GAME RECAP: Backup Brousseau Leads Cal’s Late Rally to Stun Virginia Tech 25–20 on Homecoming

BERKELEY, Calif. — California Memorial Stadium got the Homecoming finish it needed.

The Golden Bears, playing without starting quarterback Jaron-Keawe Sagapolutele (concussion), erased a second-quarter deficit and scored the final touchdown with 18 seconds left to beat Virginia Tech 25–20. Cal improved to 3–3 (2–1 ACC). The Hokies fell to 4–2 (1–2 ACC).

Virginia Tech struck first and built a lead. Ethan Grunkemeyer hit Ayden Greene for a 30-yard touchdown to make it 7–0 early in the second quarter. Cal answered with Ashten Emory’s 5-yard touchdown run to tie it at 7–7. The Hokies responded with Marcellous Hawkins Jr.’s 3-yard touchdown run and took a 14–7 lead. Towns McGough’s 35-yard field goal as the half expired cut it to 14–10.

McGough’s 22-yard field goal in the third quarter made it 14–13. Cal took the lead in the fourth when Jackson Brousseau, making his first start as a Golden Bear, found Carson Perry-Smith for a 3-yard touchdown. The two-point try failed and Cal led 19–14.

Virginia Tech answered. Grunkemeyer scored from a yard out to put the Hokies back in front 20–19 after another failed two-point conversion. Cal still had time. The Bears drove 73 yards in six plays and Emory scored from two yards out with 18 seconds remaining. The two-point attempt failed, but the 25–20 lead held.

Brousseau was efficient in relief and avoided turnovers. Emory scored twice on the ground, including the game-winner. Virginia Tech’s high-powered offense was held in check after the second quarter until the late score. Cal did not turn the ball over and made the final stop.

Player of the Game: Ashten Emory. Two rushing touchdowns, including the game-winning score with 18 seconds left on Homecoming.