Tag: SMU Mustangs

Cal Bears podcast Morris Phillips: After big loss in Big Game some tough questions for Cal; Bears face off with SMU Saturday

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Cal Bears quarterback Jaron-Keawe Sagapolutele (3) is helped up after getting sacked by the Stanford Cardinal defense after getting sacked in the fourth quarter at Stanford Stadium on Sat Nov 23, 2025 (photo by Data Skrive)

Cal Bears podcast Morris Phillips:

#1 Does a nine season record of 48–55 and a failure to ever post a winning conference record under former head coach Justin Wilcox justify a coaching change?

#2 Did the lopsided 31–10 loss to rival Stanford Cardinal — marked by 13 penalties for 123 yards and two fumble-return touchdowns — act as a final straw that exposed deeper issues under Wilcox’s leadership?

#3 Given that the program under Wilcox never broke through to more than eight wins in a season (last in 2019), was there a sense that Cal had plateaued and needed new leadership to compete at a higher level?

#4 With the move to the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC), did the program’s leadership believe Wilcox lacked the recruiting, scheme or development capabilities needed to succeed in a more competitive environment?

#5 After sustained competitiveness but not contention — and with recent seasons showing lingering offensive struggles — was the decision to fire Wilcox motivated by a desire to reset the program’s identity and expectations under fresh leadership?

Morris Phillips covered Cal Bears football each Thursday during the 2025 season for http://www.sportsradioservice.com

Stanford Cardinal podcast Michael Roberson: Stanford, Gulbranson hoping to get back in win column host Florida State Saturday

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Stanford quarterback Ben Gulbranson (15) gets a pass away against the SMU Mustangs at Gerald J Ford Stadium in Dallas on Sat Oct 11, 2025 (AP News photo)

Stanford Cardinal podcast Michael Roberson:

#1 It wasn’t even close in Stanford’s last game against SMU getting landslided 34-10?

#2 Stanford quarterback Ben Gulbranson couldn’t get any offensive scoring going throwing 22-30 for 278 yards, one touchdown and one interception.

#3 What were the key turning points or momentum shifts during the game?

#4 No doubt Stanford struggled offensively and defensively in total total yards, turnovers, sacks?

#5 Up next the Florida State Seminoles are headed for the Farm. FSU is 3-3 and lost their last game to Pitt by a close score of 34-31. Can the Cardinal turn it around and take advantage of home field and get some offense jelling in this next Sat Oct 18th.

Michael Roberson is a beat writer covering Stanford Cardinal football and basketball at http://www.sportsradioservice.com

SMU overpowers Cardinal with 34-10 ACC football win

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Stanford Cardinal quarterback Ben Gulbranson (15) gets a pass away in the first half against the SMU Mustangs at Gerald R Ford Stadium in Dallas on Sat Oct 11, 2025 (AP News photo)

By Daniel Dullum

Stanford couldn’t overcome the heroics of Southern Methodist’s Chris Johnson Jr. and Kevin Jennings on Saturday, as the Mustangs defeated the Cardinal 34-10 in Atlantic Coast Conference football in Dallas.

Johnson ran for an 87-yard touchdown and also scored on a 42-yard pass from SMU quarterback Kevin Jennings. Justin Medlock added a 96-yard interception for a TD in the Mustangs’ 19th consecutive conference football win.

SMU (4-2 overall, 2-0 ACC) is 10-0 since returning to a power conference last season.

Stanford (2-4 overall, 1-2 ACC) scored 35 seconds before halftime on a CJ Williams 14yard touchdown pass from Ben Gulbranson. It was Williams’ first touchdown as a Cardinal.

In the first quarter, Cardinal defensive back Aaron Morris was taken off the field by ambulance after he tackled Mustangs’ wide receiver Jordan Hudson. Morris, who was immobilized, cleared precautionary tests.

SMU opened the scoring five plays after Morris was injured. Jennings completed a short pass to Derrick McFall, who ran 19 yards for the game’s first touchdown.

Jennings completed 22 of 30 passes for 247 yards and two touchdowns.

Gulbranson threw for 278 yards on 22 of 40 passing; he was sacked six times. The pick-6 he surrendered snapped a string of 122 games without an interception. Williams caught seven passes for 109 yards and Sam Roush caught eight passes for 89 yards. Cole Tabb was Stanford’s leading rusher with 62 yards on nine carries.

Jordan Hudson was SMU’s top receiver with five receptions for 87 yards. Johnson finished with 96 rushing yards on six carries.

Next week, the Cardinal host No. 25 Florida State for Reunion Homecoming at Stanford Stadium.

Stanford Cardinal podcast Michael Roberson: Cardinal take on SMU this Saturday

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The Stanford Cardinal were effective enough to get by the visiting San Jose State University Spartans at Stanford Stadium on Sat Sep 27, 2025 (Stanford Cardinal photo)

Stanford Cardinal podcast Michael Roberson:

#1 How will Stanford’s offense adapt its game plan to challenge SMU’s defense, especially in the passing game given SMU’s recent strengths?

#2 Which SMU players (on offense or defense) pose the biggest threat to Stanford, and how can the Cardinal limit their impact?

#3 Does playing on the road in Dallas at Gerald J. Ford Stadium shift the momentum or tilt the balance in SMU’s favor, and in what ways might Stanford overcome that home‑field advantage?

#4 How realistic is it for Stanford to cover or even upset, and what scenarios would lead to that?

#5 In a rivalry matchup with limited history, how much does previous head‑to‑head experience matter (or not), and which team is better positioned—psychologically and strategically—for this game?

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

Stanford Cardinal podcast Daniel Dullum: Cardinal set to face SMU Sat Oct 11 in Dallas

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The Stanford Cardinal line up against the San Jose State University Spartans on Sat Sep 27, 2025 at Stanford Stadium in Palo Alto. Stanford has a bye this week and play the SMU Mustangs on Sat Oct 11, 2025 in Dallas. (photo by Stanford Cardinal)

Stanford Cardinal podcast Daniel Dullum:

#1 What key plays or decisions swung the momentum in Stanford’s favor in the final minutes? That 4th‑and‑10 conversion by Stanford, or critical missed field goals by San José State? The Cardinal won this one 30-29.

#2 How did the quarterbacks perform under pressure, and which one made the biggest impact down the stretch? Spartans quarterback Walker Eget threw for 473 yards and 3 TDs, while Stanford quarterback Ben Gulbranson engineered a last‑minute drive.

#3 How did special teams especially field goal attempts and kicking influence the outcome of the game? San José State had multiple missed field goals that could have changed the final result.

#4 What does this result say about San José State’s ability to close out tight games against Power‑5 opponents? They’ve historically struggled in such matchups, and this one slipped away in the final minute.

#5 How does this game affect the trajectory or confidence of each team going forward in the season? For Stanford, a comeback win against a local rival; for SJSU a tough loss.

Daniel Dullum is a Stanford Cardinal podcaster at http://www.sportsradioservice.com

Stanford Cardinal podcast Michael Roberson: Stanford looking for second straight win take on SMU Saturday

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Stanford Cardinal quarterback Myles Jackson (3) flips the ball back to the official in a game against the San Jose State University Spartans at Stanford Stadium in Palo Alto on Sat Sep 27, 2025 (Stanford Cardinal photo)

Stanford Cardinal podcast Michael Roberson:

#1 How significant is the “Bill Walsh Legacy” branding for this game in terms of recruiting, alumni engagement, and the rivalry’s narrative between the two programs at SJSU and Stanford?

#2 What happened to SJSU’s defense it didn’t stop or disrupt Stanford’s offense, given Stanford’s struggles in yardage and scoring so far this season?

#3 Which quarterback — Walker Eget for the Spartans or Ben Gulbranson for the Cardinal — had the edge in this matchup, especially in clutch moments (third downs, red zone, late drives)?

#4 How did both teams handle special teams and kicking — did Stanford or SJSU gain an edge via field goals, punts, or kickoff returns?

#5 What adjustments will the coaching staff make as the Cardinal take on the SMU Mustangs (2-2) in Dallas this Sat Oct 11 for a 9:00AM PT kick off. The Mustangs lost to the TCU Frog Horns (3-0) in their last game 35-24 on Sat Sep 20 dropping their record to 2-2. How do you see Stanford matching up with SMU this Saturday?

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

Stanford Cardinal podcast with Michael Roberson Sat Mar 1, 2025: Cardinal open up road trip with 2 games left; Tip off against Notre Dame Wednesday night

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All SMU Mustangs guard Chuck Harris (3) and forward Matt Cross (33) can do is just look as the Stanford Cardinal forward Donavin Young (3) goes for the throw down at Maples Pavilion in Palo Alto on Sat Mar 1, 2025 (Stanford Cardinal X photo)

Stanford Cardinal podcast with Michael Roberson

#1 Big win for the Stanford Cardinal (19-10) they pick up their fourth win in their last six games defeating the SMU Mustangs (21-8) this win coming at Maple Pavilion in Palo Alto earlier today.

#2 Stanford’s Maxime Raynaud played hero again with a game winning slam dunk with 8.7 second left in the ball game as the Cardinal just got by the Mustangs in a tag team game 73-68.

#3 The Mustang ran off a 13-0 score after they were down ten points and took the lead 60-57 in the middle of the second half. Chuck Harris with 3:35 left in the game hit a jump shot and it was the last of the Mustang’s 68-67 for the rest of the contest.

#4 With the Mustangs missing their last four shots and turning over the ball over in a critical situation the Cardinal turned the game around. Ryan Agarwal shot a desperation shot that hit the rim and Raynaud came in without being defended from behind the 3 point line got the ball and slammed it in for the game winner.

#5 Two more regular season games left on the Stanford Cardinal (20-9) schedule both are on the road. The Cardinal take on the Notre Dame Fighting Irish (12-17) Wed Mar 5th for a 6:00pm tip. The Irish have lost their last two games and are 9-5 at home. The Cardinal are seventh and have now won three straight games.

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

Stanford Cardinal game wrap: Cardinal Corralled the Mustangs 73-68, on Senior Day inside Maples Pavilion

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Stanford Cardinal forward Maxime Raynaud (42) takes a jump shot against the SMU Mustangs at Maple Pavilion on Sat Mar 1, 2025 (Stanford Cardinal X photo)

By Michael Roberson

STANFORD, Calif. — Senior forward Maxime Raynaud’s points and four blocks helped his Stanford Cardinal (19-10, 11-7 ACC) close out their home schedule with a bang, by taming the Southern Methodist Mustangs (21-8, 12-6 ACC) 73-68, on the Farm. The Cardinal come away with a nail biter 73-68 on Saturday night at Maples Pavilion.

The Stanford Senior Trio (Maxime Raynaud, Jaylin Blakes & Cole Kastner) were determined to end their playing careers on the Tara VanDerveer Court at Maples with a bang. Raynaud tallied his obligatory double-figure (11) scoring during the initial 20 minutes of game action. Blakes on the other hand, had a tough first half with 3 fouls midway through the half, including a technical foul. Kastner did not play a minute in half number one.

SMU scored the first points of the game with a three pointer. That margin was the ,ost they led by in the first half They also had runs of 6-0 and 8-0. Stanford had a lead as high as 13, with runs of 7-0 and 9-0.

Even with Stanford’s big lead at one point, it was a very competitive first half. There were 7 lead changes and 6 ties. After all the smoke settled, the home team had a six point lead at recess, 45-39.

Raynaud’s 11 points led the Cardinal, while Matt Cross’ 10 points and Chuck Harris’ 11 paced the Mustangs.

The second half was just as competitive, as the Mustangs overcame the 6-point halftime deficit and turned it into another three points lead midway through the second half. Minutes later they extended their advantage to five.

Stanford was not going to be denied, and they forged their own comeback. There were an additional 4 more lead changes and two more ties to the conference tussle. A total of 11 lead changes and 8 ties was the tally after 40 minutes of action. The Cardinal parlayed that into a five point win, 73-68.

The Cardinal held the Mustangs to a miniscule 39% shooting in the second half, which helped them avoid the stampede from the Dallas horses. Stanford’s 20:7 assist ratio versus SMU was a huge reason they were the victors.

Raynaud finished off his last game at Maples with campus shaking thunderous tip-dunk that sealed the contest. He finished the game with 26 points, and an underwhelming 4 rebounds. However, showed a great defensive front, with 4 blocked shots. Benny Gealer contributed with 17 points and some clutch 3-pointers. Oziyah Sellers chipped in 10 points, and Jaylin Blakes had a disappointing finale with 2 points, but a quality win.

The Mustangs had four players in double-figures. Chuck Harris led the way with 17 points, while Kario Oquendo put up 15, and Matt Cross offered 13, in addition to Yohan Traore offering 10

Stanford will next be in action in South Bend, IN, Wednesday March 5, as they take on the Notre Dame Fighting Irish at 9 PM ET/6 PM PT, on ESPNU. SMU heads back to Dallas to host the Syracuse Orange, on Tuesday, March 4 at 8:00 PM CT, also on ESPNU

Stanford Cardinal podcast with Michael Roberson: Raynaud leads Cardinal with 23 in win over Boston College

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Stanford Cardinal forward Maxime Raynaud (42) takes a jump shot against the Boston College Eagles Elijah Strong (31) at Maples Pavilion in Palo Alto on Wed Feb 26, 2025 (Stanford Cardinal X photo)

Stanford Cardinal podcast with Michael Roberson:

#1 Michael, Stanford (18-10) in the first half left little doubt dominating with a 37-19 lead over Boston College (12-16) in an impressive start. Stanford is 8-1 at home with their 78-60 win.

#2 Michael, once again Maxime Raynaud led the way for Stanford with 23, he took the ball and was one of the big contributors for Stanford in this win.

#3 Oziyah Sellers finished second in scoring with 18 points and two rebounds. Sellers also another player in the line up who helps delivers for the Stanford offense.

#4 Also after 13 years as Stanford Athletics Director Bernard Muir is stepping down. The Cardinal have won 33 championships, 2021 NCAA women’s basketball title, 13 national titles, and 146 conference championships during Muir’s time as AD.

#5 The Cardinal tip off against the SMU Mustangs at Maples Pavilion on Sat Mar 1 a 2:00pm tip. The Mustangs are having a good season fourth in the ACC and did some damage to the Cal Bears in their game tonight in Berkeley with a 81-77 win. How do you see this match up between the Mustangs-Cardinal on Saturday afternoon?

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

Cardinal Grounded the Eagles 78-60 inside Maples; Raynaud School’s Double-Double King

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Stanford Cardinal forward Chisom Okpara (10) takes a jump shot against the Boston College Eagles at Maples Pavilion in Palo Alto on Wed Feb 26, 2025 (Stanford X photo)

By Michael Roberson

STANFORD. Calif. — Maxime Raynaud’s record breaking 21st Double-Double helped his Stanford Cardinal (18-10, 10-7 ACC) preserve Palo Alto as a NO-FLY Zone for the visiting Boston College Eagles (12-16, 4-13 ACC) 78-60, while maintaining their home-court conference dominance (8-1) on the Farm..

Raynaud was on a mission right away from the scoring side of his game.  He not only converted the first bucket of the game, but the initial seven points for the Cardinal.  He was on fire from beyond the Arc, and making hook shots from either hand.

Stanford’s defense was also steller and sturdy as their mascot (Tree).  They held their Massachusetts opponent to a putrid 27% from the field, and 18% from threeland, in the first 20 minutes of gameplay.  The Cardinal, on the other hand, shot 54% & 46% respectively for the home squad.

When the recess horn went off, the Cardinal held their largest lead of 18 points, 37-19.  This was assisted with an 8-0 run and controlling the clock, by leading for more than 18 minutes (90%) of the first stanza,

Raynaud led all players with 16 points, and was the lone player in double figures.  However, he had a low count of rebounds (3), possibly interrupting his chance to eclipse school history.  Junior guard Dion Brown led the Eagles in scoring with a mild five points.

In the second half, Stanford scratched first again with a Jaylin Blakes bucket.  That immediately put the Cardinal up by 20 points.  By the end of the conference battle, Stanford increased their advantage to as high as 27 points, but settled for an 18-point victory (78-60), after 40 minutes of regulation action.  This was also the same margin at halftime.

Boston College shot an impressive 50% from the field in the second half, while hitting a sizzling 56% from behind the 3-point line.  They equaled the Cardinal in points production (41) in the last half; however, being down by 18 midway through the contest, that effort will keep you in the same hole, down by 18 after 20 minutes.

Several players joined Raynaud in the double-figures stratosphere, including three of his teammates.  Maxime totaled 23 points, and grabbed 10 rebounds (7 in 2nd Half), placing him on top of the Cardinal’s list of double-doubles in a single season. Twenty-One D-D’s surpasses Stanford legend Adam Keefe, with several games still left in the season’

Oziyah Sellers (18), Chisom Okpara (15) and Jaylin Blakes all joined their Senior record-breaker in double-digit scoring.  As for Boston College, two players reached that plateau.  Senior Chad Venning led the Eagles with 13 points, while his fellow senior teammate Roger McFarlane chipped in 11 points of his own efforts.

The Cardinal will next be in action, Saturday, March 1, as they host the Southern Methodist Mustangs at 2:00 P M PT on the ACC Network.  Boston College heads across the Bay on the same date to take on Cal at 7:00 PM PT on ESPN2/U.