Stanford Cardinal Clear Pac-12 Favorites, Contention For CFP

Stanford’s 27-10 victory over USC keeps the Cardinal in the hunt for a College Football Playoff berth. The win gives the team confidence as the Cardinal navigate through a tough conference schedule.

Implications were on the line Saturday at Stanford Stadium between the California rivals. USC looked to score a signature win under Clay Helton. A win may have tipped the scales in the Pac-12 with USC re-claiming the dominance the program enjoyed before NCAA sanctions. The win could have put USC back in the playoff conversation despite an ugly loss to Alabama. However, the team would need help down the stretch to be considered.

Number-seven Stanford knew a complete game was needed against USC. A win would keep playoff implications alive for the defending Pac-12 Champs. Not capitalizing at home would almost certainly keep the Cardinal out of the playoff picture. Stanford could not afford a loss as the teams in front of the AP Top-25 are proving their mettle. Taking care of business on the field is first priority over rankings.

In the end Stanford came out on top with a resounding victory. The rest of the Pac-12 is on notice as Stanford has asserted themselves as the favorites. Even though the season has begun, the Cardinal are looking beyond another Rose Bowl trip.

A big stage was set for Stanford quarterback Ryan Burns. This was the first test for Burns, who came in with no big game experience against an upset-minded USC team. In the game, Burns showed Stanford fans the reason he won the starting job. Cool, calm, and poised, he would complete nine passes for 109 yards and a touchdown. Despite looking rattled at times, he never showed his concerns on the field to his teammates.

Last season, running back Christian McCaffrey scorched the Trojan’s defense with his feet and his arm. On Saturday, the Heisman hopeful ran for 135 yards and a touchdown. His speed and shifty footwork allowed him to consistently shake off USC defenders for positive yards. Expectations are high for McCaffrey and he has embraced the role of being a big performer for the Cardinal.

His best play came at the beginning of the game. Opponents not only have to worry about McCaffrey on the ground, but as a receiver as well. Burns got the USC defense to bite by faking the handoff to running back Bryce Love. The fake allowed McCaffrey to run by the USC defense for a 56-yard receiving touchdown. By getting the playmakers to make an early impact, the USC defense was in for a long night.

The return of Love provided another dynamic for the Cardinal rushing game. He had 11 carries for 51 yards on the night. His power to run up the middle to find gaps wore down the Trojans late in the game to eat up clock. Love’s presence takes the load off McCaffrey from having to step up all the time in critical moments. Although returning from a leg injury which kept him out of the opener against K-State, Love’s health will be a concern as the schedule gets harder for Stanford.

Michael Rector may have shown he is the fastest runner on the Cardinal. The receiver found the edge on an end-around, rushing for a 56-yard touchdown. Rector’s score not only capped Stanford’s offensive output at 27 but his stiff arm of a USC defender summed up the Trojan’s inability to stop Stanford all night.

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USC quarterback Max Browne is still learning to handle the pressure of starting for a storied program. He finished the night throwing for 191 yards but was replaced late in the game by Sam Darnold. Browne did lead one scoring drive on a rushing touchdown by Ronald Jones. However, the offense would stall from a stout Stanford defense resulting in field goals.

The Trojans were able to put up 236 yards receiving but Stanford’s defense kept the receivers from making big plays. One of USC’s main targets, JuJu Smith-Schuster, had little impact with only 34 yards on three receptions. He was targeted for deep passes but was unable to come down with the catch. The only big play Stanford allowed was a 38-yard reception by Tyler Petite.

Throughout the game Stanford’s defense got stronger, leaving the Trojans frustrated on missed opportunities. Credit Stanford’s offensive line in allowing Burns the time to make throws and to create space for the running backs. Offensively, Stanford was able to burn the clock while executing down the field. This allowed the defense to rest and be ready to attack Browne and the USC offense. The Trojans tried to make the game interesting but never stood a chance to score an upset against Stanford.

Head Coach David Shaw must have been pleased with the effort Stanford’s offensive line put together to keep USC off the field. His concern, however, will be for the Cardinal offense to stay on the field as clock management is the team’s biggest strength. As the team moves forward Shaw will look to work on the small issues during practice. Stanford may have put up only 27 points, but the team doesn’t need to be flashy. Ground and pound with the ball and a stout defense is Stanford Football at their best.

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Stanford’s win makes them early favorites to win the conference, but they have a long way to go. Burns passed his first test winning on a big stage against a conference opponent. Now a new challenge awaits Burns and the Cardinal as the team hits the road for the first time next weekend at UCLA. Stanford cannot afford to play down to team who have the talent to end the Cardinal’s hopes of reaching the College Football Playoff. The schedule does not get any easier for the Cardinal but are surging with confidence.

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