It’s that time of the year again. The Cal Golden Bears (5-5, 1-5) and Stanford Cardinal (3-7, 2-5), two long-time bitter rivals, will play this Saturday in front of a sold-out football crowd at California Memorial Stadium. Both teams have not had their seasons go as expected, but for any rivalry game, records do not matter.
Cal Football vs. Stanford Football History
The first time these two teams played was in 1892, squaring off a total of 126 times. Stanford leads the all-time record with 65 wins to Cal’s 50, with 11 ties. Cal has won the last three matchups, but before that, Stanford had won nine consecutive times.
This year is a little different, considering both teams are now in the ACC. However, that doesn’t change the pure hatred these California schools have for one another. The Big Game will be played this Saturday at 12:30 pm PST with the game televised on ESPN.
November 20, 1982
"The Play"
Joe Starkey's memorable call of Cal's improbable, unforgettable five-lateral game-winning kickoff return touchdown against Stanford in their annual "Big Game".
"THE BAND IS OUT ON THE FIELD!!!" pic.twitter.com/x4r8MjjtZ8
— Kevin Gallagher (@KevG163) November 20, 2024
Key Players – California Golden Bears
There have been thousands of players to play in the Big Game. Yet for multiple players, this will be their first experience playing in this rivalry. One player that will be new to the affair, is inside linebacker Teddye Buchanan.
Buchanan, a Bay Area native, is familiar with the reputation of the game and will make an impact in his first and last Big Game. With Cade Uluave‘s availability still up in the air, Buchanan will need to anchor this defense. Buchanan has had a solid season in his first year at Cal by already amassing 97 total tackles, five sacks, and two forced fumbles up to this point. The Stanford offense has struggled all season, but Cal should expect them to use every wrinkle in their playbook. Buchanan will need to keep the defense wary in this one.
Cal’s offense struggled immensely last weekend against Syracuse. Tight end Jack Endries has been quarterback Fernando Mendoza‘s favorite target this season. However, there’s a good chance Stanford tries to gameplan him out. That means backup Corey Dyches will need to step up in this game and make his presence felt if Endries is held in check.
The transfer from Maryland was supposed to see a bigger role upon his arrival, but missing games due to injury and the emergence of Endries has kept Dyches from having that type of season thus far. Still, his size and speed can pose as a matchup nightmare for the Cardinal defense. Look for Mendoza to target Dyches if the opportunities present themself.
Key Players – Stanford Cardinal
This one is fairly obvious. Stanford doesn’t have many people on offense who can beat you, but Elic Ayomanor certainly can. Ayomanor has the size, speed, and hands of one of the top wide receivers in all of college football. He’s a Sunday player and presents multiple challenges for a defense. The offense can throw the ball up to him and he can consistently come down with it.
On the season, he has 48 catches for 660 yards and six touchdowns. He’s dangerous, and most of his plays are made downfield. Keeping him in front of you will be the biggest challenge for this Cal defense.
ELIC AYOMANOR OVER TRAVIS HUNTER IN OT 😱#SCtop10 pic.twitter.com/5odnyQrttn
— SportsCenter (@SportsCenter) October 14, 2023
Stanford doesn’t try and get him the ball with runs or screens, but they will force it to him if needed. Nohl Williams will be matched up against Ayomanor for the second time in his career. He got the best of Ayomanor in their first contest, but expect the wide receiver to give Cal fits in this one.
Cal’s offensive line has been the weak link for the team this year. As the offensive line goes, so does the team. It’s the single biggest contributing factor to the struggles the offense has faced this season. With that said, they will have their hands full once again with outside linebacker David Bailey.
Bailey, a junior, has totaled six sacks, four forced fumbles, and 30 total tackles this year. When he gets his hands on you, he’s looking to rip the ball out. He’s got decent size and uses his abilities to be a premier pass rusher. Once again, this offensive line has to keep him blocked up front to keep Mendoza clean.
The Big Game
Cal is the heavy favorite in this rivalry matchup against Stanford. That being said, it’s a rivalry game; more often than not, those end in a one-score game.
There are reports that there could be rain during the game, and that could slow both offenses down. This Stanford team is not good, but they’re playing a Cal team that has this weird ability to not just shoot themselves in the foot, but rather just blow it straight off.
As the season comes closer to an end, it would be exciting to see some of the young players produce who will be seeing significant time next year. Rivalries are fun and make college football what it is. If a team is having a bad year, this is the game they look forward to. No one wants to go home and look at an empty trophy case, they want The Axe. This one means something, and both teams are going to play the hardest they have all season. It should be a great game. However, if Cal loses, it could be the start of a tumultuous offseason.
Cody Henderson
I root for teams that only let me down. Talking all things Las Vegas Raiders and Cal Bears football. Follow me on X where I post my dramatic takes.