Cal Bears, with their backs to the wall, and with multiple legends in attendance, finds a way to beat Stanford in the Big Game. The way this game started, every Cal fan thought they were in for another long day. It’s been that kind of year for Cal, where the ball never seems to roll their way. Not today, though, With the unveiling of a new helmet, it being senior night, the 2004 team in attendance, a sellout crowd, and with 5-star quarterback recruit Jaron Sagapultele in for a visit, there was no chance Cal was losing this game. Cal, at one point, was down 21-7, but the pure determination and will of the team, led by quarterback Fernando Mendoza was enough for the Bears to mount a comeback in an all-time Big Game classic. This is one every Cal Bears fan will not forget.
First Half
Stanford started the game off with the ball and marched down the field effectively to score on their opening drive. It looked like Cal initially might get the goal line stop, but a one-yard run by Justin Lamson put the Cardinal up early in this one. Once again, Cal could not do anything besides pick up one first down on their first drive. Stanford would get the ball back and immediately go down the field to score again after a huge punt return from Tiger Bachmeier set them up. The first quarter would end after a Lachlan Wilson punt sailed out of the endzone. The Cardinal completely dominated the first quarter.
The second quarter started with Cal finally forcing Stanford to punt. It seemed like it might be another one of those games for Cal until quarterback Fernando Mendoza took off on a scramble for 49 yards. A few plays later, he would find wide receiver Trond Grizzell for a beautiful back-shoulder pass to make this a one-score game. At that point, it seemed like the mentality of the Bears’ defense changed. They were flying around the field and laying big hits on the Cardinal offense. They forced another punt that set up Cal with great field position once again. They would march down the field, but ultimately end up failing to convert on fourth down. There wasn’t any scoring after that as both teams missed 50-yard field goals towards the end of the half. Cal would go into the locker room down by a touchdown.
Second Half
Cal started the second half with the ball and did what they do best, go three and out backed up in their red zone. Stanford got the ball with a great field position. They would convert a tough third down in the endzone that set them up for a touchdown play later on a 4th and goal situation. Stanford had Cal on the ropes after the score, and then Cal fumbled the kickoff return to set the Cardinal up deep in Bear territory. The defense held strong though, as they forced a field goal. The Stanford holder bobbled the snap and was swarmed quickly negating the Cardinal of any points. Fernando Mendoza would have some nice passes to set Cal up for the score, but a sack made it impossible for them to get into the endzone. Kicker Ryan Coe would drill a field goal to make this a two-score game with seconds left in the third quarter.
The fourth quarter started with Cal down by 11 points and Stanford with the ball. The defense would do their job and force the Cardinal to punt early in the quarter. Fernando Mendoza and the offense would not be denied on their next drive as he delivered a strike to wide receiver Jonathan Brady for a touchdown. Earlier in the drive, Cal set up a trick play that left tight end Corey Dyches wide open. Unfortunately, Mikey Matthews was unable to connect with Dyches as his pass sailed way over his head. Luckily, Fernando had their back and scored a few plays later to make this a one-score game. Stanford would get the ball back and fail to move the ball, but they did pin Cal down at the two-yard line after a booming punt. That didn’t matter to Fernando Mendoza and this Cal offense. He led the team 98 yards for the go-ahead touchdown after connecting with Jonathan Brady for his second touchdown of the afternoon. Then, it was all defense, as they forced Stanford to throw three straight incompletions after sacking Daniels on first down. That was all she wrote as Cal would come all the way down from 21-7 to win 24-21.
The Axe Stays in Berkeley
It’s fair to say that head coach Justin Wilcox probably saved his job today. With this win, the Cal Bears are now bowl-eligible and has the chance to secure a winning record this season. It’s been a rollercoaster of a season for the Bears and one with a lot of memorable, but also forgettable moments. Winning the Big Game always feels good, but to do it in front of a sellout crowd with so many legends in attendance was a special moment. The 98-yard drive the offense put together to go down and win will be something that Cal fans talk about for the rest of their lives. The Axe will remain in Berkeley for the fourth consecutive year and even though it’s been a season of “what ifs” this one feels good, really good. Cal has one more regular season game to go with SMU on deck before they know what bowl game they will be playing in.
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.