Cal-FSU Game Thread: Golden Bears Finally Make Their ACC Debut

Cal brings a 3-0 record into the matchup vs. a Seminoles squad that was 13-1 last season but has lost its first three games

Cal linebacker Cade Uluave / Darren Yamashita-Imagn Images

Cal tries to stay unbeaten when it makes it ACC debut tonight at Florida State.

The Bears (3-0) and Seminoles (0-3) kick off at 4 p.m. on ESPN2.

PLAYER AVAILABILITY: Not sure who will be on the field as the game starts, but on Cal's pregame radio show RB Jaydn Ott, OLB David Reese and NB Matthew Littlejohn were announed as starters. All three sat out last week's wn over San Diego State.

Not mentioned were OG Sioape Vatikani or C Will McDonald, but that does not mean they won't be playng. An update on the pregame show suggested both will play, but DL Ricky Correia and Littlejohn were listed as out.

COIN TOSS: Cal won the toss and deferred. Bears are kicking off.

10:43 1st Qtr: Each team forced to punt on first possession, although Cal did get one first down before doing so. The Bears did have Ott in the starting lineup and OG Vatikani and C McDonald both were on the field as well. Cal 0, FSU 0.

7:47 1st Q: The Seminoles have the lead at home for the first time in three games this season after an eight-play, 60-yard scoring drive capped by Lawrance Toafili's 2-yard TD plunge. FSU's offensive line took charge and DJ Uiagalelei was 3 for 3 for 21 yards. FSU 7, Cal 0

END OF FIRST QUARTER: It's been all FSU so far. The Seminoles hold a total yardage edge of 124 to 37, includng 66-0 in rushing yards and 58-37 through the air. FSU has 7 first downs to 2 for the Bears. FSU averaging 6.5 yards per snap compared to 3.7 for Cal. Mendoza is 4-for-4 for 37 yards while Ott rushed 3 times for 11 yards. FSU 7, Cal 0.

12:52 2nd Q: Safety Miles Williams collects Cal's 10th pass interception of the year, interrupting a FSU drive that had reached the 11-yard. A holding penalty pushed the Seminoles back to the Cal 21 and two plays late, on third-and-15 from the 18, Williams stepped in front of the receiver, picked off the pass and returned it 14 yards to the 25. FSU 7, Cal 0

10:10 2nd Q: Cal takes advantage of Williams' interception, with Ryan Coe kicking a 25-yard field goal to cap a six-play, 68-yard drive. The big plays were Mendoza's 46-yard completion to Mikey Matthews and a 15-yarder to Mason Starling. FSU 7, Cal 3.

3:52 2nd Q: Cal just punted and Lachlan Wilson booted a 48-yard that sends the Seminoles back to their own 16-yard line. Four plays earlier, Mendoza completed a 27-yard pass to Josiah Martin on a third-and-11 play from the Cal 1-yard line. The Bears could not sustain the possession but got out of deep trouble and flipped the field. FSU 7, Cal 3.

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Some pre-game reading material: 

— Our comprehensive game preview

— Our weekly ACC game picks

— Seven of eight writers with FSU Seminoles on SI actually pick Cal

— Cal’s players and coaches won’t take winless FSU lightly

— An FSU beat writer answers our 5 Quesstions about the Seminoles

— Transfer tight end Corey Dyches brings the Bears versatility

— Newcomer Aidan Keanaaina helping to strength Bears’ D-line

— The bowl experts are liking Cal right now