### Stanford Reclaims the Axe: A Historic Victory in the Big Game - In a thrilling matchup on November 23, 2025, Stanford University defeated the University of California, Berkeley (Cal) 31-10 in the annual Big Game, effectively reclaiming the Axe trophy. This victory marked a significant turnaround for Stanford, ending a four-game losing streak against their rival. The game showcased Stanford's defensive prowess, highlighted by two fumble recoveries returned for touchdowns, and a strong second-half performance that secured their win at Stanford Stadium [https://sports.yahoo.com/article/stanford-takes-back-axe-convincing-043023053.html][https://www.newsday.com/sports/college/college-football/cal-stanford-score-x38674]. ### Breakdown of the Game's Key Elements 1. **Game Overview** - Stanford's victory was characterized by a dominant defensive display, forcing three turnovers, including two fumbles returned for touchdowns [https://www.pressdemocrat.com/2025/11/22/big-game-stanfords-defense-rises-to-occasion-as-cardinal-stuns-rival-cal]. 2. **Scoring Summary** - The game saw Stanford score 17 points in the second half, showcasing their ability to capitalize on Cal's mistakes and maintain control of the game [https://abc7news.com/post/cal-stanford-golden-bears-take-cardinal-stadium/18192299]. 3. **Historical Context** - This win not only ended Stanford's losing streak against Cal but also reinstated their competitive edge in this storied rivalry, which has significant implications for both teams' seasons [https://www.si.com/college/cal/football/cal-football-game-summary-bears-lose-to-stanford-in-the-big-game-01ka0bhd71dc]. ### Supporting Evidence and Data - **Turnovers**: Stanford's defense was instrumental, forcing three turnovers, which included: - 2 fumble recoveries returned for touchdowns. - 1 additional turnover that contributed to their scoring opportunities. - **Scoring Breakdown**: - **First Half**: Stanford led with a strong performance, setting the tone early. - **Second Half**: Scored 17 points, demonstrating their ability to adapt and capitalize on Cal's errors [https://sports.yahoo.com/article/stanford-takes-back-axe-convincing-043023053.html]. ### Conclusion: A Turning Point for Stanford Football - **Major Findings**: 1. **Defensive Dominance**: Stanford's defense was the key to their victory, forcing critical turnovers that shifted the momentum of the game. 2. **End of Streak**: The win not only reclaimed the Axe but also marked a pivotal moment in Stanford's season, potentially revitalizing their program after a challenging stretch. 3. **Rivalry Implications**: This victory reestablishes Stanford's position in the rivalry, setting the stage for future encounters with renewed confidence. In summary, Stanford's 31-10 victory over Cal in the Big Game is a significant milestone, showcasing their defensive strength and ending a frustrating streak against their rivals [https://www.newsday.com/sports/college/college-football/cal-stanford-score-x38674][https://www.pressdemocrat.com/2025/11/22/big-game-stanfords-defense-rises-to-occasion-as-cardinal-stuns-rival-cal].