Wake Forest vs Cal Preview: The Expectations Game

Wake Forest, currently 5-1 and in second place in the ACC, faces an uphill battle against second-ranked Cal in Berkeley on Saturday night. Head coach Jake Dickert is emphasizing the importance of staying in the moment and maintaining focus, as his team has already become a candidate for the Bobby Dodd Coach of the Year Award. The team's success has shifted the expectations from their initial conference ranking of 13th.

Defensive back Braylon Johnson, feeling the team should be 6-0 after their win at NC State, emphasized that the last six games do not matter. Cal's quarterback situation is unclear, with starter Jaron-Keawe Sagapolutele (JKS) listed as questionable due to a concussion. Backup Jackson Brousseau, who guided the win over Virginia Tech, is the most likely option.

Coach Dickert has known Brousseau since their days at Washington State and is confident in his abilities, expecting him to start as soon as he recovers from the concussion. Cal's aggressive style, including multiple blitzes from various points, keeps defenses off balance. The team is tied for ninth in the country in interceptions.

While the focus remains on the game, Dickert also mentioned that Gabe Kirschke's dad, Travis Kirschke, will be honored at the Rose Bowl as part of the 2026 class of the California High School Football Hall of Fame.