, amassing 137 yards rushing along with three touchdown passes.

Cal’s defense, spearheaded by linebacker Cade Uluave, who recorded 19 tackles, fought valiantly but ultimately could not contain the explosive Virginia Tech offense.

The game saw momentum shifts throughout, with Cal initially leading before Virginia Tech’s defense clamped down in the second half. The Bears were outgained 239 yards to 14 in the second half alone, as Virginia Tech capitalized on critical errors.

As the Bears prepare for a challenging stretch of games, fans are left reeling from this missed opportunity. The urgency to rebound against Virginia next Saturday is palpable, as every game counts in their pursuit of bowl eligibility.

This thrilling encounter underscores the unpredictable nature of college football, leaving fans eager for the next chapter in Cal’s season. Stay tuned for updates as the Bears look to bounce back and secure their playoff aspirations.