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Stanford Football: Cardinal has the right quarterback in Keller Chryst

By Andrew Miller

SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA - AUGUST 27: Keller Chryst of Stanford passes during the College Football Sydney Cup match between Stanford University (Stanford Cardinal) and Rice University (Rice Owls) at Allianz Stadium on August 27, 2017 in Sydney, Australia. (Photo by Matt King/Getty Images)
SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA - AUGUST 27: Keller Chryst of Stanford passes during the College Football Sydney Cup match between Stanford University (Stanford Cardinal) and Rice University (Rice Owls) at Allianz Stadium on August 27, 2017 in Sydney, Australia. (Photo by Matt King/Getty Images) /
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A 55-point victory over Rice proves quarterback Keller Chryst and Stanford football are a legitimate contender for a PAC-12 title and College Football Playoff berth.

A 62-7 victory against the Rice Owls showed Stanford’s strength. The run game led the way. Junior Bryce Love had 180 rushing yards and one touchdown. Cameron Scarlett added 59 yards and three touchdowns.

Keller Chryst did not have the greatest production level, but he showed he can lead the Stanford offense. More than 250 yards and two touchdowns with no turnovers shows what Stanford needs. After Chryst, Stanford has Ryan Burns and former four-star commit K.J. Costello. Freshman Rice quarterback Sam Glaesmann did not get 70 yards passing. Sophomore Jackson Tyner took over.

Stanford carries a No. 14 ranking in the AP Poll. Depending on what happens next weekend, that could jump. A 55-point victory over a decent FBS team gets recognition. Voters can trust a quarterback like Chryst.

USC is Stanford’s next opponent. Trojan QB Sam Darnold presents tough competition for Chryst. He could prove he’s among the best in the PAC-12. The Trojans carry a No. 4 ranking. Sep. 9 is the date for USC vs. Stanford.

Combining Chryst and Love is a lethal duo. Love could be a Heisman contender. Chryst fights for his chance to play in the NFL. Both could turn Stanford into a National Championship contender. The PAC-12 Championship would be the first focus.

Next: 2017 game by game predictions for Stanford football

With all the focus on Love right now, Chryst can establish himself. He’s efficient and productive. Stanford is a run first offense. Chryst needs to move the chains when called upon. He did that against Rice.

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