Following a tough loss at the hand of the Pitt Panthers last weekend, the Cal (3-3) football team returns home to take on the NC State Wolfpack (3-4). This is the first time these two teams have ever played against one another. It’s another critical ACC game for the Bears, who are still searching for their first conference win. The game takes place at California Memorial Stadium this Saturday, with kickoff at 12:30 pm PST.
Key Players – Cal Golden Bears
It’s been an unfortunate start to the season for Cal running back Jaydn Ott. Although he could play this Saturday against the Wolfpack, it could be in a limited role. Oakland native Jaivian “The Jet” Thomas will likely get his fair share of touches even if Ott is healthy.
NC State has not been good at stopping the run this season by giving up an average of 147.1 yards per game on the ground. The Bears have had their fair share of struggles running the ball effectively, but this could be another huge game for Thomas. Going into the game, Thomas has 62 carries for 359 yards. That’s an average of 5.8 yards per carry. If Cal can get the run game going this week, Thomas should be a major reason why.
One of the big reasons for the success of the defense is the amount of veteran players Cal has in the secondary. That secondary is led by safety Craig Woodson.
In his sixth season, Woodson continues to make impactful plays that elevate the defense overall. In his last two games, he’s been a monster on the field, with 14 total tackles and three pass deflections. With NC State having a freshman quarterback, the experience Woodson brings to the secondary could be a major x-factor for the defense in this one.
Key Players – NC State Wolfpack
It can be difficult playing against a freshman quarterback due to the lack of film. CJ Bailey has only played in a total of six games so far in his career. Bailey has had a rollercoaster of a time playing, but he has the intangibles to be a good college quarterback.
Bailey stands at 6 feet, 6 inches and can move pretty well with his legs. He’s nowhere near Cam Ward’s level of mobility, but we saw what a mobile quarterback can do against this defense, especially if the offense is struggling to stay on the field. Cal must get pressure on him early to speed up the football game and hopefully force a turnover or two.
It’s been pretty evident through the first six games that this Cal offensive line is probably the weakest point of the team. NC State has a pretty good defensive line, but one player that stands out on tape is senior defensive end Davin Vann.
Vann is a total game wrecker and can hurt you in a lot of ways. Coming into this game, he already has 2.5 sacks, along with three forced fumbles. With the offensive line struggling the way they have been, Vann is going to have his ears pointed back and could have a momentum-changing play if he gets home.
Cal Football Game Overview
Both of these schools are searching for their first conference win. NC State had a lot of hype coming into the season, with many thinking they were going to compete in the ACC title game.
There’s a bunch of “what ifs” surrounding both teams right now, who feel like they should have better records than where they currently sit. Cal looks like the better football team, but that doesn’t mean they can’t get in their own way. Still, the Wolfpack have to travel far, and that could set in late in the game. This is a game the Bears must, and should win.
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.