Cal Bears offensive lineman celebrates after the win against the Stanford Cardinal at Stanford Stadium in Palo Alto on Sat Nov 18, 2023 (AP News photo)

By Michael Roberson

STANFORD, Calif. — A crowd of 52,971 souls observed the Stanford Cardinal (3-8, 2-7 Pac-12) unsuccessfully attempt to retrieve the Axe from the longtime Bay Area and Conference opponent, California Golden Bears (5-6, 3-5 Pac-12), 27-15.

Stanford’s defense was in effect early, as they stymied Cal’s first drive with a fourth down stop deep in their own territory. The offense was not able to capitalize on the momentous moment.

The Cardinal defense recorded an apparent gigantic play when Bears’ redshirt freshman quarterback was sacked, fumbled, and returned for a touchdown, or on the goal line. However, just as it did for the then Oakland Raiders over 20 years ago, the turnover was nullified and considered an incomplete pass. Sounds familiar, Bay Area fans? (Tom Brady & Tuck Rule)

Mendoza was not only thankful for that overturned play, but he took full advantage of the gift, With nearly five minutes left in the quarter, he tossed a 9-yard TD to redshirt sophomore slot receiver Trond Grizzel. 7-0 Bears, late in the first.

The ever reliable Stanford kicker, Joshua Karty, delivered again, as he booted a 44-yard FG with :22 remaining on the clock. The home team got the score within four, 7-3, and that was the margin when the quarter ended.

Fairly early in the second quarter, Mendoza launched a 54-yard bomb to Grizzell again, putting the Bears up 14-3. Nearly six minutes later, Mendoza completed another pass. Unfortunately it was Stanford’s senior cornerback Zahran Manley.

The Cardinal did not do much with the stolen possession at that point. However with less than a minute left in the half, Karty and his magical foot were there for his teammates. He converted a 53-yarder to bring them within an eight point deficit, 14-6. The Cardinal found themselves a touchdown and 2-point conversion from a tie with the East Bay crew at the midway juncture of the game.

Late in the third quarter the Cardinal sturdy (Tree) Defense struck again. Cal’s Mendoza was scrambling and was blasted by senior linebacker Tristan Sinclair. He forced a fumble by Mendoza, but unfortunately that tremendous hit was deemed as TARGETING, so the fumble was erased and Sinclair was ejected.

Mendoza took his second opportune scenario and drove his team down to the 1-yard line. There he handed the ball off to his thousand yard gaining sophomore running back for the touchdown. California was up 15 (21-6), less than a minute after the controversial play.

Stanford was on the attack, also in less than 60 seconds when sophomore QB Ashton Daniels unleashed a 41-yard TD pass to freshman WR Tiger Bachmeier. The failed 2-point conversion kept it a two possession game, 21-12.

For the third time and less than a minute left in each quarter, Karty kicked through the uprights from 50 yards away. After 45 minutes of game time, Cal still led 21-15.

The fourth quarter was preserving the lead for the Bears. Less than five minutes in, Mendoza lofted another TD pass. Junior WR Jeremiah Hunter was the chosen target for that scoring play. Cal took a 12-point advantage with a great deal of momentum to retain possession of the axe.

Ott had an opportunity to expand the lead to 19 or 20, but chose to take a knee before crossing the goal line. A gesture filled with sportsmanship; the Bears let the clock run out, and take the 27-15 victory and axe back to Berkeley.

Stanford will next be in action Saturday, November 25 here on the Farm, hosting the Fighting Irish of Notre Dame at 4 PM PDT. California heads south to Los Angeles to take on the UCLA Bruins, on the same date at 7:30 PM PDT on ESPN.

Note: Upon my query to HC Troy Taylor about the ending of the Pac 12, he responded with: “It’s really sad that the conference, this is the end. But really happy that Cal along with us will be in the ACC together. We’ll be able to maintain an incredible rivalry.”

I asked Joshua Karty about the NFL: “Yeah, of course. The next level is my dream. It’s my goal to make it there, whether it’s after this year or after next year. But as of right now, I’ll focus on Notre Dame for next week.” Stated Kicker Joshua Karty.

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