Stanford Cardinal 2014 Schedule Analysis: Games 7-12

If you thought the first half of the season was a rough stretch of highway, just wait until you see what lies ahead for Stanford. With only two home games in the second half, Stanford will not only be tested against the likes of UCLA and Oregon, but tested on the road. Let’s see what’s in store for Stanford in games 7-12.

Stanford Cardinal 2014 Schedule Analysis: Games 7-12

Game 7: at Arizona State, October 18

These two teams played in the PAC-12 championship game last year and despite ASU being favored at home, Stanford came out on top by a wide margin. The Sun Devils’ defense was unable to stall the Cardinal offense for most of the game, and I see this being an issue for them again this year. With only two ASU starters returning on defense (Adios, Will Sutton!), this game spells trouble for their hopes of winning the PAC-12 South again.

Prediction: Stanford wins, and it’s not close. 

Game 8: vs. Oregon State, October 25

While Stanford has had a definite edge against OSU in recent years, eight points and four points have decided the last two matchups. The Cardinal has won four straight in the series, but the Beavers have closed the gap. This year, Sean Mannion is back under center for a team almost entirely comprised of last year’s starters. He’s set for a great senior year, but he’ll have to find some new targets, like Richard Mullaney, since star WR Brandin Cooks left for the NFL. Stanford’s experienced DBs will test OSU’s inexperienced receiver corps. Stanford has lost only once on The Farm in the last four seasons, and I don’t see the Beavers doing it this year.

Prediction: Stanford wins by 17. No In-N-Out for you, Beavers.

Game 9: at Oregon, November 1

This is the game that Stanford and Oregon fans alike have had circled on their calendars since the schedule was announced. This is probably the most talked about PAC-12 matchup this year (and probably last year… and maybe the year before), and I’m sure it won’t disappoint. Stanford has won the last two meetings, and Oregon the two before that. But despite their similar success in recent years, the teams couldn’t be more different: Oregon runs a trendy fast-paced blur offense with equally dizzying uniforms, while Stanford kicks it old school with their just-run-the-damn-ball mentality. I think this game comes down to who plays better: Kevin Hogan or Marcus Mariota. Or, perhaps, who plays better: Kelsey Young or Thomas Tyner.

Prediction: I’m not sure there’s a more inhospitable environment than Autzen. Stanford takes the loss when things get out of hand in the second half.

Game 10: vs. Utah, November 15

Stanford lost to Utah last year by playing like absolute crap on the road. The Cardinal offense/Special Teams looked pretty efficient through the first two drives, but after that it all fell apart. Hogan looked off, play calling left much to be desired, and there were two fumbles. I don’t expect this to happen again this year. The Cardinal will win this game, as they should have last year, by staying true to their identity: running the ball, winning the time of possession battle, and introducing some creativity (but please, no Wildcat) when needed.

Prediction: Stanford wins.

Game 11: at California, November 22

Rivalry games are like the third movie in a trilogy: the rules simply do not apply. It’s true; nothing inspires a scrappy underdog like a good old-fashioned grudge match where the winner takes home a trophy that looks like it was made by a 4-year-old. With that said, and despite Cal returning nine offensive and six defensive starters, I don’t see a compelling argument for Cal winning this game.

Prediction: The starters rest for most of the 4^th quarter. Stanford wins by 15 or so.

Game 12: at UCLA, November 28

Stanford has won the past six meetings against UCLA, which is pretty astounding given how good the Bruins have been in the past couple of years. The regular season finale for both, this one’s in the Rose Bowl the Friday after Thanksgiving. The Bruins might have a PAC-12 Title Game berth on the line, so Pasadena is gonna be rocking. This season, they return nine starters on offense, including the most important cog in their offensive wheel: Brett Hundley. He’s quick, he’s accurate, and Stanford fans can’t wait until he graduates.

Prediction: Stanford’s luck runs out and they drop this one on the road.

At the end of the day, I peg Stanford as a 10-2 or 9-3 team. I see them losing the hard road games at Oregon and UCLA, and feasibly one of their first half games, of which USC and Washington are the best candidates. As I mentioned in the first half article, the keys to success lie in an excellent offense line, efficient quarterback play, a healthy group of wide receivers, and a defense that comes to play week after week. It’s going to be an interesting season, and I can’t wait to see how it unfolds. Go Card!