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Stanford Football: 3 things to watch vs. Rice Owls

By Terrance Singleton

TUCSON, AZ - OCTOBER 29: Head coach David Shaw of the Stanford Cardinal watches from the sidelines during the college football game against the Arizona Wildcats at Arizona Stadium on October 29, 2016 in Tucson, Arizona. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
TUCSON, AZ - OCTOBER 29: Head coach David Shaw of the Stanford Cardinal watches from the sidelines during the college football game against the Arizona Wildcats at Arizona Stadium on October 29, 2016 in Tucson, Arizona. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images) /
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SOUTH BEND, IN – OCTOBER 15: Quenton Meeks #24 of the Stanford Cardinal celebrates following the game against the Notre Dame Fighting Irish at Notre Dame Stadium on October 15, 2016 in South Bend, Indiana. Stanford defeated Notre Dame 17-10. (Photo by Michael Hickey/Getty Images)
SOUTH BEND, IN – OCTOBER 15: Quenton Meeks #24 of the Stanford Cardinal celebrates following the game against the Notre Dame Fighting Irish at Notre Dame Stadium on October 15, 2016 in South Bend, Indiana. Stanford defeated Notre Dame 17-10. (Photo by Michael Hickey/Getty Images) /

1. An even better Stanford defense?

Last year, the Stanford Cardinal defense was not as great as usual. The run defense was good ranked in the 40 in the nation, but the problem was the passing defense.

More: Stanford Football: Game-by-game predictions for 2017

Last year, the pass tore up the Cardinal. They were only ranked 61st against the pass and in a conference like the Pac-12 that is not good. They just have to be better this year against the pass. This year they will play quarterbacks like Sam Darnold, Jake Browning, Luke Falk and Josh Rosen.

But the back half of the defense is now more experienced and should be better through the air. Last year Quenton Meeks, Justin Reid and Alameen Murphy were only sophomores and they played like it. Now they are veteran and are ready to make a big impact.

Next: College Football: Top 50 breakout candidates for 2017

As for the run defense, they bring back the whole linebacking core and one defensive tackle. This defense easily be a top 25 defense this year. And it all starts this year against the Rice Owls

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