BLACKSBURG, Va. – The California football team forced overtime with a touchdown late in the fourth quarter but ultimately fell 42-34 at Virginia Tech on Friday evening.

Running back Kendrick Raphael scored the last of his career-high three rushing touchdowns with 2:34 to play to tie the game at 27-27 before both teams missed field goal attempts in the waning moments of regulation. The Bears and Hokies exchanged touchdowns in the first overtime before Virginia Tech came up with the winning score.

"Football is a game for tough people, and you have to be tough the entire game," Travers Family Head Football Coach Justin Wilcox said. "That's physically, mentally and emotionally. Having the ability to stay focused throughout the game is what we need to do."

Cal quarterback Jaron-Keawe Sagapolutele was 24-for-39 for 285 yards and a touchdown while inside linebacker Cade Uluave had a career-high 19 tackles, including two sacks. Wide receiver Jacob De Jesus caught eight passes for 85 yards.

The Hokies struck first with 10 quick points to begin the game but the Bears (5-3, 2-2 ACC) answered quickly on a 38-yard field goal by Chase Meyer and a 1-yard scoring run by Raphael. Another Meyer field goal and Raphael touchdown run gave the Bears a 20-10 lead at halftime.

Virginia Tech began the second half with 17 unanswered points before Raphael's equalizer.

Cal scored a touchdown on the first play of the first overtime when Sagapolutele connected with tight end Mason Mini over the middle for a 25-yard score.

"There is still a lot of season left," De Jesus said. "We are going to go back to the drawing board and really work on our discipline this week, and be tougher as a team. We're still really motivated and want to win."

The Bears return home on Nov. 1 to host Virginia at California Memorial Stadium. Kickoff time and television details will be announced Sunday.