Both teams sit 2‑3 in ACC play, but a win could keep Cal’s bowl hopes alive while NC State tries to steady a program in transition.
Key points
- Cal needs three wins in its final four games to become bowl‑eligible.
- Both programs are dealing with significant injury lists, including key offensive players for each side.
- NC State’s defense has allowed the most passing yards per game in the ACC, a potential advantage for Cal’s passing attack.
- The game could influence ACC standings, with both teams currently 2‑3 in conference play.
The California Golden Bears will open the weekend at Carter‑Finley Stadium in Raleigh, North Carolina, with a 9 a.m. PT kickoff on Saturday. The game, carried on the ACC Network, pits Cal (3‑5, 2‑3 ACC) against a Wolfpack squad that is 3‑4 overall and also 2‑3 in conference play, according to a preview from the Mercury News.
Cal arrives on the road for the second of three consecutive away games and faces a steep path to bowl eligibility – the Bears must win three of their final four contests to reach six victories. After a 59‑20 loss at No. 19 SMU, where a 20‑17 halftime lead evaporated, the team is also coping with injuries: wide receiver Jordan King and defensive tackle Nate Burrell are listed as out, while running backs Adam Mohammed and Ashten Emory are among ten players marked questionable. Sophomore safety Kingston Lopa has earned a spot among the 25 Thorpe Award semifinalists, and wideout Chase Hendricks is tied for second in the ACC with 54 receptions. Quarterback Jaron‑Keawe Sagapolutele recently surpassed 5,000 career passing yards.
Cal’s uphill road to bowl eligibility
NC State, meanwhile, is navigating a coaching change after longtime head coach Dave Doeren was dismissed following a 31‑28 loss at Stanford. Interim coach Todd Goebbel now leads a Wolfpack offense that averages 32.3 points per game under quarterback C.J. Bailey, a 6‑foot‑6 signal‑caller with 53 career passing touchdowns and 13 rushing scores. Bailey’s recent fumble in the end zone contributed to a last‑second comeback loss to Vanderbilt. The Wolfpack’s injury report lists twelve players out, including top rusher Jayden “Duke” Scott and wide receiver Jojo Trader, both of whom have missed the past two outings.
Defensively, NC State has struggled against the pass, surrendering 240 yards per game, 16 passing touchdowns and just three interceptions, while allowing 28.1 points on average. Cal’s aerial attack, highlighted by Hendricks and Sagapolutele’s 5,000‑yard career total, could test that vulnerability. The matchup may therefore hinge on whether the Bears can exploit the Wolfpack’s secondary and whether both teams can protect the ball in a game that could swing conference standings.
Wolfpack under interim coach Todd Goebbel
A victory for Cal would keep the bowl‑eligibility race alive and tighten the ACC race in the middle of the pack, while a win for NC State would give the interim coaching staff a morale boost and help solidify the Wolfpack’s position in the conference. Both teams will look to finish the season strong as the ACC schedule winds down.
Reader questions
When does the Cal vs. NC State game start?
The kickoff is scheduled for 9 a.m. Pacific Time on Saturday, broadcast on the ACC Network.
Which Cal players are questionable for the game?
Running backs Adam Mohammed and Ashten Emory are listed as questionable, along with several other contributors.
What does Cal need to do to stay bowl‑eligible?
The Golden Bears must win three of their last four games to reach the six wins required for bowl eligibility.
Source: mercurynews.com
