Cal’s fourth quarter struggles

Cal’s offense scored zero points in the fourth quarter of its first three games against FBS opponents.

UCLA game result

Cal was tied with UCLA 24-24 at the end of three quarters but lost 45-24 after the Bruins outscored them 21-0 in the fourth quarter.

Clemson game result

Cal trailed Clemson 18-14 after three quarters and lost 24-10 after the Tigers outscored them 14-0 in the fourth quarter.

Syracuse game result

Cal trailed Syracuse 18-14 after three quarters but won 21-18 after Kingston Lopa’s fourth-quarter pick-six despite only 41 yards of total offense in the fourth quarter.

UNLV game result

Cal scored 15 points in the fourth quarter against UNLV to take a 25-24 lead but lost 39-31 after UNLV scored 15 points.

Ron Rivera’s quote

Cal general manager Ron Rivera said, 'You get to the fourth quarter, you’ve put yourself in position to win, you’ve done some really good things.'

“You get to the fourth quarter, [and] you’ve put yourself in position to win, you’ve done some really good things”

Fourth quarter challenge

Cal’s fourth-quarter challenge will be a bit easier if quarterback Jaron-Keawe Sagapolutele, running back Adam Mohammed, and wide receiver Chase Hendricks play.

Virginia Tech game odds

Virginia Tech (4-1) is favored by 10 points over Cal, making Cal the biggest underdog it has been all season.

ACC defense stats

Virginia Tech ranks third in the ACC in total defense and leads the ACC in sacks with 18.

Cal’s record

Cal is 2-3 (1-3 against FBS teams) because its offense has failed to produce in the fourth quarter.

Pat McCann’s role

Pat McCann took over play-calling duties last week and scored 15 points in the fourth quarter against UNLV.

What happens next

Cal faces Virginia Tech in a game where its fourth-quarter offense must overcome a strong ACC defense.