Rod Brower, KLC Fotos
Jonathan Brady makes a spectacular game-winning touchdown catch, securing victory in the thrilling 127th Big Game.
21
Stanford
STA
3-8 , 2-6
24
Winner
California
CAL
6-5 , 2-5
21
24
Winner
| Team | 1st | 2nd | 3rd | 4th | F |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| STA Stanford | 14 | 0 | 7 | 0 | 21 |
| CAL California | 0 | 7 | 3 | 14 | 24 |
Game Recap: Football | 11/23/2024 4:11 PM | Cal Athletics
Cal Overcomes 14-Point Deficit To Win Rivalry Contest For Fourth Straight Year
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Next Game:
at SMU
11/30/2024 | 12:30 PM PT
ESPN2
810 AM
BERKELEY – California wide receiver Jonathan Brady shined in his first season with the Golden Bears after transferring from New Mexico State. He marked a significant moment in the storied rivalry by catching a game-winning 22-yard touchdown pass from quarterback Fernando Mendoza with only 2:40 remaining in the match, propelling Cal to an exhilarating 24-21 win over Stanford in the 127th Big Game. Brady reflected on his week of preparations: “I really thought it was just a regular rivalry, but once I saw some videos and the history, I was like, ‘OK, this is crazy.’ You felt the energy all week. It was good to be part of it for the first time.” His outstanding performance included two touchdown receptions, which proved pivotal in the Bears’ thrilling comeback.
The Bears’ game-winning touchdown capped off a remarkable 11-play, 98-yard drive, showcasing their tenacity after falling behind by 14 points midway through the third quarter. The decisive two-point conversion was achieved when Mendoza executed a shovel pass to running back Jaydn Ott. Following a dominant defensive stand that halted Stanford’s offense in just three plays, the jubilant sold-out crowd stormed the field at California Memorial Stadium.
“I don’t know what it means,” Brady stated, “but after the game, a lot of Cal fans came up to me and thanked me. I never expected anything like that. It’s a blessing to be a part of it. I’ve never felt something so exciting. It means so much to our fans. It was exciting to see a smile on their faces.” The victory not only secured the Big Game title for the fourth consecutive year and five out of the last six, but it also ensured the Bears are bowl-eligible for the second straight season.
Initially, the game presented challenges, with Stanford’s impressive two first-quarter touchdowns putting the Bears at a disadvantage. They trailed 21-7 late in the third quarter, and a critical fumble deep in their territory nearly dashed their hopes for a comeback. However, the turning point came when the Cardinal failed to capitalize after recovering at the Cal 20, suffering a setback due to a mishandled snap during a field goal attempt.
Cal’s resilience began to show as they narrowed the gap to 21-10, thanks to a 46-yard field goal by Ryan Coe. Brady quickly followed up with a clutch 30-yard touchdown reception from Mendoza on a crucial third down, igniting the team’s comeback. Another defensive stand allowed the Bears to seize control and orchestrate the winning drive.
“I’m so proud of this team,” said Travers Family Head Football Coach Justin Wilcox. He emphasized the character of his players: “We’ve been in a lot of tight games this year; they haven’t gone our way, but we never quit and we found a way to win. That means a lot.” His comments echoed the determination displayed by the team throughout the intense match.
For sixth-year safety Craig Woodson, this win held special significance as he celebrated helping the Bears retain The Axe for the fifth time during his career, ending the game with 10 tackles: “It won’t hit me until tonight or a week from now or a year from now. It’s crazy knowing that I’ve been here my whole career and all the times we’ve beat Stanford. I think this is the moment I’ll remember the most, being down like that and coming back to win. It means everything. This is something I’ll remember for the rest of my life.”
The Bears are set to conclude their regular season with an away game next Saturday against No. 13 SMU. The kickoff is scheduled for 12:30 p.m. PT, and fans can catch the action live on ESPN2.
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What was your mindset during the final moments of the game against Stanford when you scored the game-winning touchdown?
**Interview with Jonathan Brady, California Golden Bears Wide Receiver**
**Interviewer:** Thank you for joining us, Jonathan! Congratulations on that thrilling win against Stanford in the 127th Big Game! Your game-winning touchdown catch must feel incredible. Can you take us through those final moments?
**Jonathan Brady:** Thank you! It really was an exhilarating experience. The energy in the stadium was unreal. With just 2:40 left on the clock and us down by four points, I knew we had to make something happen. The play was drawn up for me, and when I saw the ball coming, I just focused on making the catch. It felt surreal when I crossed the end zone.
**Interviewer:** You had two touchdown receptions in this game. How did it feel to contribute significantly to the team’s comeback?
**Brady:** It was amazing to be able to help my team like that. We were down 14 points at one stage, and I think it really tested our character. I felt that we had a special connection out there, especially with our quarterback, Fernando Mendoza. Every play mattered, along with the trust and confidence we had in each other.
**Interviewer:** You mentioned in your post-game comments that you were new to the Cal-Stanford rivalry. How did learning about the history and significance of this game impact your performance?
**Brady:** Honestly, it changed everything for me. Leading up to the game, I watched videos and listened to stories about the rivalry. It made me realize how much it meant to the fans and the players. The energy every day in practice was contagious. I felt that responsibility to give everything I had, not just for myself but for all the people who have been a part of this rivalry for years.
**Interviewer:** After the game-winning touchdown, the crowd stormed the field. Can you describe your emotions in that moment?
**Brady:** It was pure joy! Seeing the fans so thrilled, it made all the hard work worth it. Everyone was smiling, hugging, and celebrating together. I felt honored to be part of that moment and to bring some happiness to the Cal community. Hearing the fans thank me afterward was something I’ll never forget.
**Interviewer:** With this victory, Cal is now bowl-eligible for the second consecutive season. What does this mean for you and the team moving forward?
**Brady:** It shows how far we’ve come together as a team. Securing our bowl eligibility is a significant milestone, and it gives us that extra motivation to keep pushing. We have to build on this momentum for our next game against SMU. If we stay focused and committed, I believe we can achieve even more.
**Interviewer:** Thank you for your time, Jonathan, and good luck in your upcoming game!
**Brady:** Thank you! I appreciate it. Go Bears!
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