Wade Avery
This year the Big Game saw a twist that it has not seen in a while. A Stanford win. The series has been one with many lopsided affairs. Cal has won the last 5 meetings, while Stanford won the last 8 before that. With California coming in a 13 favorite, it looked like both an opportunity for Cal to both continue their series dominance, and give their season a little lift. But Coach Jim Harbaugh had his troops ready to go. Out of the gates, the game was a classic. The Cal side of the stadium (normally holding more Cal than Stanford fans) was rocking. But the Stanford faithful were out and loud, bringing the noise. With everybody fired up with hate, the game got underway. On Cal’s first possession Stanford’s standout linebacker, Clinton Snyder had all 3 Stanford tackles, including the 3rd down sack, forced, and recovered fumble. Stanford senior QB from Atherton, T.C. Ostrander connected with a wide-open Mark Bradford for an easy touchdown. Cal later came back with a connection to open receiver Robert Jordan for a TD. After the end of the half, the Cardinal faithful had lots to cheer about as they went to the locker room with a 13-10 lead. The first score of the second half came with a Stanford drive led by Tavita Prichard. On a play action pass, he rolled out flipping it 10 yards to tight end Austin Gunder in the back of he end zone. Stanford led 20-10. Soon after a Cal field goal the Cardinal lead was only 7. Then, the Stanford defense came through. CB Nick Sanchez had 2 picks in the 4th quarter, making Nate Longshore look like a boy among men. After Levelle Hawkins dropped countless passes in the end zone, Stanford secured a victory 20-13. Stanford took the axe for the first time in 5 years. It was a night celebrated by many a Stanford fan.
