Stanford is 3-2 on the season and coming off yet another disappointing three-point loss, this time to Notre Dame. For Stanford fans that are used to 11+ win seasons, this feels like dire straits. Last week, Stanford’s offensive ineptitude reached unfathomable new heights previously unknown to mankind. OK fine, I’m exaggerating slightly, but not by much. Short of funding the invention of a time machine, here’s what the Cardinal can do to course correct five games in:
- Pick one back and run with him (pun!)
Stanford has purported to utilize “running back by committee” since Toby Gerhart’s last college carry. Only they really haven’t had a running back by committee at all. Tyler Gaffney had the lion’s share of carries last year, and it was Stepfan Taylor’s job the three years previous. Sure, other running backs were involved, but that’s not a committee; that’s called a football team. All teams have a couple of running backs that periodically carry the ball.
This year, Stanford really does seem to be using the committee approach and, put politely, the results have not been great. The running game at Notre Dame was all but nonexistent. In fact, Stanford rushed for only 47 yards…FORTY-SEVEN YARDS. I can’t even. Running back by committee is not working for the same reason that a dual quarterback system is rarely effective: constantly changing personnel prevents anyone from getting comfortable or establishing any sort of rhythm. Stanford must commit to a primary back, whether that is Remound Wright, Kelsey Young, or Barry Sanders.
- More consistent play at the quarterback position
Kevin Hogan hasn’t looked much like himself (or who we thought he was) for most of the season. I’ve heard a lot of harsh criticism over the past couple weeks, and some vocal Stanford fans are calling for a quarterback change. This all feels eerily similar to 2012 when Josh Nunes was benched in favor of… Kevin Hogan. I think there are a couple of explanations for Hogan’s struggles this year. One is that his offensive line is new, and they’re still adjusting. Another issue is the lack of a reliable running game. I think it’s unlikely that David Shaw brings in Evan Crower or Ryan Burns at this stage, so if Stanford is to do anything with the rest of the season, it all starts with Hogan.
- The defense must hold
Stanford’s defense has been stellar this season. In fact, aside from leaving a tight end wide open in the end zone in South Bend, they’ve been almost perfect. As long as the offense continues to flounder, they’re going to have to maintain that pace, which is a lot to ask. The defense is the only reason why Stanford is 3-2, not 2-3 and possibly worse.
- OMG, the kicking game
It’s no secret that Jordan Williamson has had his ups and downs during the course of his Stanford career. I had hoped that his confidence had been restored after his clutch performance at Oregon in 2012, or at least after only missing four field goals in 2013, but alas. It’s to be expected that kickers will miss a few over the course of a season, but Williamson has only booted four of eight between the uprights thus far in 2014. I know it’s a small sample size, but I don’t like where we’re headed. Additionally, he’s kicked off out of bounds on two occasions; one was on the final drive of the game last week, which gave Notre Dame favorable field position. We all believe in Williamson, and we know he can be better. Come on #19!
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