STANFORD — Stanford found a way to break its four-game losing streak against Cal – have the defense score more points than it gives up.
The Cardinal had two defensive touchdowns in a 31-10 win in the 128th Big Game, breaking a four-game losing streak in the rivalry and beating Cal at home for the first time since 2017.
Stanford (4-7, 3-5 ACC) forced three turnovers and recorded five sacks to win its fourth game for the first time since 2020.
The Cardinal only had 71 yards of offense in the first half but led 14-10 thanks to two scoop-and-scores in the second quarter. Omar Staples forced a fumble by top receiver Jacob De Jesus that was recovered by Jay Green and returned 49 yards. Then Jahsiah Galvan forced a fumble by top running back Kendrick Raphael that was returned 17 yards by Darrius Davis.
A third fumble, this time on a low snap, gave Stanford the ball at the Cal 20, and Micah Ford scored on a 4-yard TD run on the first play of the fourth quarter to make it 24-10.
The Bears (6-5, 3-4) overcame an 11-point fourth quarter deficit in the last Big Game at Stanford. But the Stanford offense finally made a big play in the fourth quarter to end any chance of a comeback. Elijah Brown, making his second start since replacing Ben Gulbranson, hit fellow Mater Dei alum CJ Williams for a 34-yard touchdown to make it 31-10 with 10 minutes to play.
The turnovers helped Stanford overcome an awful performance on special teams. Emmett Kenney had a 23-yard field goal blocked and missed a 35-yard field goal after a delay-of-game penalty on the kicking team. Cal’s first-half touchdown came after the defense stopped the Bears on third-and-1 to force a punt, only to get a five-yard penalty on the kick return team when two players were on the field with the same number.
Stanford closes its season next Saturday at home against No. 9 Notre Dame. The Fighting Irish need to win to stay in contention for a spot in the College Football Playoff.