Big Game (Stanford vs. Cal)

Big Game (Stanford vs. Cal). The Big Game is the annual college football rivalry game between the Stanford Cardinal and the California Golden Bears. First contested in 1892, it is one of the oldest and most celebrated rivalries in college football, traditionally played near the end of the regular season. The winner claims possession of the Stanford Axe, the rivalry's primary trophy, in a series historically marked by dramatic finishes and intense competition.

History

The rivalry began on March 19, 1892, at San Francisco's Haight Street Grounds, where Stanford defeated California 14–10. The contest was organized by future U.S. Senator Stanford Newel and Herbert Hoover, then a student at Stanford University. The series quickly became a central event for the University of California, Berkeley and Stanford communities, with early games often held in San Francisco or Berkeley, California. The rivalry intensified through the early 20th century, notably with the 1899 "Thanksgiving Game" and the introduction of the Stanford Axe as a trophy in 1933. Periods of dominance have shifted between the programs, influenced by coaches like Pop Warner, Pappy Waldorf, and Bill Walsh.

Game results

Through the 2023 meeting, Stanford holds a series lead of 66 wins to California's 49, with 11 ties. The longest winning streak belongs to Stanford, which won nine consecutive games from 1995 to 2003. California's longest streak is seven games, achieved from 1920 to 1926. The series has seen significant shifts in momentum, including a dominant period for Cal under coach Jeff Tedford in the early 2000s and a subsequent resurgence by Stanford under coaches Jim Harbaugh and David Shaw. The overall point differential in the series is relatively close, reflecting the competitive nature of the contest.

Traditions and rivalry

Central to the rivalry is the Stanford Axe, a trophy first wielded by Stanford students in 1899 and later stolen by Cal supporters in 1899, leading to its formal adoption as the game's prize in 1933. Pre-game traditions include rallies like Stanford's "Big Game Gaieties" and Cal's "Big Game Bonfire." The week features spirited pranks and rallies on both campuses, with groups like the Stanford Band and UC Rally Committee playing key roles. The rivalry extends beyond football to intense competition in other NCAA sports within the Pac-12 Conference, and the "Big Game" name is also used for the annual men's basketball contest.

Notable games

The 1982 game, known as "The Play," is among the most famous in college football history, where Cal scored the winning touchdown on a five-lateral kickoff return as time expired, famously running through the Stanford Band. The 1924 "Wrong-Way" game saw Roy Riegels of Cal famously run 65 yards toward his own end zone. In 1990, a last-second field goal by John Hopkins gave Stanford a dramatic win. The 2009 game featured a last-minute touchdown run by Toby Gerhart to secure a Stanford victory, while the 2019 contest went to double overtime before Stanford prevailed.

Trophies and awards

The primary trophy is the Stanford Axe, a ceremonial axe head mounted on a large wooden plaque, awarded to the winning university each year. Individual awards include the Pop Warner Award, given to the most valuable player of the Big Game from 1934 to 1971, and the Bill Walsh Award, which succeeded it. The Andy Smith Award is given to the most valuable player for California, while the Jim Plunkett Award honors the top player for Stanford. These awards are typically presented at post-game banquets attended by alumni and former players.

Venues

Early games were played at neutral sites like Haight Street Grounds and Kezar Stadium in San Francisco. Since 1904, the game has primarily alternated between the teams' home stadiums: California Memorial Stadium in Berkeley, California, and Stanford Stadium in Stanford, California. Occasional returns to Kezar Stadium occurred, most recently in 1950, and the 2011 game was played at AT&T Park due to renovations at California Memorial Stadium. The San Francisco 49ers' Levi's Stadium in Santa Clara, California, hosted the contest in 2014 and 2018.