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

UPDATE: Cal’s hopes of securing bowl eligibility took a devastating blow as they fell to Virginia Tech 42-34 in a gripping double-overtime showdown at a packed Lane Stadium on October 27, 2023.

This nail-biting finish saw Cal initially leading before a late surge from Virginia Tech, who responded dramatically in overtime. Jaron-Keawe Sagapolutele connected with tight end Mason Mini for a 25-yard touchdown strike, but the Hokies quickly equalized with a 17-yard run from quarterback Kyron Drones, tying the game at 34-all.

As the second overtime unfolded, Drones delivered a 7-yard TD pass to Takye Heath, marking his third touchdown of the night. Virginia Tech then converted a two-point attempt to pull ahead 42-34, leaving Cal scrambling in their final possession, which concluded with four consecutive incompletions.

Cal, now 5-3 overall and 2-2 in the ACC, was aiming to secure their sixth win and achieve bowl eligibility earlier than any year since 2006. Instead, they face a challenging stretch as they prepare to host No. 16 Virginia next Saturday.

The Hokies, improving to 3-5 and 2-2 in the conference, dominated on the ground with 357 rushing yards, contrasting sharply with Cal’s paltry 39 yards. Drones was a formidable force, accumulating 137 rushing yards and two touchdowns, alongside three touchdown passes.

Sagapolutele showcased his skills by completing 24 of 39 passes for 285 yards, maintaining composure throughout the game without any turnovers. Defensively, linebacker Cade Uluave stood out with an impressive 19 tackles, including three tackles for loss and two sacks.

After trailing 10-0 early, Cal stormed back to lead 20-10 at halftime. However, Virginia Tech responded with 17 unanswered points to regain the advantage. Drones’ 14-yard touchdown run with just over seven minutes left in the fourth quarter shifted momentum back to the Hokies.

Cal managed to tie the game late with running back Kendrick Raphael’s 1-yard TD run, his third touchdown of the night, bringing the score to 27-all. A missed 45-yard field goal attempt by Hokies kicker John Love kept the Bears alive, setting the stage for overtime.

The Bears now enter a critical phase of their season, needing to regroup quickly as they prepare for formidable opponents. Fans and players alike will be watching closely as they aim to bounce back from this heartbreaking defeat and keep their bowl hopes alive.

Next up: Cal takes on No. 16 Virginia at home, and every moment will count as they strive to secure a bowl eligibility in the coming weeks.