Stanford Cardinal
By:
Stanford Guru (John Buchman)
Email me at: Stanford.guru@pac10guru.com
Pre-Season Massey Ranking:
28
Last year’s overall & conference record:
8-5 (6-3)
Bowl Game:
Sun Bowl- Loss to Oklahoma: 31-27
Trending up, down or flat:
Up
Total Returning Starters:
14 returning starters overall, 8 on Offense, and 6 on Defense.
Key Returnees:
Andrew Luck (QB), Ryan Whalen (WR), Chris Owusu(WR), Shayne Skov (MLB), Owen Marecic ( FB, LB).
Key Losses:
Toby Gerhart (RB), Bo Mcnally(S), Jim Dray(TE).
Key Incoming Transfers:
As part of Stanford's strict admission process, rarely any transfers are admitted into the university as athletes. Current transfers on the Cardinal Team include tight end Konrad Reulend and kicker Nate Whitaker; both transfers from Notre Dame.
Key Incoming Freshman:
True freshman will not play much this year at Stanford, as upperclassmen and Sophomores rule the game. Key frcruits that may see playing time are as follows, Anthony Wilkerson(RB), Ricky Seale (CB) and highly touted 4 star recruit, Blake Lueders (LB,DE) will all see the field this year.
Under-the-Radar Players Ready for a Breakout Season:
1. Jamal Rashad Patterson (WR). Patterson, who only touched the ball twice on offense last year is a physical specimen, not the fastest receiver of the bunch, will look to step up for the cardinal this year. Scoring one touchdown last year, he has the ability to be an All Pac-10 type player if his 4 stars warrant him anything.
2. Usua Amanam (RB); a highly talented running back who sat out last year with an injury. He is most likely the fastest offensive player for the cardinal. He will see the field in many different spots, but is a change of pace back for the Cardinal; something they've been lacking for many years.
3. Michael Thomas (FS), Making the transition from cornerback will be a tough one for Thomas, only listed at 5'11, small for a safety, he defiantly can bring the wood on defense though. He provides an electric spark that the Cardinal will need to keep up with the Oregon's And USC's of the bunch. Physical and fast, look out for thomas to have more big hits than interceptions this year.
Players who need to step it up this season:
Doug Baldwin, a receiver who didn't see much action for the Card in 2009, is a small but quick slotback who will hopefully see the field more this year. He caught 4 passes for 78 yards in 2009, compared to 23 passes for 332 yards in 2008. Baldwin will need to have a good year if the Cardinal hope to spread ball over the field due to the loss of Toby Gerhart.
Key Position Battles:
1.Cornerback, one of the weakest spots on the field for Stanford in 2009, will bring two players to the field who will play opposite of 5th year senior Richard Sherman. Corey Gatewood, who is listed as the starter, will be pushed from behind by Johnson Bademosi who saw the field more than Gatewood last year. Bademosi, being the more physical and athletic of the two, will have to re-assure his cover skills; he was beat most of the time last year. Look for Gatewood to start the season, and Bademosi to play in nickel situations.
2. The most intriguing position battle lies at the running back spot. With the loss of Heisman Trophy Winner* Toby Gerhart, the cardinal will return three very capable backups with Stephan Taylor taking the starting role. Taylor a scat back of sorts, rushed for a total of 303 yards last season. He will be followed by senior bruiser Jeremy Stewart, who was hampered by injuries last year. Stewart brings more physicality to the table, but doesn't have the burst that Taylor does. Getting into the mix is sophomore running back Taylor Gaffney who touched the ball a lot last year, but fumbled a ton, will see the football in 3rd and short situations. Don't be fooled though, Gaffney might be the most explosive of the three.
X-Factor:
Two words are needed for Stanford to be successful this season: Create Turnovers! The more Stanford has the ball, the more they score. The Cardinal ranked towards the bottom of the Pac in defense last year; due mostly to giving up big long plays. If the Card can create turnovers, the highly potent offense can put more points on the board than their opponents. If the Cardinal do not create turnovers, you can expect a mediocre season at best.
Fun Fact:
Ricky Seale, A freshman cornerback rushed for the most touchdowns in California High School State history this past season, will be used more on defense than on offense, interestingly enough.
Major Injuries:
No injuries will play a role in the starting spots for Stanford this season The only question mark is Andrew Luck’s thumb, which was repaired successfully.
3 certainties and 3 question marks:
Certainties:
1. Out Smarting the other team will be an absolute certainty this year.
2. Point scoring will not be an issue.
3. Being Physical to the point of the ball.
Question Marks:
1.Stanford is switching from a 4-3 defense to a 3-4 defense this year, so how much of an impact will this have on one of the worst defenses in the Pac 10 last year?
2. Will Andrew Luck be able to carry the torch without Toby Gerhart?
3. Can the defense create more turnovers this season?
Schedule Toughness:
The schedule is fairly difficult this year with 5 away conference games and only 4 home conference games. Stanford is very good at home, only losing two games at home in the past two years combined. The Cardinal will also play Notre Dame and Oregon on the road, which is a test for any team. They also open their road schedule against the Bruins in the Rose Bowl.
Make-or-Break Game:
September 11th @ UCLA.
I know you're probably wondering why such an early game would be a "Make or Break" game. It is very important because if Stanford doesn't come out on top against UCLA on September 11th, then you might as well write the season in the books as 6-6. It will also be played on ESPN in primetime and could be their biggest game of the year. Will Stanford be able to break the curse of not playing well on the road?
Key 3-game Stretch:
@Notre Dame, @Oregon, and vs. USC. If Stanford can take 2 out of 3 against these powers, I'd consider it a success. If they sweep, you can buy your tickets to the Rose Bowl. If they fall to win at least one game, then the Cardinal will be in serious trouble.
Most Challenging Half of the Season:
The First six games of the season, besides the ever so challenging Sacramento State to open up, are against: UCLA, Wake Forest, Notre Dame, Oregon, and USC. If Stanford can come out of this stretch 4-2, then they will be in great shape. Anything worse than 3-3 after these games is still a success considering their second half doesn't really pose much of challenge.
Team Overview:
When you have a top 5 pick at QB, your team is in pretty good shape to make it to a bowl. Combine Luck with a solid offensive line, and the most underrated receiving tandem in the Pac-10, and you have the recipe for a major bowl game. The offensive line, anchored by 4 returning starters, will bring much-needed experience. Look for Coach Harbaugh to pass the ball a little more as a mature Andrew Luck starts his second year under center. Only throwing 4 interceptions last year, Luck will need to do much of the same in 2010. 20+ Touchdowns from Luck and you can consider this team a Rose Bowl Contender.
The defensive maturity and development will play an integral part in the season this year. The defensive line, which will be anchored by Sione Fua, will make for the D-Line to be the strongest point of the defense this season. The linebacking corps, led my all PAC-10 sophomore Shayne Skov, is looking very promising, but will the switch from a 4-3 to a 3-4 help or hurt this team’s chances? Former defensive ends, Thomas Keiser and Chase Thomas, will move back into the linebacking corps this season. They will bring serious physical play to the table, something Pac-10 opponents should start getting used to with the up-and-coming Cardinal D.
Defensive Overview:
Led by former NFL defensive coordinator, Vic Fangio. The Cardinal Defense will be hoping to transform from a bottom feeder in the Pac-10 defense, to a more premier and elite unit. Running a new 3-4 defense, just implemented in the off season, will give the players a full 6 months to learn the new system. The defense which gave up 402 yards per game last season, ranked 90th in the country, will be looking to create more turnovers and play much more physical. One thing remains certain: the aggressiveness of Coach Jim Harbaugh and the hunger and energy his players feed off of. If you watched this team in the second half of the season, they were flying around the field. Led by Shayne Skov, who only started one half of the season, the defense will certainly step up the intensity and bring some serious attitude. The Cardinal will not blitz as much as they did last year, as they learned the hard way by leaving the middle of the field open against an already suspect secondary.
Front-4 Analysis:
Senior Sione Fua, the only returning starter in the defensive tackle spot, leads the strongest part of the Stanford Defense. On the end is CFL top 10 pick, Brian Bulke: an experienced interior lineman, who will need to create a good pass rush to overcome only having 3 down lineman in this formation. The strength of this Defensive Line would have to be its size. Fua, listed at 6-2 and 306 pounds, is an NFL body at nose guard. Bulke, 6-4, and 285 pounds certainly can compete with the guards of the PAC 10. Matt Masifilo playing on the other side of the line, injured for half of 2009, had 1 sack in 6 games for the cardinal. Defensive Line coach is looking Randy Hart is looking for depth from sophomores Josh Mauro, a hybrid type player can fill in at any time, as well as Terrance Stephens, who will see the field in place for Fua in case of injury or rest. The Cardinal front line will look to create a rush and sacks like any other line, but nothing sets them apart from any other pac 10 team, still with the defense, you can rate them a B.
Linebacker Analysis:
As many know, the defense revolves around Shayne Skov, who is a Pac-10 second team player of the year last season. 15 tackles against Oklahoma in the Sun Bowl gives you a good representation of how good he really can be. Two side player, Owen Marecic, will play opposite of Skov; two similar type players that can anchor the middle of the field and lay the wood. Chase Thomas and Thomas Keiser will control the outsides, both converted defensive ends will need to be able to cover slot receivers for this defense to be successful. Thomas who tallied 4 sacks last year at defensive end, will need to bring that rush to the corps this year. Keiser, a specimen in his own, can be a breakout type player if he reverts to his old ways as a D-end. Has 15 career sacks. Freshman Blake Lueders can expect to see the field this season at linebacker, as well as super senior Chike Amajoy, who is more than capable of stepping in for any one in the line backing corps, making this area of the field the one with the most depth.
Secondary Analysis:
The Secondary will again be the weakest part of the Stanford team this year. Returning two starters, losing Bo Mcnally to graduation. Converted cornerback Michael Thomas will need to step up in at the safety position. Bringing a physical style of play to the safety position, which will needed to make up for his small size. Delano Howell is the best player in the back for the cardinal, making 78 tackles last year. Brings another physical style, much like Thomas. The corners will be led by 5th year Senior Richard Sherman, who is more known to fans as an offensive player will be making his second year at CB, had 2 interceptions last year, he will need to sure up his cover skills, much like his opposite Corey Gatewood, both were beaten often last year, causing this secondary to be one of the worst in the nation. Depth in the Secondary will be a strong part though, Johnson Bademosi is another former starter who will be able to step in for either corner, and might even play some safety this year.
Offensive Overview:
The Stanford offense will more than likely throw the ball some more this year, losing Toby Gerhart to the NFL is more than enough to bring a great offense back down to earth. But Andrew Luck is good enough to lead this offense. The Offensive Line won't be losing much, only one player will be stepping in who didn't start last season. Giving up the 2nd least amount of sacks in the nation last season. Offensive Cordinator David Shaw is hoping that the offense can roll much like it did last year, racking up the most points in school history. Look out for a different variety of play calling, much less running and more throwing would seem reasonable will Luck at quarterback.
Quarterback Analysis:
You most likely have heard of Andrew Luck, if not then let me get you up to date, a redshirt sophomore, threw for 13 touchdowns and only 4 interceptions last year, more than likely considered the best quarterback in the Pac 10 ahead of Jake Locker. The depth at the position shouldn't be an issue, back up Josh Nunes and Robbie Picazo or capable of stepping in if Luck gets injured-Knocking on Wood-. 4 star recruit Brett Nottingham will more than take over the reigns if Luck takes off after this season. The best spot on the field this year will lie at the Quarterback. You can rank this group of players up there as some of the best in the country.
O-Line Analysis:
The offensive line lost only one starter from the '09 team. Who will be filled in by James Mcgillcuddy, who still saw some action last year. IF the line can have as much success as last season than this Cardinal offense will be up there as tops in the NCAA. Giving up the second least amount of sacks, only behind Boise State last year, more accustomed to giving up 30 plus sacks as indicated in past seasons. The offensive line is where you see the new brand of Stanford Football branching out. They call themselves the TWU, otherwise known as the tunnel workers union, opening up holes for Taylor instead of Gerhart will be there motto this season. Depth at the position is another plus, this allows for the coaches to plug and play in a sense, someone goes down, another comes in. 6'8 tackle Tyler Mabry, is the best back up, filling in at either left tackle or right if someone gets injured or in blowouts. I find no weakness in this offensive line to be honest, and thats a non biased opinion.
Wide Receiver/TE Analysis:
Former Walk On, Ryan Whalen is the best receiver, catching almost everything in sight. Possesses NFL smarts, getting open, and catching the ball cleanly is his forte. Opposite of him, a different type of receiver, a burner, in Chris Owusu. Plagued by drops last season, can stretch the field with his great speed. The Fastest receiver for Harbaugh's Cardinal. Lining up at tight end, is 6'6 Coby Fleener, look at him, and you will think he is a receiver with his size. Not known for his blocking will need to step in for a great blocker in Jim Dray who graduated this past season. Back up's include, Doug Baldwin, Jamal Rashad Patterson and Drew Terrel. All three will need to step up, to allow Whalen and Owusu to not be double teamed. This area of the ball is an important part for Stanford this year, they will need to stretch the field,more than in past seasons. Freshman tight end, Levine Toilolo, listed at 6'8, is a red zone threat. Throw it up and Pray, Should be the memo, when throwing to him.
Backfield Analysis:
Replacing Toby Gerhart will be incredibly challenging, he was more than likely up there in terms of greats. Filling in his shoes are all experienced backs. Stephan Taylor, who saw some action last year will be the leading rusher for the Cardinal, backing him up is Jeremy Stewart, hampered by injuries last year, the most resembling Toby Gerhart in his style of running. Tyler Gaffney, a talented two sport athlete in football and baseball, fumbled a ton last year, but isn't afraid to go head to head with linebackers, something that is needed to be a great back. Depth at the position places a close second behind quarterback. Freshman Anthony Wilkerson will see the field, another bruiser, and change of pace redshirt freshman Usua Amanan, a prototypical burner can spread the field, allowing for the only big threat on offense, something that this offense has missed this decade. He has the ability to score with every touch of the ball.
Special Teams Analysis:
Chris Owusu at one point returned the opening kickoff for a touchdown two straight games in a row. Owusu ranked 5th in total average on kickoff returns. The punt return ranked towards the bottom in NCAA at 77, only 7.6 yards on each return. Richard Sherman will most likely be taking punts back again this season, with Drew Terrel as the back up. Kicker Nate Whitaker, a Notre Dame Transfer, was 16-22 on field goals this past season. Also having 14 touchbacks on kickoffs. The special teams unit is another strong point, hopefully punting is something that will rarely happen, but David Green averaged more than 40 yards on punts last year.
Team Schedule: (include home or away and dates)
vs. Sacramento State
Sep. 11 at UCLA *
Sep. 18 vs. Wake Forest
Sep. 25 at Notre Dame
Oct. 2 at Oregon Sat *
Oct. 9 vs. USC *
Oct. 23 vs. Washington State (Homecoming) *
Oct. 30 at Washington*
Nov. 6 vs. Arizona *
Nov. 13 at Arizona State *
Nov. 20 at California *
Nov. 27 vs. Oregon State*
*Pac 10 Game
Final Conference Standings:
1.Oregon (9-0)
2.Stanford (8-1)
3.USC (7-2)
4.Oregon State (6-3)
5.Arizona (5-4)
6.Washington (4-5)
7.California (3-6)
8.UCLA (2-7)
9.Arizona State (1-8)
10.Washington State (0-9)
Best Case Scenario:
Rose Bowl or Bust. Thats the way I see it. If things fall into place, this Cardinal team has the makings to be the best this Decade. Andrew Luck throws for 3500 yards and 27 touchdowns. The Defense steps up and ranks 17 in total defense. Stanford finally finds an identity, losing only to Oregon. They demolish USC, and Beat Notre Dame in there place. Stanford finds itself in the Rose Bowl, and Andrew Luck decides to stay for his junior season. This is not a pipe dream, I repeat is not. Stanford was three plays away for being 10-2 last season. And the way I see it, this current team is more balanced and better.
Worst Case Scenario:
Stanford falls in its first road game at UCLA, setting off a domino effect. They lose two out of there next three, sitting at 2-3 through 5 games. They get ran over by USC at home, 2-4 now, after coming home from Washington, they are 3-5, needing to beat the Arizona's they do. 5-5 going into the last two games, losing to Kal, but keeping there bowl season alive against Oregon State. 6-6 and in some low tier bowl game. Andrew Luck leaves after the season, and Jim Harbaugh is hired as head coach at Michigan. Did I wake up from my bad dream yet?
By:
Stanford Guru (John Buchman)
Email me at: Stanford.guru@pac10guru.com
Upcoming Article: “Team Breakdown: Cal Bears.”
Followed by: “Team Breakdown: UCLA Bruins.”
