Instareaction and Grade the Big Game: Stanford Keeps the Axe, Defeats Cal 23-13

The California Golden Bears’ offensive woes continued as they fell to the Stanford Cardinal 23-13. Despite pressuring K.J. Costello, California was never able to capitalize on their defensive play in the fourth quarter.

To some fans’ surprise, it was the Cardinal defense that shined Saturday afternoon, as sophomore Paulson Adebo intercepted Chase Garbers with less than three minutes in regulation to set up a quick three-yard touchdown by senior running back Cameron Scarlett.

In “garbage” time, Garbers kept the score respectable with an 11-yard touchdown to junior wide receiver Jordan Duncan — finding the end zone in the final minute.

Stanford Head Coach David Shaw earned his ninth consecutive win against archrival California in the 121st Big Game.