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James Franklin Admits Major Virginia Tech “Challenge” Still Unresolved After Week 5 Loss

Virginia Tech head coach James Franklin is grappling with an unexpected hurdle ahead of his team’s upcoming matchup with California, one that extends beyond the Golden Bears’ offensive scheme. The Hokies’ Week 5 loss to the Rebels—where Cal fell 39-31—left Franklin and his staff puzzled by the inconsistency in California’s offensive play-calling.

During a recent press conference, Franklin admitted uncertainty over whether offensive coordinator Jordan Somerville was actively directing the offense, noting that the game’s offensive structure blended elements reminiscent of former coaches Nick Rolovich and Pat McCann. The ambiguity has complicated Virginia Tech’s scouting efforts, forcing Franklin to rely on film study and reports to piece together an opponent they can’t clearly identify.

The challenge is compounded by California’s quarterback situation, which remains fluid after Jaron-Keawe Sagapolutele suffered an injury in the Hokies’ Week 6 loss to UNLV. Though cleared to return, Sagapolutele was held out of the Rebels’ game, leaving Franklin’s defense preparing for an opponent with multiple potential starters at the position.

Despite the uncertainty, Franklin has praised Cal’s quarterback prospects, highlighting their accuracy and mobility as standout traits. With Week 6 looming, the Hokies must navigate both the offensive coordinator conundrum and the quarterback question to avoid another costly misstep.

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