With a fourth straight Big Game loss, the Stanford football program is at a crossroads. With the exception of junior cornerback Collin Wright, the entire secondary was manned by freshman after senior safety Mitch Leigber left the game.

Mendoza triggered a four-play, 82-yard scoring drive with a 50-yard scramble to the Stanford 32 and a penalty against the Cardinal advanced the ball to the 22. His run was the longest by a Cal quarterback in at least 25 years, according to Cal athletics.

Justin Lamson — Stanford’s backup quarterback who typically enters the game in short-yardage situations — ran for two touchdowns in the first quarter, both from two yards out to give the Cardinal a 14-0 lead after one. He has seven rushing touchdowns this season, setting the Stanford record by a quarterback.