Stanford (5-5, 3-4 Pac-12) vs. California (5-5, 3-5 Pac-12)

Do-Hyoung Park: Stanford 35, Cal 24

In the words of the always-eloquent Jeremy Lin: “I don’t… it’s… you know… uh… I don’t know, man.” I’m not exactly sure how else I can describe Stanford’s offense. But give it credit, though — for as much crap as we’ve given it, against weak defenses like Oregon State, Washington State and Army, it showed up and looked at least respectable and put points on the board. To say that Cal has a weak defense is an insult to weak defenses around the nation. With everything on the line — not just pride and the Axe, but bowl implications as well — the offense is going to show up and play inspired football. I’m calling it right now: We’re finally going to see Montgomery throw out of the Wildcat. To a wide-open Kevin Hogan. We’ve seen flashes of creativity, but if there’s any game for it to be unleashed in full force, now is the time. The Bears smell blood and will be playing with four years of mounted frustration — and a glimmer of hope. And hope is dangerous. On paper, this matchup should go to the Cardinal — assuming they don’t beat themselves again. This game is what these players have left to play for. I don’t think they’re going to let us — and themselves — down again.

Michael Peterson: Stanford 35, Cal 28

You can bet that Cal will be more fired up for this game than any game in the past several years. Fresh off last year’s 63-13 mauling by Stanford, the Bears sense that this year’s Stanford team is wounded and vulnerable. Make no mistake: Cal will show up to play on Saturday. However, despite the similar records, Stanford still has way too much talent to succumb to Cal just a year after its 50-point victory, especially on the perimeter with Ty Montgomery, Christian McCaffrey, Michael Rector and company salivating over the chance to wreak havoc on an atrocious Cal secondary. And one would hope that Stanford will play with an urgency knowing that it’s still not bowl eligible and facing its biggest rival. Cal opens the game with a 14-point first quarter and takes the early lead, but Stanford proves too much for the Bears over the course of four quarters, and we finally see a comeback victory out of the Card after a season of heartbreak.

Ashley Westhem: Stanford 28, Cal 21

With a 5-5 Stanford team meeting a 5-5 Cal team, I would prefer to view Saturday’s matchup blissfully without expectations or any predictions–basically how my parents or any other family with a house divided will view the game. But, I won’t miss a chance to put in my two-cents. With both teams playing so inconsistently and unpredictably all season, I’d be surprised if anyone will end up accurately predicting the outcome of this Big Game. One key question for Cal to hit on if they are to succeed will be whether they can stop Ty Montgomery. In last year’s beat down of Cal at Stanford, the Golden Bears had a tough time of containing the wide receiver who scored 5 touch downs. Cal’s rush defense is not half bad so for the Cardinal offense to succeed this year, the passing game will be crucial. The beauty of Big Game is that it’s all about emotions and a timeless rivalry, and no one can really make a valid prediction when those factors are involved.

Winston Shi: Stanford 31, Cal 21

In reality, Stanford’s offense puts on a show as it did against Washington State and Oregon State, the defense corrals the Bear Raid just as they did against WSU (even though Cal has a better run game than the Cougs), and Stanford ends Cal’s conference schedule with style in a game that isn’t as close as the final score might suggest.

But what I’d like to see is David Shaw lead the Stanford team in a rendition of the Arrested Development chicken dance midway through the second quarter. Crippled by stadium debt and with no end to the suffering in sight, California’s athletic department is acquired by John Arrillaga in an unprecedented LBO for the grand total of one dollar. (Plus debt, obviously.) Reflecting Cal’s lack of “real cash money,” Arrillaga trades the name “Golden Bears” to Baylor for the name “Bears,” a chocolate cupcake from Sprinkles and some (but not all) of the loose change in Baylor head coach Art Briles’ pocket. Meanwhile, Aaron Rodgers ’18 announces his intention to enroll in Stanford Law School. He’s not allowed to play for the team per NCAA rules, but as he explains, “I just wanted to cheer for a team that actually beats its rival for a change.”