November 24th 2024.
The longstanding rivalry between Cal and Stanford was once again ignited at the 127th edition of the Big Game. The atmosphere was electric as 52,428 fans gathered at Memorial Stadium to witness this age-old battle between the two teams. And as the game unfolded, it was clear that both sides were determined to come out on top.
The Bears had a rough start, trailing 14-0 in the first quarter and struggling to keep up with Stanford's relentless offense. But as the game progressed, Cal began to find their footing and mounted a comeback. With just 7:45 left on the clock, they were down 21-16 and in desperate need of a game-changing play.
And that's exactly what they got. In a stunning display of resilience and determination, the Bears marched 98 yards in just 11 plays, thanks to a touchdown pass from Fernando Mendoza to Jonathan Brady. The crowd erupted as Cal converted the two-point conversion, taking the lead with a score of 24-21.
The Bears' defense then stepped up and held off Stanford's attempts to reclaim the lead. And when the clock finally ran out, it was official - Cal had secured their fourth consecutive victory over their rival and clinched a spot in a bowl game for the second year in a row.
The heroes of the game were undoubtedly Mendoza and Brady, who connected for two of Cal's three touchdowns in the fourth quarter. Mendoza's impressive performance, which included 299 passing yards and no interceptions, was a much-needed rebound from his previous game where he struggled against Syracuse.
With this win, head coach Justin Wilcox joined a prestigious group of Cal coaches who have won four consecutive Big Games - a testament to his leadership and the determination of the team as a whole. And with their regular season coming to a close next week, the Bears have their sights set on a spot in the postseason.
The game was not without its challenges, as both teams faced off against each other with everything they had. Stanford's early lead was a testament to their strong offense, but Cal was not deterred. They fought back and gradually closed the gap, thanks to a 46-yard field goal by Ryan Coe and a 50-yard scramble by Mendoza.
Despite the tense and competitive nature of the game, the weather was perfect and the crowd was buzzing with excitement. And as the game went on, it was clear that both teams were giving it their all, leaving everything on the field.
In the end, it was Cal's unwavering determination and grit that secured their victory. And as the players celebrated their hard-fought win, the entire stadium erupted with pride and joy. The Big Game had once again lived up to its name, and Cal had emerged victorious.
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