Taylor was a popular coach who had led Stanford to the 1952 Rose Bowl, had been an All-American player for the Indians, and starred on the undefeated 1940 "Wow Boys" team that won the 1941 Rose Bowl and the national championship in several polls.
[1] Just before the team's final game against archrival California, Taylor announced he was retiring as head coach to become assistant athletic director of the university.
[2] The 60th Big Game was held just a few days after Stanford head coach Taylor announced he would step down following the end of the season to serve as the school's assistant athletic director.
California answered, but the point after was blocked, and Stanford nursed a 7–6 lead into the third quarter, when Douglas ran in for another score.
California answered late, but the Indians held on to fulfill their vow to their outgoing coach and bring the overall Big Game series record at 25–25–10.