The Gryphon Gazette

By Sawyer G. ‘26

On Saturday, October 5th, the much-anticipated College Football Gameday took center stage at Cal Berkeley as the Golden Bears faced off against the Miami Hurricanes. With the nation’s attention locked in, and fans buzzing over the “Woke vs. Coke” narrative, this game promised not just football, but a cultural moment where DEI (Diversity, Equity, Inclusion) clashed symbolically with DUI (Drink, Unruly, Irreverent).

Accompanied by my friend Ben M. ‘26, we arrived early to soak in the electric atmosphere. From the Cal student body to Miami’s traveling faithful, the excitement was palpable. The Gameday signs, “Woke vs. Coke”, symbolized more than just college football rivalry; they embodied the growing tension between different cultural approaches to college life and sports fandom.

The First Half: Cal in Command

The game kicked off with Cal on fire. From the very first drive, the Golden Bears’ offense clicked. Their defense stood tall, forcing Miami into three-and-outs and turnovers that stunted any chance of early rhythm. Fans roared as Cal surged to an early lead, their quick passes and solid ground game keeping Miami at bay.

Cam Ward, Miami’s Heisman hopeful, struggled in the opening stages. Cal’s defensive line found ways to disrupt his rhythm, pressuring him into bad throws and forcing punts. By halftime, the Bears had the Hurricanes pinned, holding a double-digit lead that had everyone thinking upset.

The Second Half: Cam Ward’s Heisman Moment

But football is a game of two halves, and Miami was far from finished. In the third quarter, Ward reminded everyone why his name has been thrown around as a serious Heisman contender. His mobility and arm strength started to shine through, picking apart Cal’s defense with deep balls and quick, decisive runs. You could feel the tide turning in real-time—the Cal faithful watching in disbelief as momentum swung to the Hurricanes.

By the fourth quarter, the comeback was inevitable. Miami tied the game on a Ward touchdown pass before sealing the deal with a game-winning drive in the final minutes. The Golden Bears were left stunned, their early dominance erased by a second-half collapse and a stellar performance from Ward, who undoubtedly boosted his Heisman candidacy with the win.

Gameday Atmosphere: More than Just Football

Aside from the game, the College Football Gameday experience was equally captivating. The tension between the so-called “Woke vs. Coke” fanbase rivalry played out as expected. Cal’s progressive culture stood in stark contrast to Miami’s more rebellious, party-centric fan culture, a clear reflection of the “DEI vs. DUI” narratives we hear so much about. Throughout the stadium, you could hear fans debating these themes, whether in good spirit or friendly rivalry.

It was clear that this game represented more than just a sporting event—it was a reflection of the broader cultural tensions in college sports. College Football Gameday delivered on its promise of high-stakes drama, both on the field and in the stands.

In the end, while Cal’s collapse may leave fans disappointed, the experience as a whole, from the game itself to the clash of cultures, made this one for the books.