Stanford football rides momentum ahead of quest for Big Game redemption

Stanford football heads into the 2024 Big Game with a jolt of confidence after securing their second ACC win in dramatic fashion last weekend. The Cardinal stunned No. 19 Louisville in a 38-35 shootout, their first victory since late September.

Stanford’s defense played a pivotal role in the win. Senior linebacker Gaethan Bernadel recorded his first career interception off a tipped pass by junior defensive lineman Zach Rowell in the first quarter. The turnover led to a field goal — three critical points in a tightly contested game.  

“That game, our team fought. We never gave up and kept playing football no matter what the score was,” Bernadel said. “I got my first interception, and my family was there, so it was nice to win on senior night.”  

Head coach Troy Taylor highlighted the team’s resilience in securing the victory in a press conference on Tuesday.

“It wasn’t perfect, but down the stretch, if you give yourself an opportunity, sometimes things work out,” Taylor said. “Our guys made key plays when it mattered most, showing great composure.”  

Quarterback Ashton Daniels also delivered a standout performance, earning ACC Quarterback of the Week honors. Taylor lauded Daniels’ toughness under pressure, noting his ability to make pivotal throws and runs despite facing a relentless Louisville pass rush. 

“He played as well as he’s played since I’ve been here,” Taylor said. “He’s just a really tough guy. He took hits in the pocket and was able to come back and still maintain his progression. And that’s really difficult to do because he was under a lot of pressure throughout the game.”

With momentum on their side, the Cardinal now turn their attention to their historic rivalry with Cal. The Big Game returns to Memorial Stadium in Berkeley, where Stanford will aim to reclaim the Axe after three straight losses in the series.  

For Bernadel, this game is personal. 

“Winning would mean everything,” he said. “Last year’s Big Game was fun when we played at home, but now it’s time to get the Axe back on their turf.”  

Linebacker Tristian Sinclair, a sixth-year veteran, brings unique insights into the rivalry. Growing up just 20 minutes from Berkeley, he frequently attended Cal games with his grandparents, who were season ticket holders. Despite his family’s deep Cal ties — his mother and sister are alumni — Sinclair’s allegiance is now firmly with Stanford.  

“Any love I had for [Berkeley] has departed. It’s all about Stanford now,” Sinclair said. “Emotions run high in these games, but you have to be the smarter team at the end of the day because they always come down to the wire.”  

Taylor underscored the rivalry’s significance, especially for new ACC followers unfamiliar with the Bay Area tradition. 

“It’s a historic rivalry, and it’s been a closely played one,” Taylor said. “I think one of the truly great things about college football are these rivalries that go back over 100 years and people have memories of games, and hopefully it will be another great one for Stanford folk on Saturday.”

Cal, led by head coach Justin Wilcox, boasts one of the nation’s top defenses, highlighted by their ability to force turnovers. Wilcox’s unit ranks among the best in the country, with standout performances from players like Nohl Williams, who leads the NCAA in interceptions. Taylor expressed deep respect for Wilcox and defensive coordinator Peter Sirmon, noting their disciplined approach.  

“They’re really good at stopping the run and they’re usually a really good tackling team,” Taylor said. “I have a lot of respect for Justin. People have trouble running the football against them as they’re very physical. This is another really good defense.”  

The rivalry’s emotional stakes add another layer of intensity to the matchup. For Taylor, Sinclair, Bernadel and the Stanford team, a win on Saturday represents not just an opportunity to reclaim the Axe but also a chance to solidify their resurgence after a challenging season.  

“It’s about staying composed and focused,” Bernadel said. “We know what this game means — not just to us, but to the entire Stanford community.”

The Big Game is set to kick off at 12:30 p.m. on Saturday.

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