Cal vs Stanford Prediction: The Big Game is Still a Big Deal

Originally posted on College Football News
By Pete Fiutak | Last updated Nov 22, 2025 5:24 AM ET

It's still insane that this is an ACC battle, and it's been a while since this truly mattered in any sort of conference title way.

But it's The Big Game.

These two started playing in 1918 - a 67-0 Cal win - and it only seems that long since Stanford last won it.

This was the lone win in the Cardinal's 1-3 2020 season, and the only one in the last seven tries.

There's still plenty of fun to be had, with a chance at knocking out Notre Dame from the College Football Playoff picture next week.

But first, it has to take out a Cal team that got bowl eligible two weeks ago with a thrilling overtime win over Louisville.

That win by the Bears knocked out the Cardinals from the ACC race. Next week, depending on what happens Saturday, they might have another shot to be the spoiler when SMU comes to Berkeley.

Cal vs Stanford Preview

How To Watch Cal vs Stanford

Date: Saturday, November 22, 2025
Game Time: 7:30 PM ET
TV: ACC Network
Location: Stanford Stadium, Stanford, CA

Why Cal Will Win

When freshman sensation Jaron-Keawe Sagapolutele is on, Cal is a nasty team to try knocking out.

He picked a great time to have his best game of the year, throwing for 323 yards and two scores in the win over Louisville. When he gets time, and he relaxes and fires away, he's got the NFL upside to be something special.

Stanford doesn't have the pass defense to deal with him or the Cal passing attack.

The Cardinal actually enjoyed their best games of the year when they allowed the most passing yards, but quarterbacks are firing away with ease on this bunch.

On the other side, there's no Stanford running game to worry about whatsoever. The offensive line is about to have a bad day, but ...

Nov 8, 2025; Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA; Stanford Cardinal quarterback Elijah Brown (2) looks to pass in the third quarter at Kenan Stadium.© Bob Donnan-Imagn Images

Why Stanford Will Win

Stanford's running game doesn't do anything, and Cal's is only about a yard and a half per game better.

Yes, JKS is a Cal's star and top player, but when he's off, the team struggles.

He was miserable in the crazy 34-0 loss at San Diego State. He couldn't stop throwing picks against Duke, threw two more against Virginia, and didn't get any help in the strange loss to Virginia Tech.

Stanford doesn't bring a ton of pressure, but it just needs to hurry Sagapolutele enough to rush. When he relaxes and is comfortable, that's when everything clicks. But when the turnovers come ...

Cal vs Stanford Prediction, Betting Lines

Neither team can afford big mistakes.

Stanford is 0-5 when turning it over multiple times, and Cal is 1-3. Neither side forces a ton of takeaways.

Both teams will fire away with their respective passing games, but there's one key difference. Cal knows how to score. Stanford doesn't.

Cal 27, Stanford 20
Line: Cal -3.5, o/u: 47.5
ATS Confidence out of 5: 2.5
Must See Rating: 3

Consensus Line from BetMGM, Caesars, DraftKings, and FanDuel. Game odds refresh periodically and are subject to change. If you or someone you know has a gambling problem and wants help, call 1-800-GAMBLER.

- CFN Top 25 Rankings

This article first appeared on College Football News and was syndicated with permission.

More must-reads: