UPDATE: Stanford’s football team is gearing up for an urgent showdown against California in the 128th Big Game on November 18, 2023, at Stanford Stadium. The Cardinal (3-7, 2-5 ACC) are desperate to end a troubling streak of four consecutive losses to their arch-rivals.
This year’s game carries heightened significance as no current player on Stanford’s roster has ever tasted victory over Cal. The last time Stanford defeated California was in 2018, and the weight of this rivalry has intensified for the seniors who are determined to reclaim the Axe. “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. This is the biggest game of the year for me and for the team.”
The Cardinal are facing an alarming trend, having lost three straight Big Games at home, marking their first such streak since 1947-51. Redshirt junior cornerback Collin Wright emphasized the emotional stakes, stating, “Everybody is very clear on what this game means to us and what it means to everybody that’s played here before.”
The urgency is palpable as Stanford has been grappling with recent struggles, including a disappointing bye week following three consecutive ACC losses. “With the bye week, we’ve gotten some fresh legs. We were able to do some self-scout and reevaluate what we want to do,” Roush noted, expressing excitement for the upcoming game.
Interim head coach Frank Reich is embracing the weight of the rivalry. Drawing from insights shared by NFL Hall of Famer Marv Levy, who once coached at Cal, Reich is channeling the historical significance into motivation for his players. “I think everybody understands the dry spell, and sure, that’s motivation,” Reich explained. “But motivation has to lead to enhanced preparation.”
Stanford’s players are aware that the past does not dictate the future. Wright commented, “Records don’t matter. Outside noise doesn’t matter. What matters is what we do in between the white lines.” This mindset is crucial as they prepare for a game that promises to be charged with emotions and intensity.
The Big Game is not just a match; it’s an emblem of pride for both institutions. The atmosphere is expected to be electric, with a mix of Stanford and Cal fans filling the stadium. “There’s more emotion with rivalry games,” Roush added. “It means a lot not just to us, but to students and people in the area.”
As kickoff approaches, all eyes will be on Stanford as they seek to break their losing streak and reclaim their place in this storied rivalry. The stakes couldn’t be higher, and the Cardinal are determined to seize this moment.
Stay tuned for live updates as Stanford faces off against California in what promises to be an unforgettable Big Game.
