Lopa's Three Picks Rescue Cal Against Syracuse
Cal safety Kingston Lopa intercepted three passes, including a pick-six, to lead the Bears to a 21-18 victory over Syracuse. The Cal offense struggled, totaling just 249 yards, but Lopa's timely plays secured the win. It was Cal's first three-interception game since 2018.
Lopa’s performance marked a rare defensive feat for Cal, as the program had not seen a three-interception game since the 2018 Cheez-It Bowl. His first pick halted a Syracuse drive inside the red zone and set up a go-ahead touchdown, while his second, a 24-yard return for a score, proved to be the decisive margin. The third interception, with under a minute remaining, extinguished Syracuse’s final comeback attempt.
The Bears’ offense struggled significantly, producing season-low totals in passing (182 yards) and rushing (67 yards), while Syracuse outgained Cal by nearly 200 yards. Lopa, a transfer from Oregon who recorded no interceptions last season, now leads the nation with four picks after adding one in the opener against UCLA.
This victory may boost Cal’s early-season confidence in ACC play, demonstrating how a single defensive standout can decisively alter a game’s outcome. Lopa’s heroics could elevate his national profile and draft stock, while also masking deeper offensive concerns for the Bears. For Syracuse, the loss underscores the high cost of turnovers, potentially affecting their conference standing. Fans and analysts may view this as a reminder of the unpredictable, game-changing impact of defensive play in college football.