Stanford Football: Top 3 takeaways from Week 1 victory over Northwestern

3 of 4

PALO ALTO, CA – AUGUST 31: Malik Antoine #3 of the Stanford Cardinal intercepts this pass over Berkeley Holman #4 of the Northwestern Wildcats during the first quarter of an NCAA football game at Stanford Stadium on August 31, 2019 in Palo Alto, California. Stanford Football (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images) /

2. The defense looks as dominant as ever

But even though Costello’s injury threatened to derail the game in the second half, Stanford’s defense just wouldn’t let Northwestern secure a comeback.

The Cardinal defense absolutely dominated quarterback Hunter Johnson and the Northwestern offense as the Wildcats totaled just 210 yards of offense in the game.

Johnson finished just 6-of-17 for 55 yards while his teammate ventual replacement, T.J. Green, didn’t fare too much better going just 6-of-10 for 62 yards. And on the ground, Northwestern rushed for just 93 yards and averaged a measly 2.8 yards per carry.

The high-powered Stanford defense played as advertised forcing two interceptions from Johnson — one tipped into the hands of senior linebacker Andrew Pryts and one secured by standout cornerback Paulson Adebo.

Related Story. Stanford Football: K.J. Costello could be a legitimate Heisman candidate. light

On top of that, Stanford’s defense was able to seal the deal with a strip-sack recovered for a touchdown as Northwestern attempted to put together a game-tying drive.

Senior Casey Toohill came around the edge and sacked Johnson who fumbled the ball as a result. The ball was then recovered by senior Jordan Fox as Stanford celebrated the now-clinched victory.

While the offense will take some time to mesh with the new faces — and will now have to overcome two significant injuries — the defense will have to do its part to step up and play some dominant football.

And if Saturday’s game was any indication, the Cardinal should be very optimistic about the play of their defense.

Home/Stanford Cardinal