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  • Cal Set For A Ranked ACC Showdown As No. 21 Wake Forest Makes Its First Visit To Berkeley

Cal Set For A Ranked ACC Showdown As No. 21 Wake Forest Makes Its First Visit To Berkeley

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Football

BCSNN — California returns home for one of its most anticipated games of the season Saturday night, hosting No. 21 Wake Forest at Databricks Field at California Memorial Stadium in the first-ever meeting between the programs in Berkeley.

The Bears (3–3, 2–1 ACC) enter the matchup fresh off a gritty 25–20 win over Virginia Tech, while the Demon Deacons (5–1, 3–1 ACC) arrive with momentum and national ranking in hand. Kickoff is set for 7:30 p.m. PT on ESPN2.

The matchup carries added intrigue after Cal’s breakthrough win in Winston‑Salem last season, a 46–36 victory that marked the Bears’ first ACC win as new members of the conference. That game featured three Cal interceptions — including a game‑clinching pick by linebacker Liam Johnson — and a then‑career‑high 385 passing yards from future first‑round NFL Draft pick Fernando Mendoza. Cal’s defense also produced turnovers from Craig Woodson and Nohl Williams, both of whom went on to NFL careers.

Cal enters Saturday with confidence and momentum after last week’s win over Virginia Tech, a result that echoed one of the most iconic scores in program history. The 25–20 final marked just the second time Cal has ever won by that exact margin, the other being the 1982 Big Game — remembered forever for The Play. The Bears will also celebrate their “Grateful Bears” theme night, honoring the Grateful Dead’s 29 performances at the Greek Theatre.

On the field, Cal’s statistical profile suggests a team rounding into form at midseason. The Bears boast one of the nation’s most efficient red‑zone units, ranking first in the ACC in red‑zone defense (0.714) and second in the ACC in red‑zone offense (0.952). Their passing offense ranks fourth in the ACC at 304.3 yards per game, while the defense sits third in team passing efficiency defense and fifth in passing yards allowed.

Turnovers have been a defining strength. Cal leads the ACC and ranks sixth nationally with seven interceptions, including five from breakout defensive back Kingston Lopa. Isaiah Crosby and Aiden Manutai have added picks of their own, and the Bears have scored two defensive touchdowns, tying for the ACC lead. In total, Cal has gained nine turnovers, also tops in the conference.

Quarterback Jackson Brousseau continues to settle into the starting role. In his first start last week, he completed 29 of 43 passes for 321 yards and a touchdown, earning Manning Star of the Week honors. Brousseau has completed 63.7 percent of his passes this season without throwing an interception, and his second‑half performance at UNLV — including a 53‑yard touchdown to Carson Perry‑Smith — showcased his growing command of the offense.

Cal’s receiving corps remains one of the ACC’s most productive. Veteran Ian Strong surpassed 2,000 career receiving yards last week and leads the Bears with 396 yards this season. Chase Hendricks ranks sixth in the ACC in receptions per game (6.5) and has 39 catches for 361 yards, while Perry‑Smith has emerged as a dynamic walk‑on success story with two touchdowns in the last two games.

Defensively, Cal’s front has surged in recent weeks. Jericho Johnson posted a 73.1 PFF grade against Virginia Tech and recorded a sack and two tackles for loss. Solomon Williams added his second sack of the season, and true freshman JD McKinley continued his strong debut campaign with a sack and two quarterback hurries. The Bears’ secondary remains steady, with Crosby and Daniel Harris each logging eight tackles last week.

Cal’s offensive line also turned in its best performance of the season, allowing just one sack and earning an 82.6 pass‑protection grade, its highest of the year. Left tackle Frederick Williams III led the unit with a 75.2 overall grade as the Bears produced 403 yards of offense and averaged 5.8 yards per play.

Saturday’s matchup marks a pivotal moment in Cal’s ACC season. A win over a ranked opponent would push the Bears above .500 and strengthen their position in the conference race, while Wake Forest seeks to maintain its national ranking and build on a strong start.

The game will be broadcast on ESPN2, with radio coverage available on 810 AM, SiriusXM channels 174 or 234, and Cal’s Spanish‑language YouTube stream.