Cal defeats Syracuse 21-18 behind Kingston Lopa's three interceptions

Cal opened ACC play with a narrow 21-18 road win over Syracuse on September 12, giving Tosh Lupoi his first victory. Kingston Lopa's three interceptions, including a pick-six, drove the result, but drive-based analysis found Cal's offense historically poor and inconsistent; bend-but-don't-break defense, special teams and Syracuse miscues preserved the win.