Cal Bears podcast with Morris Phillips: Cal hopes to get back in win column face Miami Sat Oct 5

Florida Seminoles lineman Marvin Jones (right) drags down Cal Bears quarterback Fernando Mendoza (15) in second half action at Doak Campbell Stadium in Tallahassee on Sat Sep 21, 2024 (AP News photo)

On the Cal Bears podcast with Morris Phillips:

#1 Morris, a tough difficult loss for the Cal Bears (3-1) to the Florida Seminoles last Saturday in Tallahassee in low scoring defensive game 14-9.

#2 The Bears really needed to scratch out a touchdown and they could have been able to get away with their fourth straight win but the Seminoles didn’t allow Cal one touchdown all game long.

#3 Cal had to rely on their kicker Ryan Cole to put the ball through upright three times for all their scoring twice in the second quarter and once in the third quarter.

#4 As opposed to the kind of game that Cal quarterback Fernando Mendoza had the previous week against San Diego State in a 31-10 win the Seminoles shutdown Mendoza’s passing game. Mendoza throwing 22-36 for 303 yard, and one interception. The Seminoles defense prevented Mendoza from getting the ball in the end zone.

#5 The Miami Hurricanes (5-0) will come calling Sat Oct 5 at Cal Memorial. The Canes upended South Florida last Sat Sep 21, 50-15 and on Sat Sep 29 the Canes did it again getting by Virginia Tech 38-34. Look out for Canes quarterback Cameron Ward who threw 24-34 for 404 yards and three touchdowns against So Florida. Also having a big day against Virginia Tech throwing for 343 yards and four touchdowns. The question is can the Cal defense stop Ward?

Join Morris Phillips Thursdays for Cal Bears football podcasts at http://www.sportsradioservice.com

No. 17 Clemson rolls past Cardinal 40-14

Stanford Cardinal quarterback Ashton Daniels (14) sprints for a first down past the Clemson Tigers linebacker Barrett Carter (0) and defensive tackle Payton Page (55) at Memorial Stadium in Clemson on Sat Sep 28, 2024 (AP News photo)

By Daniel Dullum

Quarterback Cade Klubnik ran for one touchdown and threw for four more for Clemson Saturday night, as the No. 17-ranked Tigers rolled to a 40-14 Atlantic Coast Conference football win over visiting Stanford.

The Cardinal (2-2 overall, 1-1 ACC) saw their two-game winning streak get snapped. Clemson (3-1 overall, 2-0 ACC) rolled up 405 yards in total offense.

Klubnik completed 15 of 31 passes for 255 yards. Bryant Weesco Jr. caught two of those passes for 104 yards. Phil Mafah was the Tigers’ top rusher with 58 yards on 10 carries.

Micah Ford was the top Stanford ballcarrier with 122 rushing yards on 15 attempts. Quarterback Ashton Daniels was next with 87 yards on 11 carries. Daniels completed 9 of 19 passes for 71 yards and was picked off three times. Justin Lamson was 4 of 8 passing for 54 yards.

Clemson jumped to q 10-0 lead in the first quarter on a 34-yard rushing touchdown by Klubnik at 12:19 and added a 20-yard field goal by Hauser Nolan. With 1:49 to play in the second quarter, Jake Briningstool caught a 3-yard scoring pass from Klubnik giving the Tigers a 17-0 lead.

The Cardinal got on the board with 39 seconds remaining in the first half on a 19-yard touchdown pass from Daniels to Elic Ayomanor, cutting the Stanford deficit to 17-7 at halftime.

Clemson scored 10 more points in the third quarter before blowing the game open for good in the fourth. Hauser booted a 33-yard field goal at 10:06 and 9 minutes later, Klubnike connected with Cole Turner for a 43-yard score, putting the Tigers up 27-7.

Clemson wasn’t finished yet, as the Tigers added two more touchdowns in the first five minutes of the fourth quarter. Bryant Wesco Jr. caught a 34-yard scoring strike from Klubnik 50 seconds into the fourth, and at 10:36 to play, Klubrik’s fourth TD pass of the night was a 2-yard scoring toss to Olsen Patt-Henry.

With 2:31 to play, Lamson completed a 22-yard TD pass to Emmett Mosley V to complete Stanford’s scoring.

Next week, the Cardinal return home to host Virginia Tech on Saturday, October 5, at 12:30 p.m. Pacific.

Stanford Cardinal podcast with Michael Roberson: Cardinal prepare for big passing team Clemson at Memorial Stadium

Stanford Cardinal kicker Emmet Kenny (13) is ecstatic after booting a 39 yard field goal for a victory over the Syracuse Orange at JMA Wireless Stadium in Syracuse on Sat Sep 21, 2024 (Stanford Cardinal photo)

On the Stanford Cardinal podcast with Michael Roberson:

#1 Michael, we’ll start off with Stanford kicker Emmet Kenny’s 39 yard field goal in the last few seconds as Stanford defeated the Syracuse Orange by just two points on Fri Sep 20 26-24.

#2 It was something special for the Cardinal getting their first ACC win and to get it on the road against the Orange who are considered a force in the ACC.

#3 “I felt really confident out there mainly because I have the best snapper, holder and line blocking in the country,” Kenney said.

#4 Stanford quarterback Ashton Daniels was 23-28 for 178 yards, one touchdown and two interceptions and got the win.

#5 The Cardinal face the 2-1 Clemson Tigers. The Tigers last Sat Sep 21st smashed the NC State Wolfpack 59-35. Lots of offense and Tigers quarterback Cade Klubnik was 16-24 for 209 yards and three touchdowns.

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

Stanford Kicks Field Goal In Final Seconds to Best Syracuse 26-24

Stanford Cardinal Elic Ayomanor (13) reaches up for a one handed catch against the Syracuse Orange at JMA Wireless Dome in Syracuse on Fri Sep 20, 2024 (Stanford Cardinal X photo)

By Barbara Mason

The Stanford Cardinal (2-1) were not favored Saturday as they took on the Syracuse Orange (2-1). Not by a long shot. They shocked the close to 50,000 fans at the JMA Wireless Dome in fact the Cardinal led for most of the game.

The Orange led once in the fourth quarter with three minutes left in the game. Stanford put together a great final drive which was almost stalled due to a penalty but kicker Emmet Kinney sent a 39 yard field goal through the uprights for the 26-24 win.

Game recap: It was Stanford on the board first when quarterback Ashton Daniels found Elic Ayomanor for 17 yards making a one-handed grab in the end zone for the touchdown and the Cardinal had the early lead 7-0.

It was a great start for Stanford. The Cardinal made their second defensive stop in the first quarter taking back possession and the Stanford offense was back on the field. A roughing the passer Syracuse penalty gave Stanford great field position. A Stanford touchdown was nullified when holding was called and the first quarter came to an end with Stanford leading 7-0.

The Cardinal would start the second quarter on the Syracuse 32 yard line, 2nd and 19. The Cardinal were forced to settle for an Emmet Kenney field goal, which was good for 38 yards and a 10-0 Cardinal lead. The Stanford defense had done a great job so far in this game.

Syracuse intercepted the ball their first of the evening and threatened to turn the tide of this game. They had a first down deep in Stanford territory but the Cardinal defense held them to a 30 yard Brady Denaburg field goal.

Syracuse so far wasn’t able to take advantage of field position and making big plays when they needed them. The Cardinal defense continued to harass the Syracuse offense and with 2:00 minutes left in the half, Stanford was in field goal range.

Once again the Cardinal could not advance the ball but successfully kicked a 51-yard field goal taking a 13-3 lead. When it seemed as if Stanford would take the 13-3 lead into the locker room lightning struck.

Syracuse scored quickly with less than a minute left on the clock. Quarterback Kyle McCord connected with Umari Hatcher for 67 yards and a touchdown and Stanford was hanging onto a three point lead 13-10 at halftime.

Stanford would extend their lead in the third quarter thanks to their defense. A Kyle McCord pass was intercepted by Stanford’s Mitch Leigber returning it for 71 yards and a touchdown. The Kenney kick was good and the Cardinal had a 20-10 lead.

Syracuse again scored with under a minute left in the quarter when quarterback Kyle McCord rushed for 19 yards. The Orange had fought from behind for the entire game now trailing by a field goal 20-17.

A little over five minutes into the fourth quarter Stanford had a great opportunity to score a touchdown but again had to settle for a field goal Kenney’s third attempt which was good from 35 yards giving the Cardinal a 23-17 lead.

The Stanford defense had fought to keep Syracuse from taking the lead but they needed more from their offense. The Cardinal defense had come up with stop after stop and a couple of interceptions.

With three minutes left in the game, Syracuse scored their second touchdown of the half taking a 24-23 lead. McCord connected with Jackson Meeks for 13 yards and their first lead of the game.

Stanford answered driving deep into Syracuse territory. The Cardinal were on the Syracuse 21 yard line and Emmet Kinney was looking at a 39 yard field goal for the win. The final possession was a great drive and Kinney finished it off with his fourth successful kick. What a win this was for Stanford, the final 26-24 in a gutsy gritty game.

Game recap: The Orange sought to extend their winning streak to three in a row when they took on newcomer to the ACC the Cardinal Saturday night. Stanford had made the long trip to New York for their first ACC game the first of many cross-country ACC trips.

Stanford joined the conference coming from the Pac-12 over the summer. This was the third game in a four-game season opening home-stand for the Orange and they wanted to stay on course. Syracuse has a lethal offense passing at nearly 60%.

Orange quarterback Kyle McCord amassed 350 yards against Ohio last Saturday in their first win 38-22 and 380 yards against Georgia Tech in their second season win 31-28. They are an elite passing offense.

The Cardinal were expected to finish last in their first year in the ACC and making this long trip for a Friday night game was certainly expected not help their cause as they played their third game of the season. Stanford does have a duel-threat quarterback in Ashton Daniels and Justin Lamson.

Stanford was thought to not have enough to keep up with the Syracuse offense. The Cardinal lost to TCU 34-27 in their opener and then crunched Cal Poly 41-7. Everyone loves an underdog so don’t count Stanford out. They shocked Orange Nation on Friday night.

Next up for Stanford will be the Clemson Tigers on Saturday September 28th at Memorial Stadium in South Carolina. Kickoff for this game is scheduled for 4:00 PM.

Cal Bears podcast with Stephen Ruderman: Cal pays visit to Florida State against struggling Seminoles

Cal quarterback Fernando Mendoza (15) hands off to running back Jaivian Thomas (25) in the first half against the San Diego Aztecs at Cal Memorial Stadium in Berkeley on Wed Sep 18, 2024 (AP News photo)

On the Cal Bears podcast with Stephen:

#1 Cal makes his first visit to Florida State in their first ACC game at Florida State. The Seminoles have lost their last three games while Cal has won their last three games. It is the first meeting between the two teams in history.

#2 This will be Cal’s first visit to Florida since playing Clemson on New Years 1992 at the Citrus Bowl in Orlando on Jan 1, 1992. The last regular season game in Florida for Cal was in Miami on Sep 16, 1989.

#3 Cal is playing in the eastern time zone for the third time in seven seasons under coach Justin Wilcox it was in his coaching debut against North Carolina in 2017 and Notre Dame in 2022.

#4 Florida State has lost it’s last three games most recently last Saturday to Memphis State 20-12. The Seminoles have not executed the offensive plan against Memphis State on their own home field.

#5 Cal on a three game win streak won last Saturday handled San Diego State 31-10 a game you saw at Cal Memorial Stadium in Berkley. Cal quarterback Fernando Mendoza threw for 198 yards and two touchdowns in the win.

Join Stephen Ruderman for Cal Bears podcasts Thursdays at http://www.sportsradioservice.com

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

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.

Stanford Cardinal podcast with Michael Roberson: Coach Taylor says adapt to ACC or you won’t be relevant

Stanford Cardinal head coach Troy Taylor disputes a play with an official against the USC Trojans on Sat Sep 9, 2023. Coach Taylor is getting the Cardinal ready for the adjustment to the ACC for the 2024 season. (AP News file photo)

On the Stanford Cardinal podcast with Michael Roberson:

#1 Stanford Cardinal head coach Troy Taylor said they need to adapt to the ACC or the Cardinal won’t be relevant. The first game is not until Aug 30th against TCU so that gives them some time to psych themselves up for the change.

#2 At the time of learning about the break up of the Pac 12 a long storied league and how it’s history and what it once was is now gone.

#3 After the breakup of the Pac 12 the ACC was a landing spot for the Cardinal along with Big Game rival the Cal Bears. That was a important part of this change keeping them in the same division.

#4 Coach Taylor said any conference would love to have the Cardinal, that long history, the tradition, playing at Stanford Stadium in Palo Alto.

#5 Coach Taylor said that the Cardinal had a successful program ten years ago. Taylor added the Cardinal need to build their program because the Cardinal will be in another position to be realigned again and having a strong program is important to attract other conferences when that time comes.

Michael Roberson is a Stanford Cardinal beat writer for http://www.sportsradioservice.com

Stanford Cardinal football podcast with Michael Roberson: Can Daniels and Ayomanor make the difference on offense this season?

Stanford quarterback Ashton Daniels (14) passes against Washington during the first half of an NCAA college football game in Stanford, Calif., Saturday, Oct. 28, 2023. (AP Photo/Jeff Chiu)

On Stanford Cardinal football podcast with Michael Roberson:

#1 The Stanford Cardinal were 3-9 last season the were tied with Arizona State for last place in the Pac 12.

#2 Now that the Cardinal are in the ACC where do you think they’ll be ranked going into the 2024 season?

#3 In poll of 170 members of the media for ACC.com the Florida State University (FSU) were predicted to win it all and for Stanford they were predicted to finish last in the poll.

#4 Stanford will need some growth at quarterback Junior Ashton Daniels started ten times last season he threw for 2247 yards, 11 touchdowns, 8 interceptions, can Daniels have a break through in the ACC and raise Stanford’s position in the rankings. He certainly will need to come out with a strong offense and beat some challenging ACC teams?

#5 Maxwell Award candidate from last season wide receiver WR Elic Ayomanor is someone that Daniels will be looking to throw to. With Ayomanor’s credentials and with last year’s experience Daniels and Ayomanor could be not only an exciting one two combination but excite the ACC if they can turn it around from last season?

Michael Roberson covers Stanford Cardinal football for http://www.sportsradioservice.com

Stanford Cardinal basketball podcast with Michael Roberson: VanDerveer says moving to ACC was not reason for retirement

Stanford Cardinal head coach Tara VanDerveer seen here celebrating with her players her 1202 career victory becoming the winningest head coach in NCAA history on Fri Jan 19, 2024 at Maple Pavilion in Palo Alto. VanDerveer met with the media on Wed Apr10, 2024 at Maples Pavilion to announce her retirement. (AP News file photo)

On the Stanford Cardinal podcast with Michael R:

#1 Michael, One of the things that Stanford Cardinal head coach Tara VanDerveer pointed out at her last press last Wednesday was she was not retiring because the ACC. Matter of face VanDerveer said that was a motivating factor for her to stay if anything.

#2 The Cardinal are going through big changes from the end of the Pac 12, to the portal transfers, and losing graduating stars Cameron Brink and Hannah Jump and of course dealing with NIL that has taken over the sport.

#3 VanDerveer mentioned that the changes that have arrived has been exhausting for her and it’s become more of a 24 hour job rather than before you would show up in the morning practice and on game days practice and get ready for the game. Now it’s that and constantly off floor basketball decisions but still that wasn’t the reason why she was retiring.

#4 VanDerveer revealed that her real reason for retirement was her mom at 96 years old is someone that she wanted to spend time with, being with her dogs and going water skiing. After awhile VanDerveer realizes as she says “this is not a dress rehearsal, this is your real life” VanDerveer is now 70 years old.

Michael Roberson is a Stanford Cardinal beat writer for http://www.sportsradioservice.com

Cal takes down North Texas 58-21 in Denton, TX

Photo credit: @CalFootball

By: Mary Anne

The California Golden Bears started the 2023 NCAA football season against the North Texas Mean Green. Cal defeated North Texas 58-21 at DATCU Stadium and did the Texas two-step. Cal improved to 1-0, while North Texas fell to 0-1.

The Golden Bears were ready to roll in their week one uniforms and got on the board first. Jeremiah Hunter caught a 23-yard pass from Sam Jackson V for the game’s first touchdown. Michael Luckhurtst kicked the extra point for a 7-0 lead at 12:53.

The Mean Green tied the game a little under two minutes later. Ja’Mori Maclin caught a 3-yard pass from Stone Earle for the game-tying touchdown. Noah Rauschenberg kicked the extra point for a 7-7 tie at 11:04.

The Golden Bears responded late in the first quarter. Jaydn Ott rushed for a 4-yard touchdown. Michael Luckhurst kicked the extra point for a 14-7 lead with 1:04 left in the first.

The Golden Bears led 14-7 after the first quarter.

The Mean Green opened the second quarter with a scoring play. Ja’Mori Maclin caught a 59-yard pass from Stone Earle for the game-tying touchdown. Noah Rauschenberg kicked the extra point for a 14-14 tie at 14:33.

The Golden Bears regained the lead with back-to-back touchdowns. Isaiah Ifanse rushed for a 26-yard touchdown. Michael Luckhurst kicked the extra point to make it 21-14 with 7:30 left in the second quarter. Jaydn Ott rushed for a 66-yard touchdown. Luckhurst’s extra point kick failed, so the Golden Bears settled for a 27-14 lead with 5:42 left in the second.

The Mean Green made it a six-point game with under two minutes left in the second quarter. Xzavior Kautai caught a 12-yard pass from Stone Earle. Noah Rauschenberg kicked the extra point and cut the Golden Bears’ lead to 27-21 with 1:47 left in the second.

The Golden Bears had the last word of the second quarter. Isaiah Ifanse rushed for an 8-yard touchdown. Jaydn Ott tried the 2-point conversion, but it was no good, and Cal settled for a 33-21 lead with seven seconds left in the second.

The Golden Bears brought a 33-21 lead to the locker room at the half.

The Golden Bears continued to dominate offensively in the third quarter. Isaiah Ifanse rushed for a 1-yard touchdown. Jack Endries tried the 2-point conversion, which was good, and Cal took a 41-21 lead at 11:24. Taj Davis caught a 4-yard pass from Ben Finley for the touchdown. Michael Luckhurst kicked the extra point for a 48-21 lead with 8:02 left in the third.

The Golden Bears had a commanding 48-21 lead after three quarters.

The Golden Bears continued their offensive dominance in the fourth quarter. Ashton Stredick rushed for a 5-yard touchdown. Michael Luckhurst kicked the extra point for a 55-21 lead at 11:42. Luckhurst kicked a 52-yard field goal to make it 58-21 with 6:27 left in the fourth.

Notes
Cal will join the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) in August 2024.

Cal had a good visit with Dallas Cowboys punter Bryan Anger on Friday. Anger will start his 12 NFL season next week. He played college football for Cal and was drafted 70th overall in the third round by the Jacksonville Jaguars in the 2012 NFL Draft.

Up Next
Cal will return home to Memorial Stadium to host the Auburn Tigers on Saturday, September 9 at 7:30 p.m. Pacific.