Cal Edges Syracuse Behind Lopa's Three Interceptions
Safety Kingston Lopa intercepted three passes, including a pick-six in the fourth quarter, to lift Cal to a 21-18 win. The Bears rallied from a 12-0 deficit. Lopa's final interception with 54 seconds left sealed the victory.
Kingston Lopa's three interceptions were the decisive factor, as he recorded his second, third, and fourth picks of the season. His 24-yard return for a touchdown in the fourth quarter flipped the lead, and his final interception with under a minute left ended Syracuse's comeback bid. Cal had trailed by 12 points in the second quarter.
The game featured several momentum swings, including a Syracuse fake punt that extended a scoring drive and a missed 31-yard field goal by Syracuse that bounced off the upright. Cal also missed a 46-yard attempt. Both teams entered with 1-1 records, and this was their first ACC conference game of the season.
This result could have a modest impact on the ACC standings, as both teams are new to the conference. A win for Cal may boost its early-season confidence and recruiting appeal, while Syracuse's narrow loss could affect its bowl prospects. For fans, such a dramatic finish may heighten engagement with the sport, but the broader societal impact is limited to the college sports community.