ESPN’s long-running pregame show, “College GameDay,” was held Saturday at the University of California, Berkeley, ahead of the Golden Bears’ game against No. 8 Miami.
One lucky student will be chosen each week from the crowd that gathers to watch “College GameDay.” Students had the opportunity to kick a 33-yard field goal as part of “.Pat McAfee kicking contestIf a participant makes a successful kick, they win a prize.
But this week’s contestants featured unique situations. University of California student Daniel needed to hit a kick into the uprights to take home $75,000, but he sent the ball too far to the right. He was then given another chance, but this time for $100,000.
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November 3, 2018; Pullman, Wash. California Golden Bears helmets sit during the second half of a football game against the Washington State Cougars at Martin Stadium. (James Snook-USA TODAY Sports)
Before Daniel lined up for the attempt, McAfee informed the college students that GameDay was willing to add $100,000 to their donation to Hurricane Helen relief efforts. Additional donation pledges bring the total donation to $600,000.
Golf legend John Daly reveals Florida home destroyed in Helen: ‘It’s the memories that make me nostalgic’
Daniel gained some kicking experience during his time as a soccer player, but admitted Saturday was the first time he had attempted to kick a football from such a distance. He also said he arrived at the location of the “College Game Day” set around 11:40 Friday night.
Daniel’s shoes became a hot topic. He wore faceless Vans while attempting a field goal.
“Can I take a photo of the shoes?” EPSN’s Kirk Herbstreit asked shortly before Daniel’s first attempt.
Ax Trophy before the California Golden Bears vs. Stanford Cardinal game at California Memorial Stadium. (Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports)
Cal State head coach Justin Wilcox also took note of the engineering student’s shoes.
“That’s Daniel in the checkered Vans,” Wilcox said during a visit to the “College Gameday” set. “I borrowed Jeff Spicoli from Ridgemont High School. He split 33 yards. That’s my guy, Daniel.”
October 14, 2023: Miami, Chapel Hill, North Carolina: A Hurricanes helmet sits on the bench as the Hurricanes play against the North Carolina Tar Heels at Keenan Memorial Stadium. (Nell Redmond-USA TODAY Sports)
The kicking contest is in its second year and has provided viewers with some special moments.
In 2023, a Washington state student became the first-ever recipient of the award. It has become somewhat normal for students to have second chances. Earlier this season, a Texas A&M freshman named Lucas was picked out of the crowd. But after Lucas confidently declared, “I can make this work. I can go out right now and get it 45 yards.” His first kick ultimately fell short. There wasn’t.
However, Lucas was quickly granted a second try. McAfee also agreed to double his winnings, meaning if Lucas could hit the ball through the uprights from 33 yards out, he would win $50,000. Lucas made the most of his second chance by taking the kick.
Kickoff for the California vs. Miami game is scheduled for 10:30 p.m. ET.
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Helen caused an estimated $30 billion in damage across the southeastern United States, according to an analysis compiled by California-based financial and consumer analytics firm CoreLogic. The company also expects the financial impact to continue to increase.
Helen made landfall in Florida on September 26th as a Category 4 hurricane.
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Chantz Martin is a sports writer for Fox News Digital.
