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California (5-2) at Virginia Tech (2-5)
- When: Oct 24 2025, 7:30 PM
- Where: Lane Stadium, Blacksburg, VA
- Where to watch: ESPN
California vs Virginia Tech Preview & Prediction
Spread: Virginia Tech -6.0
Moneyline: Virginia Tech (-240)
Total: 51.0
California Golden Bears Betting Outlook
The Golden Bears roll into Blacksburg looking to punch their bowl ticket and stay in the ACC title conversation. Cal enters at 5-2 overall, fresh off a narrow 21-18 win over North Carolina, a game that showed this team can grind out victories even when the offense sputters.
Freshman quarterback Jaron-Keawe Sagapolutele continues to be one of the biggest surprises in the ACC. The young lefty already has 1,696 passing yards and 10 touchdowns, making him one of the most productive passers in the conference despite his limited experience. Cal’s decision to hand the offense to a true freshman looks brilliant so far, and the kid’s poise under pressure has given the Bears a much-needed spark.
Tight end Mason Mini and wideout Jeremiah Hunter have become Sagapolutele’s safety valves, helping Cal sustain drives even when the running game stalls. Defensively, the Bears have shown flashes of physicality but still allow too many big plays through the air, an issue that could be tested against Virginia Tech’s dual-threat quarterback.
The Bears understand what’s at stake, one more win means bowl eligibility and momentum toward a potential ACC title chase few saw coming. But to pull off a road win in Blacksburg, they’ll need cleaner execution and a quick start in what’s likely to be a hostile Friday night atmosphere.
Virginia Tech Hokies Betting Outlook
The Hokies may be 2-5, but they’ve played better than their record suggests at least in stretches. Quarterback Kyron Drones has been the bright spot, combining mobility with efficiency. He’s thrown 11 touchdowns to just seven interceptions while adding over 300 yards on the ground, including an 83-yard rushing performance in the loss to Georgia Tech.
Virginia Tech’s offense has started to find rhythm under Drones, who brings an element of unpredictability that Cal’s defense must respect. The problem lies on the other side of the ball, the Hokies have been too generous defensively, particularly against mobile quarterbacks and deep passing attacks.
That said, head coach Brent Pry’s squad thrives in these underdog, night-game scenarios at Lane Stadium. The crowd will be loud, the energy will be high, and the Hokies’ defense tends to feed off that intensity.
Center Kyle Altuner summed it up best: “You dream of playing under the lights.” Now the Hokies have a chance to turn that dream into a statement win against one of the ACC’s surprise contenders.
Final Score Prediction & Betting Outlook
Cal’s freshman QB has been sharp, but facing a night game in Blacksburg is a completely different challenge. Virginia Tech’s defense may not be elite, but it can make life uncomfortable for a first-year signal caller on the road. Expect a physical battle with a few turnovers swinging the game late.
Final Score: Virginia Tech 27, California 20
Lean: Virginia Tech -6.0
Total: Under 51.0
- NCAA Football Odds source: Bovada Sportsbook
- Get real-time live scores & latest betting odds here!
