#rushing-offense

#rushing-offense

Cal storylines: The Bears face their second straight AP Top 25 opponent, having lost 31-21 to then-No. 15 Virginia last week at home . . . Cal has dropped 14 consecutive games to Top 25 opponents, dating back to a 21-17 home victory over No. 21 Oregon in the COVID-shortened 2020 season . . . A loser in back-to-back games for the first time this season, Cal needs one victory in its final three games to secure bowl eligibility . . .

The season may be only three games old, but signs of second-year growth from New England Patriots quarterback Drake Maye are flashing right before our eyes. Even though Maye and the Patriots have lost two of their first three games, they've outplayed their opponents in all three games, with turnovers and penalties the prime factors in the losses to Las Vegas and Pittsburgh.

After opening the season with losses at Hawaii and BYU, Stanford shocked Boston College at Stanford Stadium, shutting the Eagles out in the second half and converting three turnovers into 21 points to give interim coach Frank Reich his first collegiate win. A Cardinal defense allowing its fewest rushing yards per game since 2013 and recording nine sacks will now face a Virginia offense that is eighth in the country in rushing yards (266.7) and hasn't allowed a sack.