Cal faces critical test against No. 22 Pitt in Week 7

Had the targeting foul been called, Cal would likely have been able to close out the game. Instead, the Cal had to punt the ball. Then, more officiating controversy ensued.

As observed by Chris Vannini, senior writer for The Athletic, two Hurricanes offensive linemen were illegally downfield at the time of Cam Ward's game-winning touchdown pass to tight end Elijah Arroyo with 26 seconds remaining in the game. Although the Miami penalty (for ineligible receivers downfield) is clearly depicted, the referees failed to flag the Hurricanes.

In preparing to take on the Pitt, the Golden Bears face the onerous task of shrugging off the demoralizing, frustrating loss to the Hurricanes. While Cal is facing a ranked opponent for the second consecutive week, Pitt is an unknown quantity, having yet to face elite competition this year.

Outscoring opponents by an average margin of 45.6 to 25.2, the Panthers are led by redshirt freshman QB Eli Holstein, who has thrown for 1,567 yards and 15 touchdowns in Pitt's five games. Holstein has spread the ball around to a bevy of wide receivers, four of whom already have over 200 receiving yards.

After an excellent performance last week against North Carolina, Holstein was named a "Great 8" Davey O'Brien Quarterback of the Week.

Holstein will need to be wary of ball-hawking Cal defensive back Nohl Williams, the nation's interception leader with five.

The clash between the Golden Bears and Panthers is a critical one in the Atlantic Coast Conference. Cal is 3-2 overall and 0-2 in the ACC, searching for its first-ever win in the conference. Pitt is looking to move to 6-0 overall and 2-0 in the conference.

Pitt is favored by 2.5 points at home against Cal.