Cal football (3-0) heads down south once again to take on Florida State (0-3). This is the first-ever ACC conference game for Cal. These two teams have never squared off against each other, making this their first matchup. The game will be played at Doak Campbell Stadium and will be televised on ESPN.
Cal Football – Key Players
Tight end Corey Dyches finally emerged onto the scene last game with four catches for 48 yards and a touchdown. The former Maryland player was a big-time get for the Bears in the transfer portal. Now, fans are starting to see why.
Florida State’s defense has not been good to start the season, and Dyches will be a mismatch for Cal to use. With multiple starting receivers still out, look for Fernando Mendoza to continue targeting his tight ends, specifically Dyches.
On defense, Nohl Williams could be a key player for this team every week. Florida State’s offense has been horrid to start the season. DJ Uiagalelei has only thrown one touchdown to two interceptions in his first three games. Still, he played well against Cal last season.
As for Williams, he currently leads all the NCAA in interceptions, and he’s going to be looking to snag one in this game. His four interceptions have been key to this defense being ranked at the top in turnovers. If Uiagalelei continues his erratic play, Williams could be in for a big day.
Florida State Seminoles – Key Players
Make no mistake about it, Florida State is still a dangerous team. Yes, they have struggled to start the season, but they have good players.
Wide receiver Malik Benson is a threat on the outside. The transfer from Alabama hasn’t recorded a touchdown yet, but he still has 12 catches for 171 yards. He’s a speedster and someone who can take the top off of a defense. Cal can’t afford to let him catch passes deep, or he will make them pay.
On defense, linebacker Cam Riley is one of the better plays for Florida State. The transfer from Auburn played against Cal two seasons ago when Auburn came to Berkeley. He has plenty of playing experience and is a monster of a human being.
Riley is listed at 6 feet 5 inches and weighs 237 pounds. Memphis kept him in check last week, but Riley poses as a true game-wrecker. With multiple offensive linemen still hurt for the Golden Bears, they need to make sure they get Riley blocked on each play, or he’ll be having a party in the backfield.
Game Overview
Florida State is still an incredibly dangerous team football team for Cal to face. They won 13 games last season and still have quite a few leftover players from that team. Playing against a school that is winless can be very challenging.
FSU is at home and with their backs against the wall. The Seminoles are going to be desperate, and that means Cal needs to be prepared for anything.
On top of that, Doak Campbell Stadium is still one of the top stadiums in all of college football. Just like with their matchup at Auburn, the fans are going to be loud, and Cal has to quiet them down fast.
The Bears will be underdogs in this game and will have to prove once again that they can travel down into the deep south and come away with a victory. Still, the disrespect shown towards the team is something that Cal is very aware of. A win here would bring the team to 4-0 with two huge wins on the road. This game will more than likely be close but hopefully ends with a Cal victory. It’s time to turn Tallahassee into bear territory.
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.