Four Things Stanford Needs To Do To Win Back The Axe From Cal

Stanford is hosting their biggest rival on Saturday are looking to reclaim the Axe

On Saturday in front of a sold-out crowd, Stanford will host their biggest rival, the Cal Golden Bears, for the 127th rendition of the Big Game.

The game this year has a little extra juice to it compared to the past couple of years, as it is Troy Taylor's first time participating as the Stanford head coach after he was on the other side during his playing days, starring at quarterback for the Golden Bears. While there aren't any major implications for this year's matchup, as Cal is 4-6 and Stanford 3-7, this meeting still means a lot to both programs and the fans.

It will be their final meeting as Pac-12 members as they are both set to jump to the ACC next year, and as always, taking that axe home is something both teams are vying for.

Despite Stanford leading the overall series, Cal has won the last two and three out of the last four. In order for the Cardinal to win, there are four things Stanford needs to make sure they do to win and bring the axe back to Palo Alto.

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Limit Jaydn Ott

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This is easier said than done, but in Cal's three wins this season, each one of them saw Ott explode on the ground. When Ott rushes for 160 yards or more, Cal is 3-0 on the year. The crafty running back, which should have the defense's attention thanks to the jab he took at Stanford last week, is a weapon that Cal wants to feed as much as possible but if he is limited, the Golden Bears will be forced to rely on their young quarterback. 

Force Fernando Mendoza To Make Mistakes

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Slowing down Cal's star running back is no easy task, and neither is stopping their young gunslinger Fernando Mendoza. He emerged as the best option, beating out two older transfers, and hasn't looked back. He has shown to be a steady hand behind center, but he's not yet at a point where he can just take over. His USC showing was likely his best and the most they asked of him, but if Stanford can get pressure on him and force him into bad throws they can minimize what this offense can do in a major way. Cal is 0-4 when he throws a pick, so look for Stanford's secondary to make a big play at some point. 

Find Success Through The Air

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Cal ranks No. 127 in the country in passing yards allowed, giving up over 289 yards through the air a game. Being that Stanford struggles to run the ball so much, they need to be much more effective than they were the past couple of games. Ashton Daniels is listed as day-to-day, and if he does play he needs to make better decisions. As for Lamson, he hasn't shown he can consistently be a threat through the air this year. If he gets the nod, he needs to take what the defense gives him and get into a rhythm so he can be more effective with his legs down the stretch as well. 

Protect The Ball

Ashton Daniels found some rhythm during the Colorado game and has been a much more dangerous passer down the stretch. However, when he is under pressure and chooses to throw up a pass rather than run it almost always ends badly. He has four interceptions in the last two games, throwing three in the first half against Oregon State, which really hurt Stanford. If he doesn't see anyone open, he needs to be better at running or throwing the ball away. If Lamson gets the start, he needs to worry about forcing passes as well, as he often gets too eager to use his big arm and will take unnecessary risks. With a game that should be as close as this one, every possession matters.