The 128th Big Game is set to unfold Saturday at Stanford Stadium, where the Stanford Cardinal will strive to break a frustrating streak against Cal. None of the players on Stanford”s current roster have tasted victory in this fierce rivalry, which adds extra pressure to end the losing streak. Stanford, with a record of 3-7 and 2-5 in the Atlantic Coast Conference, has not only lost four consecutive Big Games but also three straight at home, marking the first time since 1947-51 the team has faced such a drought.
“Obviously, we haven”t been able to get it done since I”ve been here,” said redshirt junior cornerback Collin Wright. “Everybody is very clear on what this game means to us, what it means to everybody that”s played here before. And what better year to do it than now, at home, with a lot of our fans here?” Wright emphasized the importance of focusing on the game at hand, reminding teammates that past outcomes do not dictate future performance.
Senior tight end Sam Roush is acutely aware of the significance of this rivalry game as he approaches his final chance to compete in it. “This is my last crack at it,” Roush remarked. “The last three years, two of them were our game and we let them go. That sticks with me. This is the biggest game of the year for me and for the team.” Last year, Stanford entered the fourth quarter with an 11-point lead but ultimately fell to Cal after a late touchdown clinched the win for their rivals.
After a bye week following three straight losses, Roush believes the team has renewed focus heading into this critical matchup. “With the bye week, we”ve gotten some fresh legs,” he noted. “We were able to do some self-scout and reevaluate what we want to do. We”re excited to show that on Saturday.” Roush aims to treat the game like any other, despite the heightened emotions that come with rivalry contests.
Interim head coach Frank Reich is learning quickly about the importance of this historic rivalry. He received a message from former NFL head coach Marv Levy, who has a notable connection to Cal, underscoring the significance of the tradition. “He sent me a voicemail and an email just talking about the tradition,” Reich said. “He recalled waking up and seeing the newspaper headline: Today is the Big Game.” This insight has helped Reich channel the team”s motivation into constructive preparation.
Reich acknowledges the pressure but emphasizes that motivation must translate into preparation. “I think everybody understands the dry spell, and sure, that”s motivation,” he stated. “But motivation has to lead to enhanced preparation. You can”t just turn that emotion on Saturday and expect to get what you want.”
One player who has experienced success in the Big Game is inside linebacker Hunter Barth, who played in each of the last four contests while at Cal. Reich intends to consult Barth regarding Cal”s current roster but aims to keep the focus on the game itself. “Every player has to deal with it in their own way,” Reich advised. “Just stay focused on doing your job. Get the emotion out of the way and focus on playing football.”
