Cal and Stanford embark on ACC cross-country trips

Cal and Stanford are embarking on their first season in the ACC, which necessitates more frequent cross-country trips for both teams. The Cardinal will kick off their ACC journey with a game against Syracuse on Friday night, while the Bears will face Florida State the following day. To accommodate the longer travel times, Cal's coach Justin Wilcox has adjusted their travel schedule, allowing the team to leave a day earlier than they would for previous Pac-12 games. This change aims to maximize team bonding and preparation time during the journey. Players are adapting to the new travel demands, with some needing to manage academic responsibilities, such as proctored quizzes or exams, during these trips. Stanford's coach Troy Taylor has decided against staying on the East Coast between games to minimize travel fatigue, as they will play Clemson the following week. Nutrition and hydration are emphasized by the staff to help players cope with the long flights and time zone changes. The transition to the ACC is not unique to Cal and Stanford; other former Pac-12 teams are also adjusting to their new conference schedules. For instance, Southern California will make its Big Ten debut against Michigan, highlighting the broader shift in college football dynamics. The six schools that moved from the Pacific Time Zone to the Big Ten or ACC will collectively play numerous games in the Eastern and Central time zones this season. Players are excited about the opportunity to compete against new teams, with some having personal connections to their upcoming opponents. Stanford's Justin Lamson, who previously played at Syracuse, looks forward to returning to the Carrier Dome, while Cal's Fernando Mendoza is eager to face the Hurricanes and Seminoles, teams he grew up watching. This new chapter in their careers is filled with anticipation and challenges as they navigate their first season in the ACC.