California Rolls to 27-15 Win Against Stanford in the 126th Big Game

The Golden Bears maintained a lead over the Cardinal throughout the entire game

California running back Jaydn Ott racked up a game-high 166 rushing yards against the Stanford Cardinal on Nov. 18, 2023. (Courtesy Cal Athletics)

The California Golden Bears (5-6, 3-5 Pac-12) defeated the Stanford Cardinal (3-8, 2-7 Pac-12), 27-15, in the 126th Big Game, keeping the Stanford Axe for another year.

California quarterback Fernando Mendoza threw for 294 passing yards, three touchdowns and one interception to keep his team’s post-season bowl games hope alive and notch a crucial win against their arch-rival. Mendoza’s performance against Stanford is his first time throwing three touchdowns in a game.

The redshirt first-year playcaller suffered an injury in the third quarter when scrambling for a first down. Stanford linebacker Tristan Sinclair slammed into Mendoza and was ejected from the game for targeting. Mendoza returned to the game in the next drive.

California’s star running back, Jaydn Ott, rushed for a game-high 166 rushing yards and one rushing touchdown. Ott has been a scoresheet regular this season, having scored at least one rushing or receiving touchdown in 11 of his last 12 games played.

Stanford, who last won a home game on Oct. 22, 2022, stalled in all phases of the game.

The Cardinal offense put together just 12 first downs and reached the red zone only once. Stanford’s single touchdown of the game came in the third quarter.

California maintained a lead over Stanford throughout the entire game.

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