Category: NCAA

Cal’s defense shines, as Bears pull off big early-season win at Auburn 21-14

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Cal Bears quarterback Fernando Mendoza (15) throws over the Auburn Tigers defense in the first half at Jordan-Hare Stadium in Auburn Alabama on Sat Sep 7, 2024 (AP News photo)

Saturday, Sept. 7, 2024

Jordan-Hare Stadium

Auburn, Alabama

California Golden Bears 21 (2-0)

Auburn Tigers 14 (1-1)

Time: 3:25

Attendance: 88,043

By Stephen Ruderman

Cal’s defense shined with four interceptions, and the Bears pulled off a big 21-14 win over the Auburn Tigers in the second week of the season Saturday.

The Bears hit the road for the first time this season following their season-opening 31-13 win over the UC Davis Aggies at Memorial Stadium last weekend. With the Bears now in the Atlantic Coast Conference, despite playing mere miles from the Pacific Coast, they will have to travel over 21,000 miles this season.

The first trip the Bears would make was to Auburn, Alabama to play the Alabama Tigers of the Southeastern Conference. The Tigers beat the Bears 14-10 when they came into Memorial Stadium last year, and the two teams would square off a year later in front of the rabid Auburn fan base at Jordan-Hare Stadium.

Cal won the coin toss, but they decided to kick and defer to the second half. Auburn began their first drive at their 25 yard line, and it did not appear to be going anywhere, as they only gained a yard to get it to 3rd and 9.

However, Tigers quarterback Payton Thorne threw a complete pass to Revaldo Fairweather for a gain of 16 yards and a first down. Two plays later on 2nd and 8, Thorne threw a long 41-yard pass to Cam Coleman to get the ball to the Cal 15. Another two plays later, Thorne connected to KeAndre Lambert-Smith for a touchdown to put Auburn on the board.

Towns McGough kicked the extra point for Auburn, and Cal began their first drive. Cal made more gradual gains than Auburn made. Like Auburn, Cal would get a touchdown on the sixth play of the drive, as quarterback Fernando Mendoza completed a 19-yard pass to Nyziah Hunter to put the Bears on the board. Pat Ryan then kicked the extra point to tie it.

There was no more scoring the rest of the first quarter. The Bears’ first drive of the second quarter came up short, as Ryan missed a 25-yard field goal attempt. However, the Tigers’ first drive of the second quarter ended on the very first play, as a pass from Thorne intended for Coleman was intercepted by Nohl Williams, who ran it to the Auburn 21.

That put the Bears in perfect position. Jaydn Ott rushed for eight yards on the two plays to get it to the 13. On 3rd and 2, Mendoza completed to Hunter, and the Bears took the lead. Ryan kicked the extra point, and Cal was up 14-7.

The closest anyone would come to scoring the rest of the first half was when McGough tried to kick a 61-yard field goal for Auburn with two seconds to go and came up well short.

The Bears carried the 14-7 lead into the second half, but there would not be any real action at all in the third quarter. Neither team would even set foot in enemy territory the entire quarter.

Hunter fumbled the ball on the second play of Auburn’s first drive in the fourth quarter, and the ball was recovered by Craig Woodson of the Bears at the Auburn 36. On 2nd and 4, Jaivian Thomas rushed to the right for 32 yards for a touchdown. After the extra point from Ryan, Cal had opened up a 21-7 lead with 11:27 to go.

Auburn got the ball to the Cal two with 7:35 to go. The Tigers were set back five yards after a false start by Tigers’ center Connor Lew. However, Payton Thorne would eventually run to the right for a touchdown with 6:06 to go, and after the extra point, it was 21-14.

Auburn’s next two drives would both be cut short by interceptions, and the Bears held on to win for a big early-season win.

Cal is off to a 2-0 start, and they will return home to play the San Diego State Aztecs next Saturday at Memorial Stadium. Kickoff will be at 7:30 p.m.

ACC Weekly: Late Night Games, Emerging Skill Position Players, and Welcome Stanford, Cal and SMU

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By Morris Phillips

Stanford home games tend to be lightly attended, but blessed by a robust group of aging, but intensely proud fans who love watching football in a cool environment surrounded by a well-known, picturesque college campus.

That group has always been a smart group. The people who haven’t taken advantage of visiting this venue to see quality football are the ones missing out. So, with Stanford leading 14-7, and after TCU failed to convert a fourth down in Stanford territory, an alum stood proudly and announced, “There’s something different about this year’s team.”

A bold declaration, but not prudent and clearly premature as the home team fell 34-27, in their tenth, consecutive loss at Stanford Stadium, a streak that started on November 5, 2022.

Gotta love the enthusiasm, however. The new season is here, and I’m just as enthusiastic. Now, let’s see if my observations prove smart as well.

“ARE YOU KIDDING ME?!!” Need a jolt of adrenaline equal to Grade 5 hurricane? In Tallahassee, Florida, that undoubtedly leads you to Seminole Sports Radio and play-by-play announcer Jeff Culhane and color man William “Bar None” Floyd, the voices of Florida State football.

Floyd, the Super Bowl Champion fullback for the 49ers, and the 1993 FSU National Champion, is in his 15th season on-air. He connects by using the words “us” and “we” frequently during the broadcasts. Floyd is also a rapid-fire analyst who squeezes 100 yards of football into each of his 10-second observations.

Culhane is in his second year, and he beat out several talented broadcasters to overcome his humble background as the voice of North Dakota State for six seasons. A true wordsmith, Culhane can say, Uiagalelei twenty time real fast, Nole Nudge, and bring his voice to a crescendo when the play on the field intensifies.

For this rabid fan base, this pairing should be a fit, except neither man is Gene Deckerhoff, the legendary FSU radio voice who called 500 games beginning in 1979. In the South, change doesn’t digest well, and Floyd, who worked with Deckerhoff, receives harsh words from fans online, almost always without them saying what specifically they don’t like about the gridiron great.

Culhane has managed to get nearly universal approval, but he, too, has critics. What’s currently driving the dynamic, however, is the Seminoles depressing 0-2 start to the season, which doesn’t currently mesh with the pair’s unwavering enthusiasm to broadcast.

SMU’s QB TANDEM: In Dallas, the new, central hub for ACC sports, the Mustangs of SMU are off and polarizing by winning their August 4 opener over opener Nevada, experiencing a walkover against Houston Christian, then losing at home to BYU.

Concern starts with the quarterback tandem of Preston Stone and Kevin Jennings, neither of whom has established themselves after play in all three games. Stone is 25 of 43 passing in three games thus far, and he wasn’t the primary guy in Coach Rhett Lashlee’s game plan for BYU. Jennings was, but he was ineffective, completing 15 of 32 for 140 yards. Neither guy has beaten a formidable opponent, which is concerning with big games against TCU and Florida State looming.

What works, Lashlee said, is the chemistry of youthful quarterbacks’ coach D’Eriq King with Stone and Jennings. King keeps the pair informed from game to game, quarter to quarter, regarding their status, critical communication for two competitors trying to establish themselves at the top of the depth chart. Neither are established, but their camaraderie with each other is.

Cal Bears podcast with Morris Phillips: Can Cal handle a hot Auburn team this Saturday?

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California running back Jaydn Ott (1) runs for a touchdown against UC Davis during the first half an NCAA college football game at Memorial Stadium in Berkeley, Calif., Saturday, Aug. 31, 2024. (Jose Carlos Fajardo/Bay Area News Group via AP)

Cal Bears podcast with Morris Phillips:

#1 Cal Bears head coach Justin Wilcox had to be excited to get that first ACC and home opener for a win 31-13 against UC Davis at Cal Memorial last Saturday afternoon.

#2 It was Cal’s 12th straight win over UC Davis and they remain perfect against the Big Sky Conference.

#3 Morris, it was a slow and confusing start for Cal but they found their way. They did come away with a one point 14-13 lead over the Aggies after the first half.

#4 Coach Wilcox said that the first half it was a good effort but the Bears were not in any kind of rhythm as a team but said he was proud how Cal persevered in the second half scoring two touchdowns and shutting out the Aggies.

#5 Next up for Cal the Auburn Tigers. Auburn in their last game on Saturday crushed the Alabama A&M Bulldogs 73-3 there was no mercy rule that day. Auburn quarterback Payton Thorne had himself an afternoon going 13-21, 322 yards, and four touchdowns. Do you see the Golden Bears having their hands full this Saturday?

Join Morris for the Cal Bears podcasts Saturdays at http://www.sportsradioservice.com

Stanford Cardinal podcast with Michael Roberson: Stanford hosts Cal Poly Saturday; Expect Taylor to use multiple QBs again

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Stanford Cardinal despite leading in the first half couldn’t hang on to finish off the TCU Horned Frogs in the second half losing the opener on Sat Aug 31, 2024 (Stanford Cardinal X photo)

On the Stanford Cardinal podcast with Michael Roberson:

#1 Michael, the Stanford Cardinal couldn’t protect the lead in the second half of last Friday’s game at Stanford. The Cardinal had a first half lead but it slipped away in the second half.

#2 The Cardinal head coach Troy Taylor started Ashton Daniels who opened up with a first quarter three yard pass to wide receiver Jackson Harris to put the Cardinal on the scoreboard.

#3 In the second quarter coach Taylor switched quarterback and inserted Justin Lamson who tossed a two yard pass to Ismael Cisse at 9:19. The Cardinal held a 17-10 first half lead on a very good football team but it would short lived.

#4 TCU would score on a quarterback Josh Hoover keeper for two yards in the third quarter at 2:22. The Horned Frogs scored two touchdowns in the fourth quarter that pretty put it away and Stanford who hasn’t won a home opener since Sat Sep 3 2022 against against Colgate 41-10.

#5 The Cardinal are hoping second times the charm. They take on the Cal Poly Mustangs who lost their first game by a touchdown to the San Diego Toreros 27-21 last Saturday in San Diego. It’s home game for the Cardinal on Saturday with a 4:00pm PT kick off. Do you see this being a close one?

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

Stanford Cardinal podcast with Michael Roberson: Friday Night Lights for Stanford were turned off by TCU; Cardinal get another chance vs. Cal Poly Saturday

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Stanford Cardinal quarterback Ashton Daniels (14) drops back to pass during the first quarter against the TCU Horned Frogs at Stanford Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Sergio Estrada-USA TODAY Sports / Sergio Estrada-USA TODAY Sports

On the Stanford Cardinal podcast with Michael Roberson:

#1 The TCU quarterback Justin Hoover led the Horned Frogs with 353 passing yards and got TCU a go ahead touchdown in the second half to help defeat the Stanford Cardinal at Stanford Stadium last Friday 34-37.

#2 Former Cal Bears head coach and current TCU head coach Sonny Dykes said “We talked a lot about about being mentally tough,” Dykes said. “I thought we were. We got down and guys never blinked.”

#3 Stanford had the half time lead 17-10 taking a look at that first half how good did the Cardinal look they did get off to a good start.

#4 The Cardinal have used multiple quarterbacks as head coach Troy Taylor as promised with Aston Daniels and Justin Lamson. Is using quarterbacks working or confusing for the offense?

#5 The Cardinal host the Cal Poly Mustangs. The Mustangs last Saturday lost by a touchdown 27-21 to the San Diego Toreros. This might be one of those games where the Cardinal have not only the home field but a shot at getting in the win column next Saturday at 4:00pm PT.

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

Bears Wake Up: Cal comes alive after halftime in 31-13 season-opening win over UC Davis

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By Morris Phillips

BERKELEY–When the prickly UC Davis Aggies made Division I-quality plays on Saturday afternoon, the Cal Bears were made to wince. When the Aggies reverted to their FBS status, the Bears proved resilient and pounced.

Not exactly what Coach Justin Wilcox wanted, but that initial pattern gave way to a dominant second half, and Cal cruised 31-13 over UC Davis in the season opener for both teams.

Wilcox never pretends to be satisfied, but after the totality of the 60 minutes in the last day of August opener, he wasn’t mad.

“It’s really a tale of two halves,” he said. “To be up a point at half, we were fortunate.”

Coach Tim Plough, a prized offensive assistant for Wilcox before assuming the head job at Davis, had his team prepared. They ran a whopping 52 offensive plays before halftime (but passed for only 221 yards in total) and made the atmosphere inside Memorial Stadium uneasy. Quarterback Miles Hastings simply took what Cal offered underneath, and the Bears were limited to 9:06 of possession time before the break.

“We never had any rhythm,” Wilcox said. “One of the keys for us is getting that first first down.”

Along with the lengthy possessions that unnerved Cal’s defense, Aggie Kavir Bains put a textbook lick on ball carrier Kadarius Calloway. That left the ball bouncing free inside Cal’s 5 yard-line, and Porter Connors skipped into the end zone with the scoop to trim Cal’s lead to 7-6.

But it was Nohl Williams’ momentum-turning, 80-yard kickoff that put Cal up 14-13 at half and put the home team in position to restore order.

Cal’s offensive line didn’t offer Fernando Mendoza enough time in the first, nor did they free leading rusher Jadyn Ott. The pre-season All-ACC runner had his afternoon end in the second quarter when he suffered an apparent ankle injury. But the Bears’ blocking was cohesive in a second half in which the Bears fashioned lengthy drives and relied on Jaivian Thomas and Byron Cardwell to run and break tackles as they outscored the visitors, 17-0.

“We’re the better team. We’re a well-oiled offense. We’re going to go and get this done,” Mendoza said in describing the Bears’ attitude to start the second half. “We’re going to go and do tempo, and we’re going to score. That’s what our offense thrives off of.”

The Bears’ aspirations to be a surprise, bowl-eligible team in their first season in the travel-happy Power 4 conference will demand them to survive visits to Florida State, SMU and Pittsburgh while hosting Miami, North Carolina State and Syracuse. Losing to California system school UC Davis for the first time in 12 meetings would not have been wise, and ultimately, the Bears were smarter than that.

In their premiere non-conference matchup with Auburn next Saturday, Cal gets its first shot at grabbing national attention in a rematch that narrowly went to the Tigers last season in Berkeley. This time, the heat, the travel, and Auburn’s speed and depth will make for a tougher test.

Ott’s availability will be monitored throughout the week after the speedy back became only the eighth Cal runner to reach 22 rushing touchdowns in his career. Ott’s 1-yard run midway through the first quarter was the initial score of the season and gave Cal an early 7-0 lead.

Ryan Coe, in his first game as a Cal Bear, kicked a 25-yard field goal and converted three extra points. Wilcox singled out his new kicker as “the kicker,” likely alluding to the Bears’ issues with the kicking game last season that jeopardized a couple of games.

Saturday’s game at Auburn starts at 2:30pm locally, and it precedes a home game against San Diego State and their initial ACC road trip to Tallahassee to face Florida State.

Cardinal Lose to Horned Frogs, 34-27 in Season-Home Opener on the Farm

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The Stanford Cardinal line up against TCU Horned Frogs at Stanford Stadium on Fri Aug 30, 2024 (Stanford Cardinal photo)

By Michael Roberson

STANFORD, Calif. — The Stanford Cardinal (0-1, 0-0 ACC) allowed the Texas Christian University Horned Frogs (1-0. 0-0 Big 12) to HOP around the campus, and fell to the Lone Star State visitors 34-27, on Opening Night in the Bay on Friday night.

The Duo Quarterback mode that Stanford head coach Troy Taylor implemented, was a hit early, as both Ashton Daniels and Justin Lamson reached paydirt, via the pass. However, the ploy did not result in the Cardinal getting the victory.

“Yeah, we had the lead late in the fourth quarter, so our guys battled. They’re a good team, resilient. We were able to take the lead with six minutes left and we got to get a stop and then we got to go back and score again.” Stated Stanford HC Troy Taylor.

“So just didn’t finish it. I thought we did a good job being resilient. Obviously struggled offensively in the second after early on and were able to stay in this. Defense made some good stops. Just wasn’t enough plays.”

Stanford was able to score on their initial drive, with the help of TCU’s costly penalties. As the Cardinal was about to turn the ball over on downs, guests from Texas committed a pass interference penalty. With the second chance, Daniels scrambles for a first down, which is aided by another TCU penalty, unnecessary roughness. Later in the drive, they commited yet another foul play, face masking.

Midway through the quarter, Daniels tossed a three yard touchdown to redshirt freshman Jackson Harris. The home team actually graciously accepted the plentiful gifts from their Southern guests. Stanford was up 7-0, garnering the first tally on the scoreboard. That immediate advantage was short-lived.

TCU marched down the field very efficiently, as sophomore QB Josh Hoover was a perfect 7-7 with his arm. He completed a 5-yard touchdown pass to senior wide receiver Savion Williams to even the game at seven, near the end of the first quarter. After 15 minutes of play, the game was tied, 7-7.

In the second stanza, Stanford’s drive stalled. However, the Horned Frogs were were still in the gift giving mood. They gave the bal right back to Stanford on a fumble after a pass reception. They once again received their present with glee and used it wisely.

The drive was culminated with Justin Lamson throwing a two yard touchdown to redshirt freshman Ishmael Cisse, putting the Cardinal back up by seven, 14-7. That was the first touchdown for both players involved in the combination score.

Not to be outdone by their opponent’s philanthropy, Daniels threw an interception that was deflected to senior nose tackle Tymon Mitchell. TCU turned that into a 22-yard field goal by freshman kicker Kyle Lemmermann. Horned Frogs cut the deficit to four, 14-10, Stanford.

The Cardinal also decided to utilize their kicke; Senior Emmet Kenney booted a 35-yard conversion, putting them up 17-10 before the half. Stanford took the touchdown lead into the locker room.

The third quarter was all Horned Frogs, as they scored ten consecutive points and took the lead from the Cardinal, 20-17. This was done on a 42-yard FG by Lemmermann and a touchdown sneak by Hoover.

The Final quarter had an interesting start. TCU’s kicker missed a 39-yard FG attempt a little over three minutes into the timeblock. This would have put them up by six. Instead, Stanford took the lead back, on a one yard keeper by Lamson. The Cardinal led 24-20, with seven minutes left in regulation.

Less than four minutes later TCU’s Hoover threw another touchdown (4 yards) pass to have the Horned Frogs leap back in front by three, 27-24. They added to the advantage with another touchdown, after Stanford relinquished the ball on a 4th & 16 attempt. Sophomore running back Cam Cook scampered in for a seven yard touchdown. near the two minute warning. TCU was up ten at that point, 34-24.

With less than a minute left in the contest, Emmet Kenney converted a 45-yarder to bring them within seven, 34-27. When the clock hit zeros, that was the final score.

Ashton Daniels threw for 163 yards and a touchdown, while rushing for 89 more, and had a comment on what type of game he prefers:

“Yeah, yeah doesn’t necessarily matter to me. I wouldn’t rather have one game one game and one game the other. Whatever is helping our offense out best, whatever is scoring us points, is what I like.”

Justin Lamson scored a passing and rushing touchdown, ,and Elic Ayomanor had 102 receiving yards. TCU was led by their QB’s 353 passing yards, two touchdown via air, and one rushing. They also had two receivers with 100+ receiving yards.

Stanford is next in action Saturday September 9, back here on the Farm versus Cal Poly at 4 PM PDT, while TCU heads back to Texas to host Long Island, on the same dat at 5 PM CST.

Stanford Cardinal podcast with Morris Phillips: As promised coach Taylor using Daniels and Lamson at QB vs. TCU

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Stanford Cardinal cornerback Collin Wright (6) heads to the field before their match up against the visiting TCU Horned Frogs at Stanford Stadium in Palo Alto on Fri Aug 30, 2024 (Stanford Cardinal X photo)

On the Stanford Cardinal podcast with Morris:

The Stanford Cardinal had the lead in the first half 17-10 and got scoring help from quarterback Aston Daniels for the opening score when Daniels threw a three yard pass to Jackson Harris 7:57 in the first quarter. The Horned Frogs answered back with a quarterback Josh Hoover five yard pass to Savion Williams to tie it up 7-7 at 1:16.

Stanford head coach Troy Taylor who said he would use multiple quarterbacks and did so sending out Justin Lamson who tossed a two yard pass to Ismeal Cisse at 9:19 in the second quarter to take the lead once more at 14-7. The Horned Frogs Kyle Lemmerman booted a 22 yard field goal to make it 14-10 at 4:09. To end the first half scoring the Cardinal kicker Emmet Kenny with 1:36 left in the half hit a 35 yarder to make it 17-10.

In the third quarter Horned Frog kicker Lemmerman hit a 42 yard field goal at 9:11 and the Horned Frogs were closing in making it 17-13. The Horned Frogs surpassed Stanford when Hoover on a keeper scored on a one yard carry to make it 20-17 at 2:22 in the third quarter.

In the fourth quarter Stanford came back when Lamson took a keeper for one yard for a touchdown that gave the Cardinal a brief lead 24-20 at 6:57. TCU quarterback Hoover at 3:13 hit wide receiver Jack Bech with a four yard pass and TCU was back on top once again 27-24.

The Horned Frogs Cam Cook carried a seven yard hand off from Hoover for a touchdown to give TCU a ten point lead 34-24 at 1:51. Stanford had the last word on scoring but it wasn’t enough. Kenney booted a 45 yard field goal at 0:36 as TCU wins it on opening night 34-27.

Morris Phillips was podcasting the Stanford Cardinal for the opener of the 2024 season and is the Cal Bears beat writer for http://www.sportsradioservice.com

Stanford Cardinal podcast with Michael Roberson: Cardinal rely on Daniel and Ayomanor to spark the offense in opener vs. TCU Friday

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The Stanford Cardinal wide receiver Elic Ayomanor (right) makes the catch and hangs onto the football against the Colorado cornerback Travis Hunter (left) in overtime at Boulder Colorado on Oct 14, 2023. For the 2024 season the Cardinal will be relying on Ayomanor to maintain such receiving skills. (AP News file photo)

On the Stanford Cardinal podcast with Michael Roberson:

#1 Michael just going over some of last season’s numbers for the Cardinal before they open Friday night at Stanford Stadium against the TCU Horned Frogs. Starting with quarterback Ashton Daniels in 2023 Daniels threw 191 completions in 325 attempts for 2247 yards.

#2 Wide receiver Elic Ayomanor caught 62 passes for 1013 yards and six touchdowns. The Cardinal will rely heavily on Ayomanor to make some catches to cover some ground.

#3 Wide receiver Tiger Bachmeier last season had 36 receptions, 409 yards, two touchdowns. How do you see Bachmeier in this one against the Horned Frogs?

#4 The top rushers for Stanford last season were quarterback Justin Lamson and Daniels. Is that an indicator that the quarterback keeper is more of an option than handing it off to the running backs?

#5 Stanford has had a struggle the last two seasons and it’s hopeful they can bounce out of it and get the ship righted. They were well below .500 and at best they hope to get a home victory over the TCU Horned Frogs on Friday night at Stanford Stadium.

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

Stanford Cardinal podcast with Michael Roberson: Is there a quarterback controversy before Stanford’s opener Friday?

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Stanford Cardinal quarterback Ashton Daniels seen here dropping back to pass in practice on Tue Jul 30, 2024 is also competing for the starter job with quarterbacks Justin Lamson and Elijah Brown (Bay Area News Group photo)

On the Stanford Cardinal podcast with Michael Roberson:

#1 Stanford Cardinal quarterback Ashton Daniels doesn’t have a lock as starting quarterback. Stanford head coach Troy Taylor has not announced a starter for this Friday night’s opener against TCU.

#2 Daniels knows about the imminent quarterback controversy and that’s a good thing all three quarterbacks trying to make starter have had good camps.

#3 Daniels said having a team first and positive attitude have helped during this competitive practices and what could seen as a tryout to make first string.

#4 This is no different than last season as Daniels had to compete for the first string job this season he’s competing with Justin Lamson and Elijah Brown. This might be a decision that goes right down to practice the day before the game.

#5 Coach Taylor is also considering using multiple quarterbacks like what he did last season. He used multiple quarterbacks in 11 different games last season.

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