Virginia vs Cal: Cavaliers seek a bowl path against the Golden Bears

CHARLOTTESVILLE, Va. -- The Virginia vs Cal game on Saturday matches two teams trying to end three-game losing streaks. Kickoff at Scott Stadium is 3:30 p.m. on ACC Network. Read more: Virginia vs Cal: Cavaliers seek a bowl path Saturday

Virginia is 4-5 overall and 2-4 in the ACC, according to VirginiaSports.com. Cal is 3-6 and 2-4. The Cavaliers need two wins in their last three regular-season games to become bowl eligible, SI reported. North Carolina and Virginia Tech follow.

Related: Georgia reclaims No. 1 spot in latest CFP rankings

Where Virginia stands

Virginia has lost four of its last five games after a 3-1 start. Its last win was 28-25 over Syracuse on Oct. 10, per the ESPN schedule. Then came losses to SMU, Duke and Wake Forest.

VirginiaSports.com reported that the playoff and ACC title goals are out of reach. But goals remain. Those are bowl eligibility and the "state championship" against Virginia Tech.

The offense is the main problem. In fact, Virginia has scored more than 16 points only once since its fourth game. It converts 30% of third downs and has allowed 28 sacks, tied for the most in the ACC.

Related: Kentucky's playoff case takes a hit in Tennessee rout

Injuries and lineup

So there is some good news. Receiver Kameron Courtney and running back Jekail Middlebrook are expected back. Corey Costner and Myles Brown are day to day.

Quarterback Beau Pribula has 14 touchdown passes this season. However, SI noted he has thrown only one during the losing streak. Before Tuesday's news conference, SI said backup Eli Holstein could see time. The outcome of that decision was not confirmed.

What Cal brings

Cal is in its first season under Tosh Lupoi. Its best win is 25-20 over Virginia Tech. Then the Golden Bears lost to Wake Forest, SMU and N.C. State. Meanwhile, Cal leads the country in penalties, with 73 for 682 yards, per VirginiaSports.com.

FanDuel opened Virginia as a 12.5-point favorite, per SI. Still, Virginia won the only earlier meeting, 31-21 in Berkeley last year.

Saturday is also the Heroes Appreciation Game, which honors military personnel and first responders. So the Cavaliers will try to turn a bye week into a win. They are 7-0 under Elliott in games right after a bye, the school said.