College Football Game of the Week: No. 8 Miami vs. California

For the first time ever, ESPN's College Football Gameday is heading to Berkeley, signaling just how high the stakes are for this week’s showdown.

Game preview:

It is undoubtedly very bizarre that in 2024, California and Miami are both a part of the Atlantic Coastal Conference. However, that is the case, as the Golden Bears are set to host the Hurricanes for their ACC home opener.

Miami comes into this matchup undefeated and ranked No. 8, their highest spot since climbing to No. 7 in 2020—and deservedly so. As they have proven they’re one of the country’s best teams through a dominant first month of the season.

The Hurricanes sat at 4-0 and had yet to be truly tested until their ACC opener last week against Virginia Tech. Miami trailed for the first time this season late in the fourth quarter, but quarterback Cam Ward led them on a 10-play, nearly six-minute, game-winning touchdown drive with just under two minutes left to play.

Ward is a legitimate Heisman Trophy candidate and a potential future first-round draft pick. Through five games, he has racked up nearly 2,000 total yards, 20 touchdowns and three ACC Quarterback of the Week awards.

Ward is the clear driving force behind Miami currently boasting the number-one passing offense in the nation, averaging about 395 yards per game. The U also leads the nation in scoring with 247 points and has racked up the second-highest total yardage, trailing only Ole Miss.

California is certainly going to have a difficult time shutting down Ward and the Hurricanes' passing attack, but they might just have the right pieces to do so. Sitting at 3-1, Cal has excelled at shutting down the passing game of every opponent they've faced.

Even in last week's loss, California outgained Florida State and held former five-star quarterback, DJ Uiagalelei, to just 177 yards and an interception.

Cal defensive backs Nohl Williams and Marcus Harris have been utterly dominant in their team’s first four games, contributing to six of the school’s nation-leading 10 interceptions. They are also massive factors as to why the Golden Bears have not let up more than 14 points in each of the first four games for the first time since 1979.

All eyes will be on whether Cal’s stout defense can slow down Miami’s high-flying attack in what could be a defining moment for both programs this season.

Game prediction:

This game has absolute trap written all over it. While this is not a gambling segment, the Hurricanes did open up as two-touchdown favorites over the Golden Bears. That line has since dropped to 10.5.

Cal has had two weeks to prepare for the best offense in the nation, all while sporting a very competitive defensive unit. Hosting College GameDay for the first time, against a conference rival from across the country whom you haven't faced since 2008, feels too significant of a moment for a letdown performance.

In a gritty, low-scoring affair, the California Golden Bears will keep pace, but the Miami Hurricanes will ultimately secure a narrow victory. Final Score Prediction: 21-17 Miami.

Joseph Granton is a fourth-year majoring in broadcast journalism, to contact him please email jlg6619@psu.edu.