October 19th 2024.
The University of California, Berkeley was buzzing with excitement as the Cal football team prepared to take on North Carolina State in their first Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) game. The Bears were determined to secure their first conference victory and had high hopes for their new kicker, freshman Derek Morris.
However, things didn't go as planned on Saturday afternoon at Memorial Stadium. In a heartbreaking turn of events, the Bears suffered a 24-23 loss in front of over 35,000 fans. This marked their fourth consecutive defeat in the ACC, leaving them with a combined margin of just nine points.
Despite starting the season with three straight wins, Cal had struggled in their recent games. But they were determined to turn things around and were off to a strong start against NC State. After scoring two touchdowns in the third quarter, they had a comfortable 23-10 lead. However, the Wolfpack had other plans and staged a comeback, reminiscent of their game against Miami a few weeks ago.
With just over a minute left on the clock, Cal had a chance to seal the win with a field goal. Morris, who had been brought in to replace the struggling senior kicker Ryan Coe, had already made three field goals throughout the game. But this time, he missed the 28-yard attempt, and NC State held on to their lead.
The Bears had been in control for most of the game, with standout performances from players like Jaivian Thomas, who scored two touchdowns, and Fernando Mendoza, who completed five passes for 56 yards. But the Wolfpack's strong offensive plays in the fourth quarter, including a 41-yard touchdown pass, proved to be too much for Cal to handle.
Despite the loss, the Bears showed great determination and resilience throughout the game. They had a strong start, with Thomas scoring a 49-yard touchdown just over a minute into the game. And Morris had also made two field goals in the first half, giving Cal a 13-10 lead at halftime.
But the Wolfpack, who were playing a game on the West Coast for the first time in over 60 years, fought hard and kept the game close. They were able to capitalize on a fumble by the Bears and take the lead in the second quarter. Although Cal regained the lead with another touchdown, they were unable to maintain it in the final minutes of the game.
Despite the disappointment of the loss, the Bears showed a lot of potential and determination in their game against NC State. They will have to regroup and learn from their mistakes as they continue their journey in the ACC. As for Morris, he will have to bounce back from this missed opportunity and continue to work on his kicking skills. But one thing is for sure, the Bears will not give up and will continue to fight for that coveted conference victory.
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