# Cal Hopes New Offense Cures Fourth-Quarter Blues

> Cal’s new offense aims to end fourth-quarter struggles after three losses.
- Title: Cal Hopes New Offense Cures Fourth-Quarter Blues | Shortify
- Summary: Cal’s new offense aims to end fourth-quarter struggles after three losses.
- Keywords: cal, california golden bears, cal offense, fourth quarter, pat mccann, unlv, virginia tech, fbs, acc, sacks, total defense, quarterback
- Source: California Golden Bears On SI — https://si.com/college/cal/football/cal-hopes-new-offense-cures-bears-fourth-quarter-blues-01m4e68m4jm7
- Published: 2026-10-08T21:39:43+00:00
- Read time: 2 min
- Topics: cal, california golden bears, cal offense, fourth quarter, pat mccann, unlv, virginia tech, fbs, acc, sacks, total defense, quarterback
## 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.
## Key takeaway

Cal’s new offense aims to end fourth-quarter struggles after three losses.