Stanford Football: 5 overreactions from Cardinal's loss to USC

Stanford Football: 5 overreactions from loss to USC

LOS ANGELES, CA - SEPTEMBER 09: Deontay Burnett #80 of the USC Trojans dives into the end zone during the second quarter to score a touchdown against the Stanford Cardinal at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum on September 9, 2017 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images) /

5 of 6

LOS ANGELES, CA – SEPTEMBER 09: Sam Darnold #14 of the USC Trojans avoids pressure from Dylan Jackson #97 of the Stanford Cardinal during the second quarter at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum on September 9, 2017 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images) /

2. Stanford’s defense still has some work to do

Aside from forcing Darnold to throw two interceptions, the Stanford defense struggled mightily to get any sort of stop. USC totaled 316 yards and two touchdowns on the ground and 316 yards and four touchdowns through the air.

It’s not like the offense did terrible. The Stanford defensive backs could not shut down USC’s two best receivers either. Deontay Burnett and Steven Mitchell Jr. combined for more than 200 receiving yards and four touchdowns.

Stopping some of the best offense in the Pac-12 is needed to win games in conference play and make any sort of run for the conference title. Stanford’s defense still has to face some pretty good offenses this year and needs to get things together fast.

The chances that this defense does not play well for the rest of the season are slight. Head coach David Shaw knows how to whip his team into shape. They will respond well facing San Diego State in Week 3.

Home/Stanford Cardinal