Stanford football running back Bryce Love is a special player that can carry the Cardinal offense all season. Could he be better than Christian McCaffrey?
Stanford had a tall task to replace Christian McCaffrey. Their all-time all-purpose yard leader was the key piece to the offense. Now with the Carolina Panthers, McCaffrey is a distant thought for head coach David Shaw. McCaffrey’s replacement is junior Bryce Love.
Against Rice, Love rushed for 180 yards. He continued tearing up opposing defenses. Love’s yards per carry for his career sits at 8.6. The opposition has to respect another threat in the Stanford backfield.
Love saw his role increase with Stanford last year. He got 119 carries, second most on the team. McCaffrey had 253 attempts. Those 253 attempts go to someone else now. Only 13 went to Love in the Rice victory.
All aboard the Love train
Stanford is a run first offense. They need Love to continue his momentum. Backup rusher Cameron Scarlett is another good option. Senior Keller Chryst is a good quarterback that will not be responsible for carrying the offense. The receiving corps is lacking, which leaves that offensive responsibility will go to Love.
Stanford’s run game gets the ultimate test against USC. Led by Sam Darnold, the Trojans have a high-powered offense. USC running back Ronald Jones II is a great counterpart for Love. It’s going to be fun to watch two of the conference’s best rushers square up.
Love’s progression is an indicator to his greatness. He’ll be an NFL rusher someday. Now, he’s a Heisman contender. First, let’s take a look at 5 reasons why Bryce Love can be better than Christian McCaffrey.
5. Cameron Scarlett takes pressure off
When McCaffrey needed a break, Love was there. Love was taken out of action quickly against Rice. Cameron Scarlett took three of his eight attempts for touchdowns. Love only got one touchdown.
When Love needs a break, Scarlett is there. Sophomores Dorian Maddox and Trevor Speights provide some relief. Scarlett and Love are the go-to options. They got 21 of the 29 rushing attempts for Stanford.
Any rusher gets depleted by 253 attempts. McCaffrey was special and so is Love. There’s no guarantee any running back stays healthy. Any tweaks, strains, sprains, etc. need attention. A superstar running back cannot always take a break.
Scarlett gives Love a backup to rely on. Love will not lose too many carries to Scarlett, barring injury or fatigue, but an occasional spell will keep Love fresh for the duration of the season.
4. Better offense
McCaffrey entered 2016 with doubts of his quarterback. Both Keller Chryst and Ryan Burns competed for the starting job. Chryst is now the set in stone starter. He finished up 2016 well and started 2017 on a good note.
The receiving corps has potential with potential breakout stars like freshman Connor Wedington. Dalton Schultz is more established. Stanford’s offense could send a few guys to the NFL. The PAC-12 does not have many defenses to keep up.
Love could easily be the best player on offense. Players surrounding him are better than what McCaffrey had. The field opens up more for Love. Competition has to respect the pass game. The pass game for Stanford was not consistent last year.
Since Chryst is efficient, play action is a threat. Front sevens do not stack the box as much. Love can reach the second level easier.
3. Different style than McCaffrey
Stanford’s all-purpose player was McCaffrey. He returned punts, kicks and caught passes. Love does not have a big presence on special teams. He can focus solely on running the ball. McCaffrey lost lots of energy in other parts of the game.
Love has more noticeable speed than McCaffrey. He’s elusive and can break away from weak tackles easily. Love turns what should be a five-yard run into a 30-yard run in the blink of an eye. He’ll turn heads facing good competition.
Having a different style than predecessors is tough on opponents. Opposition cannot prepare for McCaffrey style running. Love is dynamic and agile after his first cut. Stopping him before a five yard carry is tough.
McCaffrey passed the torch to Love. His style is vastly different. PAC-12 defenses will take notice. A solid offensive line helps Love. The talented options surrounding him on offense help him out even more.
2. Five-Star talent
Love was among the best all-purpose RB’s in his class. Pitt’s Quadree Henderson, NC State’s Nyheim Hines and Baylor’s JaMycal Hasty all came from the same recruiting cycle. Love could be the best of them all.
He was a four-star recruit with 247 Sports nearly ranking him as a five-star. Playing high school in Wake Forest, NC, might have limited his exposure. For example, Hines played in the same state but with a larger high school football program at Garner.
This is the year the 2015 class breaks out. Love, Hasty and Oklahoma’s Rodney Anderson could all be stars. Only one has a real shot at the Heisman. Love showed he is ready for the spotlight. Leading Stanford to a conference title gets him more recognition.
Five-star recruits aren’t the only players who win the Heisman. Love could be the next four-star recruit to be a Heisman finalist.
1. Performance against Rice
Love had one of the best opening weekend performances. Other than Colorado State’s Nick Stevens and Hawaii’s John Ursua, Love had the best outing. Having more than 13 carries would have helped more.
A 62-yard rush was the first play of the game. Love did not slow down after. With only 12 more carries, Love compiled 180 yards and a touchdown. Scarlett and Maddox received the workload for the rest of the game.
He contributed to Stanford’s 55-point drubbing of Rice. The Owls could not stop the run. Love hopes to continue momentum against USC. The Cardinal should jump in the rankings because the confidence Love inspires.
Next: Stanford has right quarterback in Keller Chryst
Love is finally in the spotlight. He’s handling it well. Stanford puts the bulk of pressure on his shoulders. Only the PAC-12’s best can slow him down.