In their third year under head coach Justin Wilcox, the Bears improved to an 8–5 record for only the second time since 2009, finishing 2nd in the Pac-12 North.

This win clinched bowl eligibility for the Bears while making the Cardinal ineligible for the post-season for the first time in ten years.

[9] Browning is the third defensive line coach in three years under Justin Wilcox after Jerry Azzinaro's departure in 2017.

[10] In the 2019 Pac-12 preseason media poll, California was voted to finish in fifth place in the North Division.

In the final drive of the first half, quarterback Chase Garbers was injured, breaking his right collarbone.

Starting quarterback Chase Garbers and backup Devon Modster were injured for the game.

With this victory, Cal ended Stanford's nine-year win streak in the Big Game.