James Franklin has rebuilt Virginia Tech around a quarterback who can punish crowded fronts. Ethan Grunkemeyer followed him from Penn State and threw for 434 yards against Pitt, repeatedly answering a defense that smothered Jeffrey Overton Jr. Four turnovers still wrecked a winnable game. California’s first-year coach, Tosh Lupoi, has already reassigned play-calling from Jordan Somerville to Pat McCann after his offense failed to score a touchdown against Clemson. Below is my preview, prediction, and pick for today’s college football game between the California Golden Bears and the Virginia Tech Hokies.
Here’s how I’ll play it. I’ll be pumping out these predictions for individual games all season, with plenty of coverage here on DraftKings Network. Follow my handle @dansby_edits for more betting plays.
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Cal vs. Virginia Tech prediction, preview
Overton ought to find more room against a Cal defense surrendering 5.4 yards per carry across their four FBS games. UCLA and Clemson hurt the Bears with conventional rushing attacks, too. Offensive coordinator Ty Howle should run early, then make Cal decide how much help to bring forward. Grunkemeyer has Luke Reynolds, his former Penn State tight end, working inside and Duke transfer Que’Sean Brown threatening deeper. A safety stepping toward Overton risks a deep completion to Brown.
Tech’s linemen must execute those calls while Franklin shuffles their positions. Starting left tackle Justin Terry is out; Brody Meadows and Lucas Austin remain questionable. AJ Tuitele’s two sacks at UNLV suggest Cal can interrupt the patched protection. And Kingston Lopa, the Oregon transfer responsible for five of Cal’s seven interceptions through five games, remains questionable after a concussion. I expect Cal to end at least one promising possession with a takeaway.
McCann took over during the second half at UNLV, alongside a quarterback change. Colorado State transfer Jackson Brousseau replaced the injured Jaron-Keawe Sagapolutele at UNLV and helped turn a 24–7 deficit into a 25–24 lead. That was a live comeback, although a recovered kickoff supplied a field goal and Cal scored their final touchdown with 28 seconds left. Sagapolutele remains questionable. Cal can coordinate that pairing in familiar surroundings for homecoming. Tech faces a five-hour flight, then a 12:30 p.m. Pacific kickoff—a familiar 3:30 p.m. on their body clock.
Virginia Tech vs. Cal pick, best bet
The tackles still have to block Aycen Stevens and Cortez Harris. Brent Pry’s edge rushers have combined for 10.5 sacks through five games, repeatedly disrupting passing downs. Against four FBS opponents, the Bears have rushed for a meager 2.9 yards per carry. Leading rusher Adam Mohammed remains questionable, while Carter Vargas is out. McCann should spread the field and throw shorter passes to Ian Strong and the tight ends. George Ballance’s absence thins Tech’s linebackers, whose underneath coverage McCann ought to challenge.
Overton’s kickoff returns could shorten fields against Cal’s uneven coverage. I expect the Bears to reach the end zone twice and salvage two shorter field goals. Hurried throws and failed runs should interrupt other promising drives; Cal’s kickers have made only five of nine attempts this season, none from 40 yards or farther. Tech’s rushing opportunities and complementary receivers support four touchdowns, with John Love adding two field goals. I’ll lay the 10.
Best bet: Virginia Tech -10 (-110).
Projected score: Virginia Tech 34, California 20.
Best Bet: Virginia Tech -10 (-110) at Cal
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