Pregame:

Kickoff it at 10:30 p.m. So it'll be a late one for us to hang out for -- and we'll have observations and updates here. 

If you're watching on the East Coast, what methods are you using to stay up for this game?

First Quarter:

10:41 p.m. — As expected, Gio Lopez returns at QB and gets the start. However, the Tar Heels fumble the ball on the first play from scrimmage. You can't make this up.

10:49 p.m. — Cal cashes in the turnover for a touchdown. Just cruising on the ground. Jaron-Keawe Sagapolutele (may or may not have googled the spelling of this) takes it in for a touchdown.

11:02 p.m. — Bill decides to punt on 4th and 1 — and it actually pays off. Punt pins Cal inside the 10, the defense forces a quick kick to get tremendous field position. However, three drives in, UNC still doesn't have a first down (and, of course, has the costly turnover).

11:12 p.m.  — This might be the first time I remember the ACC Replay Center folks clearly thinking a play should be overturned, but having to keep the original call because they couldn't find a sufficient replay. What a creative way for UNC to get a first down for the first time. 

11:15 p.m. — After a fortunate overturned replay, Benjamin Hall runs it in for six. UNC ties it up. Game on.

11:22 p.m. — Does Sagapolutele only throw fastballs? Because he's missed two first-down conversions already just because he's put too much mustard on them.

11:27 p.m. — Well, that was easy. Cal matches UNC's touchdown drive — and bizarre formation — with a score and a weird formation of their own.

11:32 p.m. — This game kicked off at 10:40 p.m. ET. The first quarter ends at 11:32 p.m. Let's please not have three more 52-minute quarters.

Second Quarter:

11:49 p.m. — Benjamin Hall is already over 50 yards and we're just five minutes into the second quarter tonight. Like Demon June, he's an underclassman back.

11:54 p.m. — Bad news: UNC is 0 for 5 on third down tonight. Good news: They did convert on fourth down with Gio Lopez keeping his eyes downfield. Tar Heels settle for three to draw within four, 14-10.

12:10 a.m. — UNC converts its first third down on the first play after the two-minute warning. Lopez's mobility is what separates him from Max Johnson. 

12:22 a.m. — Once Cal's offense gets figured out, it struggles to adjust. Against Duke two weeks ago, the Bears led 21-7 early in the second quarter and didn't score again. After scoring 14 points in the first quarter tonight, UNC's defense has bowed up. Tar Heels still go into halftime trailing 14-10.

Third Quarter:

12:42 a.m. — The second half has begun. I've got a He's Not cup full of chocolate milk and a bag of classic Lays potato chips to get through the night.

12:54 a.m. — Not an ideal start for UNC. Cal takes the ball out of halftime and marches down the field. The drive included a fourth-and-1 conversion on its own side of the field. Cal also drew a defensive pass interference in the end-zone on a third-down fade. 

1:06 a.m. — Sagapolutele has started the second half 8-of-9 passing and already had 35 attempts on the game. We're not even in the fourth quarter yet either. Cal is moving after converting on a third down deep in its own territory. UNC really, really needs a stop.

1:19 a.m. — After a chunk play to Jordan Shipp was overturned, Lopez threw a jump ball into coverage — down the sideline — and Kobe Paysour somehow came down with the ball on third down. What a play.

Fourth Quarter:

1:34 a.m. — UNC caught a break with an unsportsmanlike call being whistled on Cal — for celebrating a sack of Lopez — and it took advantage by handing the ball to Davion Gause. First, he sprinted through a large hole to plunge UNC into the red-zone and then he scored a touchdown on third down and goal. The two-point conversion is good. Cal's lead is down to three, 21-18.

1:38 a.m. — UNC just announced linebacker Khmori House is out for the rest of the game with an illness.

1:44 a.m. — The Tar Heels forced a three and out defensively. On third down, they knocked Sagapolutele out of the game with a crunching hit on the sideline. UNC is getting the ball down just three points.

1:58 a.m. — Oh my. Nathan Leacock was about to walk into the end-zone for a go-ahead touchdown. However, he lost possession before he crossed the goal line. It's a fumble that Cal recovered in the end zone.

2:16 a.m. — Cal wins 21-18. Recap coming shortly.