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Big Game 2015: McCaffrey, Cardinal Tame The Cal Bears: 35-22

A record breaking night for Christian McCaffrey lifts the Stanford Cardinal over the Cal Bears

Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports

The "Axe" will remain on The Farm for the 6th season in a row.

The more important fact: Stanford will represent the PAC 12 North in the conference title game at Levi's Stadium on December 5th.

Christian McCaffrey led the Stanford Cardinal attack with his 9th game of the season where he rushed for over 100 yard. McCaffrey brutalized the California Golden Bears for 389 total yards, including a 49-yard highlight reel reception for a TD, and a 98-yard kickoff return to end the first half.

Stanford Head Coach David Shaw is now 5-0 as the Head Coach of the Cardinal in the Big Game, and will be looking to get the Cardinal to add his 3rd PAC 12 Title to his resume in 2 weeks.

Stanford employed a "bend-but-don't-break" philosophy on defense, which seemed to keep Cal in it until late in the game. However, the defense stepped up when it was necessary and held on for the victory.

Stanford QB Kevin Hogan will end his "Big Game" career with a 4-0 record, and will be playing in his 3rd PAC 12 Title game in 4 years as starter for the Cardinal.

Cal came into the game as heavy underdogs, but the Bears played loose and with confidence as they were led by QB Jared Goff who showed off his tremendous skills and kept the game close with his precision passing ability. Goff ended with 386 yards passing and 2 TDs; but was just never able to make the big play to get the Bears back on track.

Cal has lost 5 of their last 6 games and will be heading into a showdown with a rejuvenated Arizona State squad looking to make a statement next week in Strawberry Canyon.

With Stanford wrapping up the PAC 12 North title, the Cardinal will look for a little revenge next week when the Fighting Irish of Notre Dame come to The Farm for a Saturday evening matchup of two squads looking to remain in the College Playoff picture.