Stanford Football: 3 bold predictions for San Diego State game

2. Rashaad Penny will top 250 all-purpose yards against Stanford

Stanford is hardly the only team that had to replace a top-shelf running back in 2017. San Diego State lost FBS career rushing leader Donnel Pumphrey to graduation after last season. Into his place has stepped Rashaad Penny, who has been just as electric as Love in his first year as a starter.

Penny ran for 1000 yards last season as Pumphrey’s backup, displaying a rare burst even in limited playing time. Now that he is getting the lion’s share of the carries for San Diego State, Penny has responded with two dominant performances.

Against UC-Davis, Penny rushed for 197 yards and two touchdowns. But it was his game against Arizona State that showcased Penny’s multifaceted abilities. The senior scored touchdowns three different ways against the Sun Devils. Penny rushed for 216 yards and a score on 18 carries, caught four passes for 38 yards and a touchdown, and took a kickoff 99 yards for six points on his only return of the night.

Stanford is allowing over 225 yards on the ground per game, ranking an uncharacteristic 113th nationally in rushing defense. Penny will go for at least 150 rushing yards, outshining Love in the duel of new starters in the backfield. He will add four or five receptions for another 40 to 50 yards, reel off one or two long returns, and finish with over 250 yards at home in another big game.