Revealing the Forgotten Origins of the Cal–Stanford "Big Game"

Sports History Network · Oct 20, 2026 · 14m

I spoke with Timothy Brown of FootballArchaeology.com and we trace the Cal–Stanford rivalry to 1892, which produced the first intercollegiate game west of the Rockies. I explain that Cal played clubs and schools in winter and spring until Stanford’s arrival shifted the season, and that early contests sometimes used rugby rules. I recount striking details, including a game at the Haight Street Grounds that was delayed 75 minutes because no one brought a ball and the existence of a “Little Big Game” for freshmen. I note that safety and rule controversies in 1906 led many institutions to suspend…