NCAA Football
Stanford Football Preview: Life As Usual On The Farm
Another year has come for the Stanford Cardinal Football Program in Palo Alto. Once again this team, maybe more than any other, is the definition of competitive consistency. At least on the west coast. Even with its strict academic requirements, Stanford always fields a strong football team that competes for the PAC-12 title. This year is no different. They are fielding an offensive backfield led by Hiesman candidate Bryce Love, and up and coming quarterback KJ Costello, along with a sturdy line on both sides.
One Big Question?
Will Stanford compete for the College Football Playoff? They are excepted to be a frontrunner for the PAC 12, but do they have the resume to convince the committee? Their non-conference does include on of the best Group of Five programs in San Diego State, and a Notre Dame team that has to win now for Brian Kelly’s job. They also play an FCS team in the University of California Davis. Normally playing a FCS team shouldn’t hurt you (look at Alabama). However with the perception of the PAC-12 as being rather weak, (a point I would like to counter), another Power Five or at least Group of Five team would probably help them more.
Prediction
I don’t see them losing more than one game, to Notre Dame. The Irish will also be battling for a spot in the College Football Playoff in Kelly’s last stand.
Game to Watch
This has to easily be the Washington game. That game will decide the PAC-12 title and the chance at a spot in the Playoff. It should be a fun one to watch, unless Jake Browning wants to turn into noodle arms again like he did in Tempe last year. Then it might be the blowout Stanford needs to get in.
Upset Alert
I don’t think I could put Washington here also. So I will say Oregon has the best chance to dethrone the Cardinals, with Justin Herbert and crew trying to make the Ducks as flashy as their sometimes ridiculous uniforms.
