The California Golden Bears (6-5) will look to wrap up their regular with a win against fellow conference newcomer, the SMU Mustangs (10-1). Cal is coming off of a major victory against their longtime football and academic rival, Stanford. Meanwhile, SMU is coming off of a blowout victory against Virginia on the road.
Both of these schools are recent additions to the ACC and have made instant impacts in their new conference. The Bears have a big win over an SEC team, while the Mustangs are already a lock to play in the conference championship.
This is only the second time these two schools have played one another in college football history. The first matchup between these two teams took place back in 1957. It should be a good game down in Dallas this weekend.
Key Players – California Golden Bears
One thing that Fernando Mendoza has done well this season is spreading the love around to various pass catchers.
Last weekend, Jonathan Brady hauled in two fourth-quarter touchdown passes, including the go-ahead score against Stanford.
𝗕𝗲𝗮𝗿 𝗕𝗿𝗲𝗮𝗸𝗱𝗼𝘄𝗻 𝗘𝗽.𝟲 🐻
Big Game Hero @_jonathanbrady6 breaks down his 𝙏𝙒𝙊 fourth quarter touchdowns 😤#GoBears | #ALLIN pic.twitter.com/VyycFm6270
— Cal Football (@CalFootball) November 26, 2024
However, one wide receiver in particular stood out.
Wide receiver Trond Grizzell hasn’t had too many opportunities this season, but when he gets his number called he makes the most of it. Against Stanford, Grizzell had four catches for 70 yards and a touchdown. He displayed great control on his touchdown when he turned his body at the right time to make a beautiful back-shoulder catch. His size poses as a matchup nightmare for secondaries and it’s no secret why Mendoza targets him on deeper passes. Look for Mendoza to target Grizzell often against the Mustangs in what could be a high-scoring affair.
On the defensive side of the ball, Cal will have a serious challenge in this football game going up against the SMU offense. With Cade Uluave‘s availability still up in the air, linebacker Hunter Barth will more than likely get playing time, even if Uluave is healthy.
Barth, a redshirt junior, has filled in nicely the past few games for Uluave. His best performance came against Wake Forest when he had two tackles for a loss and a forced fumble. The Bears need him to continue playing well, especially against a high-powered offense. Even if Uluave is healthy for this game, Barth will get his fair share of snaps. This could be a game where we see if he can be a starter next year going forward.
Key Players – SMU Mustangs
SMU came into this season with something to prove after leaving the American Athletic Conference for the ACC. They’ve shattered all expectations and now find themselves competing for an ACC title and a playoff birth.
The leader of their offense is quarterback Kevin Jennings, who has been tearing it up lately. Jennings was not initially the starter at the beginning of the year, but played his way into the starting role. On the season, he has completed 66.7 percent of his passes and thrown for 17 touchdowns.
Although the stats show he hasn’t done much rushing the ball lately, he is very much a threat to tuck it and run. Jennings has this SMU offense rolling and his play is very much a big part of the success they have had this season. Cal has struggled against some of the better quarterbacks this year, and Jennings is certainly a handful.
It’s always a pleasure watching players in the secondary who are not afraid to come up and make a tackle. The Mustangs have a very special player in safety Isaiah Nwokobia. Nwokobia has been quite impressive this season for the SMU defense. Coming into this game, he is tied for the team lead in interceptions with three and is second on the team in total tackles with 81.
Whenever you put on the tape, it seems like Nwokobia is flying sideline to sideline making plays happen. This has been far and away his best season as a Mustang. He’s a true ballhawk and someone that Fernando Mendoza must be aware of at all times.
Final Thoughts
It’s been a long season that brings us to this point. Cal and SMU are now in the ACC, and contrary to what anyone thinks, have been great additions to the football conference.
SMU is practically a two-touchdown favorite in this game. However, with their spot in the ACC title game already locked up, there could be a chance that they’re already looking ahead.
If Cal were to win this game, it would be their first regular season winning record since 2019.
SMU has firepower all over the field, but Cal has yet to be blown out in a football game this season. This will be an incredibly difficult test for the Bears who are coming off of an emotional win. Cal is locked in for a bowl game, but there’s still plenty to play for. It should be another close ACC matchup between these two teams.
Cody Henderson
I root for teams that only let me down. Talking all things Las Vegas Raiders and Cal Bears football. Follow me on X where I post my dramatic takes.