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Pac-12 Football: Top 10 players heading into spring games

By Zach Bigalke

Mar 7, 2017; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Southern California Trojans quarterback Sam Darnold (14) throws a pass during spring practice at Howard Jones Field. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 7, 2017; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Southern California Trojans quarterback Sam Darnold (14) throws a pass during spring practice at Howard Jones Field. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports /
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November 28, 2015; Stanford, CA, USA; Stanford Cardinal running back Bryce Love (20) runs the ball against Notre Dame Fighting Irish during the second half at Stanford Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports
November 28, 2015; Stanford, CA, USA; Stanford Cardinal running back Bryce Love (20) runs the ball against Notre Dame Fighting Irish during the second half at Stanford Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports /

Stanford is in the opposite boat from Oregon, as their top runner is moving on to the NFL. At least they have some idea of what their new feature back is able to do, after Christian McCaffrey opted out of Stanford’s bowl game last year. They still won the Sun Bowl over North Carolina, and that was due in large part to the relief efforts of Bryce Love.

Against the Tar Heels, Love racked up 119 rushing yards and added a 49-yard touchdown catch for his best McCaffrey impersonation.

As a sophomore, Love ran for more than seven yards per carry and took over lead duties when McCaffrey was banged up through the season. He’ll now need to produce over a full campaign after taking over the starting role in the Cardinal backfield.

With question marks at quarterback yet again entering 2017, Love holds the keys to whether or not Stanford manages to compete once again for the Pac-12 North crown in the upcoming year.

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