Cal-Stanford Big Game 2009

Cardinal Can Smell the Roses

Who would’ve thought at the beginning of the season that USC wouldn’t be near the top of the Pac-10 standings in November?

Then again, who would’ve thought that Stanford would be.

The 2009 “Big Game” between Cal and Stanford is going to have much more riding on it for the Cardnial it than at any time in recent memory. Stanford is ranked No. 17 in the country after putting a beatdown on the Oregon Ducks and the USC Trojans in consecutive weeks. Head coach Jim Harbaugh has led Stanford to a 7-3 record overall and a 6-2 record in the Pac-10, which is good enough for second place in the conference behind the Ducks.

The Cardinal are led on offense by senior running back Toby Gerhart, who has rushed for nearly 1,400 yards and 19 touchdowns this season. Freshman quarterback Andrew Luck has been more than serviceable under center, throwing for 2,220 yards and 13 touchdowns with only three interceptions. Luck’s also rushed for nearly 300 yards and two touchdowns.

The Cal Bears come into the 2009 ‘Big Game’ against Stanford ranked 25th nationally after recovering from a two-game losing skid at the end of September to win four of their next five games. However, they’ll be without their greatest weapon. Running back Jahvid Best will sit out of the game as he continues to recover from a concussion suffered against Oregon State two weeks ago. Sophomore running back Shane Vereen, who has rushed for 545 yards and seven touchdowns this season, will take his place in the backfield. Kevin Riley will take the snaps tonight for the Bears as he’s thrown for nearly 2,200 yards and 15 touchdowns.

Stanford will be looking to keep their Rose Bowl hopes alive, while Cal looks to spoil the party at Stanford Stadium and bring the Stanford Axe back to Berkeley.

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