Cal Poly Football was routed 41-7 in their first-ever matchup against Stanford on Saturday as they continue to get reps before the Big Sky Conference season.
The Mustangs (0-2) have not beaten a Division I FBS team since 2012 against Wyoming. Cal Poly was also 33-point underdogs entering Saturday’s contest against the Cardinal (1-1).
At this time last year, Cal Poly fell to San Jose State 59-3, entering that game as 23-point underdogs.
In this game, the Mustangs played a competitive first half, trailing 14-7 at halftime with the ball in the second half.
The defensive line continues to shine for Cal Poly. The line forced a fumble on Stanford’s opening drive, giving the offense an early opportunity to score.
Redshirt senior Ethan Rodriguez made the initial tackle, as redshirt junior linebacker Ethan Calvert recovered the loose football.
Redshirt senior defensive end Elijah Ponder recorded the lone sack for the Mustangs and added 2.5 tackles for loss.
However, Ponder made a helmet-to-helmet collision with the quarterback near the end of the game, invoking a targeting penalty. He was suspended for the rest of the game and the first half of Cal Poly’s next game.
Redshirt junior Thomas Bouda played for the first time this season and collected five total tackles for the defensive line but went down with an apparent right leg injury in the fourth quarter.
It is crucial for Cal Poly’s defensive line to stay healthy because they have seen early success putting pressure on quarterbacks and recording tackles in the backfield.
Redshirt sophomore quarterback Bo Kelly showed improvement in this game following his three interceptions against San Diego. He threw for 149 yards, completing 17-of-25 passes on one interception.
Cal Poly’s only touchdown came in the second quarter, tying the game at seven on a creative trick play. Kelly threw a lateral pass to redshirt senior receiver Michael Briscoe, who threw it to redshirt junior tight end Jake Woods for a 22-yard touchdown.
In the third quarter, drops from Cal Poly receivers ended their first two drives, resulting in punts. The Cardinal had seemed to wear down the Mustang defense as the game went on, scoring 17 points in the third quarter.
Sophomore Jackson Akins got some reps at quarterback in the fourth quarter, hitting 3-of-4 passes on 33 yards.
The Mustangs have one more non-conference tune-up game before beginning Big Sky play.
Cal Poly returns to Mustang Memorial Field for their first home game against Division II Western Oregon on Saturday, Sept. 14, at 5 p.m.
