Category: NCAA

Cardinal avenged ’24 loss to Spartans, 30-29, in the Silicon Valley Battle on the Farm

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Stanford Cardinal Sedrick Irvin (26) running back celebrates in front of teammates and the Stanford Stadium crowd in the win over the San Jose State Spartans on Sat Sep 27, 2025 (Stanford Cardinal photo)

By Michael Roberson

STANFORD, Calif.– The Stanford Cardinal (2-3) won their second game at Stanford Stadium during Interim HC Frank Reich’s era, with an exciting 30-29 victory over the San Jose State Spartans (1-3), inside Sanford Stadium.

The Cardinal was on a mission immediately to win their half of the home & home against their Santa Clara neighbor/opponent Spartans. Their first drive took 11 plays, earning 81 yards and a score. Things were looking positive at the midway point of the first quarter.

Stanford redshirt-freshman running back Cole Tabb scampered for an eight-yard touchdown, to put the home team up 7-0, on the game’s first possession. Most of the 26,000+ in the stadium was excited for the Cardinal, while a large proportion was for nearby SJSU.

The Spartans scored on their initial drive too. At just under five minute left in the quarter, San Jose State kicker Denis Lynch converter a 46-yard field goal. That score put the Spartans within four, 7-3.

After a Stanford fumble, SJSU parlayed that miscue into a touchdown , less than a minute left in the quarter, Redshirt-Senior quarterback Walker Eget toss a ten-yard pass to redshirt-sophomore Danny Scudero. San Jose State tool the lead 10-7, after 15 minutes of play.

Midway through the second stanza, Lynch made another FG (36), putting his team up by six, 13-7. Approximately four minute later, Stanford responded with a touchdown. They took the lead by one, 14-13.

Stanford redshirt-senior QB Ben Gulbranson threw a 15-yard TD to senior tight end Sam Roush. That lead did not last long, because the Spartans responded nearly two minutes later. They reached the end zone again. WR Kyri Shoels. SJSU attempted to extend their lead by three more points. but Lynch missed a 28-yard attempt. The Spartans lead by six at recess, 20-14.

In the second half, Stanford’s senior LB Matt Rose was ejected from the game (Targeting) and his team penalized 15 yards for the infraction. halfway through the third quarter. The Cardinal did not suffer on the scoreboard after that crucial ejection. Lynch missed his second field goal attempt; therefore, helping provide a scoreless third quadrant.

After 45 minutes of regulation, the score remained 20-14, Spartans. However, the fourth quarter turned out to be a barnburner.

Within the first minute of the final quarter, SJSU doubled their lead to 12, 26-14. Eget threw another touchdown pass five to Scudero. Unfortunately for the special teams, they botched the extra point. Otherwise, they would have been up by 13. Those missed opportunities did come back to haunt the visiting team.

A couple of minutes later, Stanford responded with a 14-yard TD pass. Gulbranson hit redshirt-sophomore WR Myles Libman, to bring the Cardinal within five, 26-21. Lynch avoided the hattrick of missed field goals, when he split the uprights from 31 yards away. They went up by eight, 29-21. Stanford found themselves one scoring opportunity from a tie with less than eight minute in the fourth quarter.

Stanford marched down the field with thoughts of tying the game at 29, with a two-point conversion. Two minutes into the drive, Stanford settled for a 36-yard FG by senior Emmett Kenney. Instead of a tie, Stanford was down by five, 29-24.

That gamble on the defense by Coach Reich worked out for the Cardinal. They received the ball again, and converted on a crucial 4th down conversion.

With :19 left in the game, junior running back Sedrick Irvin reached paydirt on a one-yard run. The Cardinal led 30-29, then attempted a two-point conversion to potentially go up by three. However, the two extra points play failed, then the Cardinal had to hold on to the slim lead.

“I thought the defense was playing extremely well in the second half. You know, they were gaining some yards, but we made the stops we needed to make. It was just fourth and too many yards. Talked to our analytics guys. Had a quick conversation with them about, go for it, kick the field goal, and felt like down by 8 that was the right move.” Stated Stanford Interim HC Frank Reich

San Jose State was unable to score a touchdown, nor get into field goal range, which delighted the Cardinal faithful. After 60 minutes, Stanford was victorious 30-29.

Both quarterbacks threw for over 400 yards passing, in an aerial show on the Farm. Ben Gulbranson – 444 passing yards and two TD passes. Walker Eget – 473 passing yards three touchdown passes.

The Cardinal will next be in action Saturday, October 11 in Dallas against SMU TBD, while the Spartans will host New Mexico Friday, October 3 at 7:00 PM PT on FS1

Cal Bears podcast Morris Phillips: Cal heads to Boston College for week 5 next Saturday

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Cal Bears quarterback Jaron-Keawe Sagapolutele (3) and the offense were simply shutout by San Diego State last Sat Sep 20, 2025 at Snap Dragon Stadium in San Diego (AP photo)

Cal Bears podcast Morris Phillips:

#1 After winning their first three games the Cal Bears were shutout 34-0 last Saturday by the San Diego State Aztecs. What would you say were the differences between the first three wins and last week’s absolutely crushing loss?

#2 The Aztecs Chris Johnson did some damage to Cal when he scored a 97 yard touchdown and Dwayne McDougle scored on a 35 yard fumble return. Were these scores just a matter of the Aztecs executing or were they mistakes by the Golden Bears.

#3 Cal missed having a 4-0 start for the first time since 2019. Cal in each of those three wins had won those games by double digits.

#4 Jaron-Keawe Sagapolutele at quarterback for Cal couldn’t get the Golden Bears in the end zone. Tough line 17-38, 208 yards, no scoring, two interceptions.

#5 It’s off to Boston College next Sat Sep 27th. BC lost in their last game to Stanford on 30-20 at Stanford Stadium. It was the Eagles second loss of the season dropping their record to 1-2. Cal will be on their second straight week of playing on the road. After getting shutout last Saturday can Cal come back with an improved offensive game plan going into Boston this weekend?

Morris Phillips does the Cal Bears podcasts each Thursday at http://www.sportsradioservice.com

Stanford Cardinal podcast Michael Roberson: Cardinal hope to take advantage of home field Saturday against SJSU

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The Stanford Cardinal wide receiver Bryce Farrell (11) takes off against the Virginia Cavaliers safety Ethan Minter (30) at Scott Stadium on Sat Sep 20, 2025 (Stanford Cardinal photo)

Stanford Cardinal podcast Michael Roberson:

#1The Virginia Cavaliers (3-1) defense just stuck it to the Stanford Cardinal (1-3) on Saturday at Scott Stadium. The Cardinal just couldn’t get any offense going scoring only 14 points in the first half and six points in the third quarter to keep up with the Cavaliers and picking up their third loss of the season 48-20.

#2 It was a rough first quarter for the Cardinal defense who gave up 21 points to the Cavaliers and coming away with a 21-7 after the quarter.

#3 The second quarter the Cardinal were able to settle the Cavalier offense as both teams played to a 7-7 tie and it was 28-14 Cavaliers at the half.

#4 In the second half the Cavaliers lit up the Cardinal scoring ten points in the third and fourth quarters coming away with a uncontested 48-20 win.

#5 The Cardinal are back to the drawing board and looking for their second win of the season against 1-2 San Jose State at Stanford Stadium. This will be Stanford’s second home game of the season. How do you see this match up for this Sat Sep 27th a 4:30pm kick off.

Michael Roberson does the Stanford Cardinal podcasts at http://www.sportsradioservice.com

Virginia Hands Stanford Third Loss of Season 48-20

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Virginia Cavaliers wide receiver Trell Harris (11) makes a catch over the Stanford Cardinal cornerback Collin Wright (6) in first half action at Scott Stadium in Charlottesville VA on Sat Sep 20, 2025 (AP News photo)

By Barbara Mason

The Virginia Cavaliers (3-1) defense just stuck it to the Stanford Cardinal (1-3) on Saturday at Scott Stadium. The Cardinal just couldn’t get any offense going scoring only 14 points in the first half and six points in the third quarter to keep up with the Cavaliers and picking up their third loss of the season 48-20.

Virginia got right after it in the first quarter taking an early 7-0 lead in the opening minutes. Quarterback Chandler Morris found Trell Harris for three yards and the touchdown. Stanford answered right back scoring in the first quarter at 8:27.

Five plays later quarterback Ben Gulbranson drove downfield for 76 yards and a touchdown to tie up the game seven apiece. Gulbranson found Benji Blackburn for five yards and the touchdown to even this game.

Virginia scored a second touchdown in the first quarter extending their lead to 14-7. Quarterback Chandler Morris threw a bomb downfield to Trell Harris for 75 yards and a touchdown. The Cavaliers went on a run for the rest of the quarter. with Morris again finding Harris, this time a 27 yard pass and Virginia had a 21-7 lead going into the second quarter.

The Cardinal were able to keep stride with Virginia in the second half of this game. The Cavaliers did score first in the second quarter to push their lead out to 28-7. Morris rushed for 13 yards and the touchdown.

The Cardinal were able to score in the final seconds of the half. They took the ball downfield; 80 yards in less than 90 seconds. Micah Ford rushed for 3 yards and the score keeping this a two-touchdown game. The Cardinal were able to match the Cavaliers in the second quarter. Virginia would start the second half with the ball.

The Cavaliers picked up where they left off in the second quarter driving downfield with ease for their fifth touchdown of the day taking a 35-14 lead. Morris connected with Sage Ennis for 13 yards and the score.

This was Morris’ fourth touchdown of the day. The Cavaliers would go on to extend their lead 38-14 kicking their first field goal of the day, a 27 yard Will Bettridge boot. With 5:35 left in the quarter, Stanford had a lot of work to do.

Gulbranson got right to work airing out the ball with just over four minutes left in the quarter for 68 yards caught in stride by Bryce Farrell, his first touchdown this season. The two-point attempt failed and the Cardinal trailed 38-20. Gulbranson had completed a number of impressive passes so far in this game.

Going into the fourth quarter Virginia had established a 38-20 lead looking for their third win of the season. Virginia would drive into the red zone early in the quarter threatening to extend their lead.

Unable to score the touchdown, Virginia kicked their second field goal of the day pushing their lead back out to three touchdowns 41-20. The Cavaliers had their third sack of the game resulting in a Stanford fumble and Virginia had forced the first turnover of the game with under nine minutes left on the clock.

The Cavaliers were back in business in Stanford territory. They would to on to score their sixth touchdown of the night taking a 48-20 lead. Stanford did drive deep into Virginia territory in the final minutes but failed to score. They attempted a field goal at the end but it failed.

Game notes: Saturday evening the Cardinal traveled back east for a matchup with the Cavaliers. Virginia came into this game a 15+ point favorite. The Cardinal faced a power-house offense that put their defense to the test.

The Cavaliers were averaging 265 yards per game. Looking at the Stanford offense, Cardinal quarterback Ben Gulbranson was challenged by the Virginia defense all afternoon. After starting this season and looking like probably the worst Power Four team in football Stanford went out and upset Boston College last week 30-20 despite being a two-touchdown underdog.

Boston had some unfortunate plays and monster mistakes that resulted in the loss. Now the Cardinal travel cross country to take on the Cavaliers who have not not been overly impressive but they may not have to be in this matchup.

Virginia went down to the the wire against NC State, a road game, in their only loss. They blew away Coastal Carolina 48-7 and W & M 55-13. Stanford didn’t pose much of a threat to the Cavaliers. Stanford really struggled with passing issues.

Going forward the Cardinal could run into a lot of trouble against east teams. Virginia had a balanced attack through the air, as well as on the ground. In this game being played at home the Cavaliers they just ran away with this game.

Despite the lop-sided score Stanford was competitive in this game for much of the time. They had some really nice passing plays but just did not have the consistency needed to overcome the Cavaliers. Stanford quarterback Ben Gulbranson finished with 286 yards and 2 touchdowns. Bryce Farrell had 135 receiving yards.

Cal Bears podcast Morris Phillips: Cal heads to San Diego State in next match up Saturday

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Cal Bears quarterback Jaron-Keawe Sagapolutele (3) prepares to sling a pass against the Minnesota Golden Gophers at Memorial Stadium in Berkeley on Sat Sep 14, 2025 (AP News photo)

Cal Bears podcast Morris Phillips:

#1 Cal Bears (3-0) quarterback Jaron-Keawe Sagapolutele had himself an afternoon against the Minnesota Golden Gophers (2-1) throwing for three touchdowns in the Bears 27-14 win on Saturday. It was Cal’s third win in a row.

#2 The Gophers came into Berkeley with a 2-0 record and the Bears were likewise 2-0 and the game was viewed as a toss up but Sagapolutele made it look like easy work in the Cal 13 point win.

#3 Sagapolutele was 24-38 for 279 yards and all of his three passes were short scoring tosses. The win against Minnesota is a victory against a power conference opponent.

#4 The Gophers kicker Brady Denaburgh missed a 51 yard field goal that would have been tied up the game with ten minutes left in the game. Koi Perich mishandled a punt at the Minnesota eight and the Gophers missed their opportunities to get back in the game.

#5 The San Diego State Aztecs lost in their last game to the Washington State Cougars 36-13 and will be Cal’s next opponent. The Aztecs were just demolished on both sides of the ball scoring a one touchdown in the first quarter and six points in the third quarter. Cal is rolling as they travel to San Diego to face the Aztecs. How do you see this match up next Saturday?

Morris Phillips does the Cal Bears podcasts each Saturday at http://www.sportsradioservice.com

Stanford Cardinal podcast Michael Roberson: Cardinal kick off against Cavaliers this Saturday in week 4 action

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Stanford Cardinal celebrate their win over the Boston College Eagles at Stanford Stadium in Palo Alto on Sat Sep 14, 2025 (Stanford Cardinal photo)

Stanford Cardinal podcast Michael Roberson:

#1  Stanford Cardinal (1-2) running back Micah Ford carried for 157 yards and scored a touchdown. Ford reach a career high for yards carried.

#2 The win gave Stanford Cardinal head coach Frank Reich his first win at Stanford and also college win over the Boston College Eagles (1-2) 30-20 on Saturday.

#3 Stanford’s Collin Wright scored on a 19 yard interception in the first half of the game and the Cardinal defense did some prevent defense stopping a changing goal line stand just shutting down the Eagles in third quarter.

#4 Stanford quarterback Ben Gulbranson threw 13-22 passes for 186 yards that help get coach Reich his first college win as a college head coach. Reich was a quarterback in the NFL with the Charlotte Panthers and got a win with the Indianapolis Colts.

#5 The Cardinal head back east to face the Virginia Cavaliers (2-1) this coming Sat Sep 20. The Cavaliers won their last game against William and Mary Tribe 55-16. Cavaliers quarterback Daniel Kaelin went 8-14 for 164 yards and a touchdown.

Join Michael Roberson for the Stanford Cardinal podcasts at http://www.sportsradioservice.com

Physical Cal Surprises Visiting Minnesota In A 27-14 Win That Takes Them To 3-0

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By Morris Phillips

BERKELEY, CA–Down 14-10 to Minnesota early in the third quarter, the youthful Cal Bears had their first moment of needing belief and a display of confidence.

The test was answered with a 10-play drive that concluded with Mason Mini’s 9-yard catch and run in which he successfully beat a quartet of Gophers defenders to get into the end zone.

For embattled coach Justin Wilcox, the coach was gifted wrapped a drive and a play that encapsulated what he loved of his team’s play on Saturday night in a 27-14 win that takes them to 3-0 on the season.

“I loved the fight the guys showed,” Wilcox said. “That was a physical game.”

Wilcox went on to praise his freshman quarterback Jaron Keawe Sagapolutele, his special teams, and kicker Abram Murray, who converted a 45-yard field goals to give Cal a 10-7 lead at halftime. With each player, assistant coach or position group Wilcox praised, his excitement was evident. Starting 3-0 and for the first time beating a credible opponent was big, and Wilcox obviously felt the vindication.

With an unprecedented 55 new faces on the Cal roster, someone among them had to seize leadership, and the Bears have that in Sagapolutele, who shook off some early missed throws to finish with 279 yards passing, three touchdowns and no interceptions. After Cal trailed briefly, Sagapolutele came up with two of those touchdown passes in Cal’s 17-0 finish that was fueled by two, damaging Minnesota turnovers.

Defensively, Cal frustrated the Gophers’ Drake Lindsey, who threw for just 205 yards along with an interception. The Gophers clearly missed leading rusher Darius Taylor, who missed the game due to injury, in a run game that rushed for 130 yards, but needed 37 carries to get there. Cade Uluave, Cal’s leading tackler, was unavailable for the first due to a suspension for targeting in the Texas Southern game. But he made his presence felt in the second half with nine tackles.

The Bears travel to San Diego State next weekend to face the Aztecs in their final non-conference game before opening ACC play the following week at Boston College.

Cardinal win ACC football opener over BC 30-20

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Stanford Cardinal wide receiver Caden High (6) is thrilled as Stanford wins it’s opener against the visiting Boston College Eagles at Stanford Stadium in Palo Alto on Sat Sep 13, 2025 (Stanford Cardinal photo)

By Daniel Dullum

Micah Ford rushed for 157 yards and a go-ahead touchdown for Stanford Saturday, helping the Cardinal win its first game of the season, a 30-20 Atlantic Coast Conference football victory over Boston College at Stanford Stadium.

The Cardinal improved to 1-2 overall and 1-0 in the league, while BC dropped to 1-2 overall, 0-1 in the ACC.

Stanford opened the scoring with a pair of field goals by Emmet Kenney from 23 and 35 yards, giving the Cardinal a 6-0 lead after one quarter.

The Eagles got on the scoreboard at 13:38 of the second quarter on a 51-yard field goal by Luca Lombardo. Less than two minutes later, Turbo Richard caught a 49-yard touchdown pass from Dylan Lonergan, and Boston College had its first lead of the game at 10-6..

On BC’s next possession, Jordan McDonald ran in on a 2-yard TD with 8:04 left in the second quarter, extending the Eagles lead to 17-6.

The Cardinal scored twice within 18 seconds to regain the lead. At 1:47 of the period, Sam Roush hauled in a 69-yard scoring pass from Ben Gulbranson. Eighteen seconds later, Collin Wright returned an interception 19 yards to put Stanford up 17-13.

Boston College tied the game at 20-20 going into halftime on a 31-yard field goal by Lombardo as the first half ended.

With 1:35 left in the third quarter, Ford’s 5-yard rushing touchdown put the Cardinal back in front to stay at 27-20. Stanford finished the scoring at 11:26 of the fourth quarter on a 26-yard field goal by Kenney.

Gulbranson completed 13 of 22 passes for 186 yards, one touchdown and was sacked twice. Bryce Farrell caught five passes for 72 yards, and Roush caught three passes for 79 yards and a touchdown.

Lonergan completed 30 of 44 passes for 333 yards for BC with one touchdown, one interception and was sacked once. Richard ran 14 times for 54 yards. Reed Harris and Lewis Bond each caught seven passes – Harris racked up 141 receiving yards.

Next Saturday, the Cardinal travel to Charlottesville, Va., for an ACC encounter with Virginia. Kickoff is at 4:30 p.m. Pacific.

Stanford Cardinal podcast Michael Roberson: Stanford gearing up for home opener against Boston College

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Stanford Cardinal offensive linebacker Tre Williams (38) gives defensive lineman Clay Patterson (91) a lift in week two against the BYU Cougars in Provo UT on Sat Sep 6, 2025 (Stanford Cardinal photo)

Stanford Cardinal podcast Michael Roberson:

#1 BYU Cougars quarterback Bear Bachmeier had himself an afternoon against the Stanford Cardinal last Saturday throwing for 175 yards and rushed for a touchdown as the Cougars crushed the Cardinal 27-3 in Provo.

#2 LJ Martin rushed for 110 yards averaging 6.1 yards per carry for BYU. For the second game in a row Martin had rushed for 100 yards and it was his fourth of his career. The Cardinal defense had a tough night trying to stop Martin.

#3 Stanford quarterback Ben Gulbranson threw for 142 yards and 161 total offensive. Gulbranson threw two interceptions and it just wasn’t enough to generate any kind of offensive threat against BYU.

#4 The Cardinal now 0-2 had only 12 first downs and only were two for 13 on third down. The Cardinal have a lot of work in front of them to get back on track.

#5 Next up for Stanford Cardinal the Boston College Eagles for the Cardinal home opener for 2025 after opening their first two games in Hawaii and BYU. The Eagles after crushing Fordham 66-0 in week 1 lost a close game to the Michigan State Spartans 42-40 in week 2. Michael what’s your take on Boston College and Stanford as they kick off this Saturday for the home opener.

Michael Roberson does the Stanford Cardinal podcasts each week at http://www.sportsradioservice.com

Cal Bears podcast Morris Phillips: Cal gets ready for red hot Minnesota; Both teams are 2-0 going into week 3

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Sep 6, 2025; Berkeley, California, USA; California Golden Bears linebacker Cade Uluave (0) kneels on the field before the game against the Texas Southern Tigers at California Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Darren Yamashita-Imagn Images / Darren Yamashita-Imagn Images

Cal Bears podcast Morris Phillips:

#1 Morris the contest against the Texas Southern Tigers wasn’t even a contest Cal Bears (2-0) quarterback Jaron-Keawe Sagapolutele was airing it out and the receivers and running backs just couldn’t be stopped by the Tigers defense.

#2 The scored three in the first quarter and eight in the second quarter in the second half the Bears ammoed up and scored 14 in the third quarter and ten in the fourth quarter can you talk about the differences in halves as far as the scoring is concerned.

#3 Sagapolutele threw 26-37 for 259 yards and one touchdown talk about the protection he got and he was able to rush a little himself.

#4 The Tigers quarterback KJ Cooper was running for his life all afternoon and had a line of 19-35, 137 yards, and one touchdown. The Cal defense kept it up on him all day long.

#5 The Minnesota Golden Gophers (2-0) are up next at Cal Memorial Stadium in Berkeley. The Gophers are coming off a 66-0 laugher against the Northwestern State Demons for their second straight win. Gophers quarterback Drake Lindsey threw for 139 yards went 8-9 and scored a touchdown. Will the Gophers be a handful for the Bears this Sunday or will Cal be a handful for Minnesota?

Join Morris Phillips for the Cal Bears podcast each Thursday at http://www.sportsradioservice.com