A very close game ends with California defeating Virginia Tech in Saturday’s matchup at California Memorial Stadium. The Golden Bears won 25-20 after scoring a late touchdown in the fourth quarter. Virginia Tech built an early lead behind quarterback Ethan Grunkemeyer and the rushing attack. Cal fought back and took control of the game late. The Hokies regained the lead with over a minute left, but Cal scored the game-winning touchdown on a pass caught by Ashten Emory with 18 seconds remaining.
Photo Cred: Yahoo Sports
The Hokies had a chance to respond, driving to Cal’s seven-yard line in just 18 seconds. Grunkemeyer’s pass eventually fell incomplete in the end zone, and the Golden Bears held on to win the game. Virginia Tech started the game by scoring in the second quarter when Ayden Greene caught a 30-yard touchdown pass. Cal responded with a five-yard rushing touchdown by Emory to tie the game at 7-7.
The Hokies regained the lead when Marcellous Hawkins Jr. scored a three-yard touchdown. This capped off a 75-yard drive and gave the lead back to the Hokies. Cal cut into the deficit before halftime when kicker Towns McGough made a 35-yard field goal, leaving Cal trailing by one at halftime. Both teams started to struggle in the third quarter.
McGough scored another field goal from 22 yards. Cal went into the fourth quarter trailing by one point. With four minutes remaining, Cal took its first lead of the game. Backup quarterback Jackson Brousseau threw a three-yard touchdown pass to Carson Perry-Smith. The Golden Bears failed to convert the two-point conversion but still held a 19-14 lead. Virginia Tech responded quickly, scoring on a nine-play drive.
Photo Cred: Yahoo Sports
Grunkemeyer scored on a one-yard rushing touchdown, giving Virginia Tech the lead. Cal then marched down the field and scored the game-winning touchdown. Grunkemeyer finished the game completing 21 of 31 passes for 288 yards and a touchdown while also scoring a rushing touchdown. Brousseau threw for 321 yards and a touchdown on 29-of-43 passing. Virginia Tech finished the game with 401 total yards, while Cal finished with 403. They will look to get back into the win column against Georgia Tech on Oct. 17.
