UPDATE: Stanford’s football team is poised for a critical showdown as they seek their first victory against Cal in the 128th Big Game, kicking off on November 18, 2023, at Stanford Stadium. With a current record of 3-7 and a disappointing two wins in the Atlantic Coast Conference, the Cardinal are desperate to end a four-game losing streak against their archrival.
No Stanford player has ever tasted victory over Cal, and the urgency is palpable among seniors and veterans. “This is my last crack at it,” said senior tight end Sam Roush. “The last three years, two of them were our game and we let them go. That sticks with me. This is the biggest game of the year for me and for the team.”
Stanford has lost three consecutive Big Games at home, marking the first time since 1947-51 that they face such a streak. The stakes have never been higher, as veteran players look to reclaim the coveted Axe. Redshirt junior cornerback Collin Wright emphasized the significance of this rivalry, saying, “Everybody is very clear on what this game means to us… What better year to do it than now, at home, with a lot of our fans here?”
The Cardinal are coming off a bye week, which Roush believes has provided the team with renewed focus and physical readiness. “With the bye week, we’ve gotten some fresh legs,” he stated. “We were able to do some self-scout and reevaluate what we want to do. We’re excited to show that on Saturday.”
Last year, Stanford held an astonishing 11-point lead entering the fourth quarter but ultimately fell victim to a last-minute touchdown. A fumble returned for a score sealed their fate in 2022. “Records don’t matter. Outside noise doesn’t matter. What matters is what we do in between the white lines,” Wright concluded, underscoring the intensity of the upcoming match.
Interim coach Frank Reich is also aware of the rivalry’s weight, having received insightful messages from legendary coach Marv Levy. Reich stated, “Motivation has to lead to enhanced preparation. You can’t just turn that emotion on Saturday and expect to get what you want.”
Hunter Barth, a key player who has experienced previous Big Games without a loss, will also be instrumental in this matchup. Reich plans to consult Barth on Cal’s personnel while stressing the need to focus on the task at hand. “Every player has to deal with it in their own way,” Reich advised.
As the kickoff approaches, the excitement is building among players and fans alike. Stanford is determined to break their losing streak and reclaim pride in this historic rivalry. The atmosphere at Stanford Stadium is expected to be electric, with both Stanford and Cal supporters bringing high energy to the big event.
Fans are urged to tune in as Stanford aims to rewrite the narrative of this storied rivalry in what promises to be a thrilling Big Game encounter.
