Some could have predicted that when California faced Florida State at this point in the season, one team would be undefeated and one would still be winless.
But most probably thought the roles would be reversed.
The reality is the Bears are the ones who arrive for their first-ever Atlantic Coast Conference matchup Saturday night in Tallahassee, Fla., with an unblemished record. Meanwhile, the Seminoles (0-3) are off to one of the most disappointing starts in program history.
Cal coach Justin Wilcox has guided the Bears to their first 3-0 start since 2019, which includes a road win at Auburn. But Wilcox said his squad still has some growing up to do heading into what is always a tough road venue.
“We all got to learn how to win,” Wilcox said following last weekend’s 31-10 defeat of San Diego State. “The team has to learn how to win, the program’s got to learn how to win.”
The Bears finished with a season-best 473 yards of offense in that win over the Aztecs. Fernando Mendoza played well, completing 21 of 29 passes for 198 yards and two touchdowns. Nyziah Hunter has four touchdown receptions in three games.
For the Seminoles, the offense has continued to struggle for a team that opened the season ranked in the top 10 and coming off a 13-0 regular season in 2023.
Transfer quarterback DJ Uiagalelei is 56-of-99 passing for 666 yards, one touchdown and two interceptions, and is averaging 6.7 yards per attempt. FSU’s lack of a running game has not helped. The Seminoles rank 133rd of 134 FBS teams, averaging 52 yards rushing per game.
“Looking at DJ, obviously, it’s been a challenging start for everybody. It takes 11,” coach Mike Norvell said this week, coming off a 20-12 loss to Memphis, the team he coached for four years before taking the FSU job.
Uiagalelei threw for 201 yards and an interception against Memphis.
“We all have a job, we all have a responsibility. I think when you look at the game, there were some things that DJ did really well in putting guys in a position and trying to give opportunities,” Norvell said. “But there were also a few times that we had some missed opportunities on his part, in our overall execution.”
–Field Level Media
