Previewing NC State’s Opponent: Cal

NC State will play California in football for the first time in the history of the program at 3:30 today on the ACC Network. Before they hit the field, here’s a preview of the Golden Bears.

Cal started the season 3-0, defeating UC Davis (31-13), Auburn (21-14) and San Diego St. (31-10). Since then, they are on a 3-game skid, losing to FSU (9-14), Miami (38-39) and Pitt (15-17). They have lost 3 games by a total of 8 points combined. This is a team that is very close to being 6-0, with 2 Top-25 wins.

The Hurricanes were ranked 14th when they played, and are now ranked 6th. The Panthers were ranked 22nd when they played, and are now ranked 20th.

Redshirt Sophomore Quarterback Fernando Mendoza has thrown for 1,449 yards, while completing 66.5% of his passes. He has thrown for 8 touchdowns and 3 interceptions, with a passing efficiency rating of 144.6.

Sophomore Running Back Jaivian Thomas is averaging 5.8 yards per carry (359 yards) and has rushed for 2 touchdowns. Junior Jadyn Ott has 3 rushing touchdowns.

Redshirt Sophomore Tight End Jack Endries leads the Golden Bears with 19 receptions and 265 yards. He also has 2 touchdown receptions. Redshirt Freshman Nyziah Hunter leads the team with 4 touchdown receptions. He also has 17 receptions for 200 yards.

Cal’s offense isn’t their strength, ranking 12th in the ACC in Total Offense (366.8 yards). For perspective, NC State ranks 14th (351.9 yards). Their strength is their defense, which ranks 4th in the ACC in Total Defense (333.7 yards).

Senior Inside Linebacker Teddye Buchanan leads the Golden Bears with 56 tackles, and Sophomore Inside Linebacker Cade Uluave is right behind him with 55 tackles. Buchanan also is tied for the team with 6 tackles for loss, and ranks 2nd with 4 sacks.

Senior Outside Linebacker Xavier Carlton ranks 1st on the team with 4.5 sacks, and is tied for the team lead with 6 tackles for loss.

Senior Cornerback Nohl Williams leads the nation with 6 interceptions.

Top-5 Highest Graded Offensive Players According to PFF

TE Jack Endries – 74.1

RB Jaivian Thomas – 73.9

RB Jadyn Ott – 73.7

QB Fernando Mendoza – 73.4

WR Nyziah Hunter – 70.7

Top-5 Highest Graded Defensive Players According to PFF

Redshirt Senior S Craig Woodson – 84.8

Redshirt Senior CB Marcus Harris – 76.8

Sophomore OLB McCulloch – 76.5

Redshirt Junior DE Ryan Keanaaina – 76.0

Senior ILB Teddye Buchanan – 72.0