Cal turnovers the AX to Stanford

123rd Big Game Stanford 24 Cal 23 on Friday November 28, 2020. Photo by Jerry Kelly

Los Angeles, CA- Stanford seized opportunities all afternoon accepting Cal’s gift of a victory. The third phase of the game Special Teams was the gamechanger, the final extra point block was the dagger for Cal. The final score Stanford Cardinal 24 Cal Bears 23 with 14 points off of turnovers.

After Cal Scored on 3rd and Goal, Cal decided to play for overtime going for one and not for the win going for two. Stanford got a big push on the right side during the extra point and blocked it with 58 seconds left on the game clock.

Davis Mills throwing a pass during the 123rd Big Game Stanford 24 Cal 23 on Friday November 28, 2020. Photo by Jerry Kelly

Grinding out a victory and finding a way to win is how David Shaw’s Cardinal did it. Now Stanford did amass 300 total yards behind fifth year quarterback Davis Mills who threw for 205 yards (24-32 passing) with a touchdown and no interceptions.

Austin Jones carried the load on the ground with 21 carries for 85 tough yards with 2 touchdowns for Stanford.   

The 123rd Big Game as always for big bragging rights and it was the winner first victory in this crazy wild 2020 PAC-12 Covid-19 season. Before today’s match up both teams were unsuccessful in first two outings.

Cal has to be disappointed with the outcome but not the offensive output of the field with 392 total yards with 241 of those yards on the ground.

Damien Moore finding a hole during the 123rd Big Game Stanford 24 Cal 23 on Friday November 28, 2020. Photo by Jerry Kelly

Damien Moore rushed for 121 yards, breaking a long 54-yard run where he was caught from behind.

On Cal opening series after the second half the running back fumbled to allow Stanford another opportunity and that they did turning it into a touchdown and first lead of the game 17-10 third quarter. 

Just before the half with Stanford trailing 3-10 with just under 5 mins, the momentum switched after Cal muffed punt gave new life. Then a few plays later Stanford took advantage of the turnover making it a 10-10 game. To close out the half Stanford also blocked the field goal to keep the Bears off the scoreboard.

The nightmare of errors was to much in the end to overcome, muffed punt, fumble and blocked extra point.

The AX now will move back across the bay for the year with Stanford.