Stanford Football: Game-by-game predictions for 2017

Be very careful with the Washington State Cougars. Stanford should tread lightly with Mike Leach’s team from the north as the Cougars seem to be poised to pull off a number of upsets in 2017 with Luke Falk under center.

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In fact, Falk looks to be one of the best quarterbacks in all of college football and it wouldn’t be all that shocking to see the Cougars pull off an upset against Stanford here. However, the Cardinal won’t have to worry about guys like Gabe Marks or River Cracraft who combined for 142 receptions last season.

Instead, the Cardinal will focus on Tavares Martin Jr. who has big-play ability, but Stanford has secondary pieces that can handle him. This team is pass-first, to say the least, so expect the Cardinal to focus on stopping Falk and letting the Cougars try to beat them on the ground — it won’t happen.

Granted, this will be one of the better games in Week 10, so expect it to earn some national recognition as both teams are likely to be ranked. Keller Chryst will surprisingly out-duel Falk and Bryce Love and Cameron Scarlett will combine for over 200 rushing yards.

A fourth-quarter field goal for Stanford proves to be the difference.

Final: Stanford 31, Washington State 28 (8-1, 6-1 Pac-12)