Stanford Football: 3 bold predictions against Oregon

3. Braxton Burmeister Improves Drastically

Stanford’s defense is ranked 49th by the S&P+. To put that in perspective, Louisville’s defense is ranked 56th. That is only 7 ranks apart in the S&P+. This might come as a shock as Stanford is known for defense and Louisville is known for Lamar Jackson and not playing defense. To me this means Braxton Burmeister is in for a better day than he faced against Wazzou’s 18th ranked defense in the S&P+. Tables are turning and Stanford’s defense is more historically good than currently great.

Burmeister, an 18-year-old passer in his freshman season had to face the Cougs and their tough Alex Grinch led defense. That’s a tough first start for the young Oregonian. Burmeister finished 16 for 28 with 149 yards passing, one touchdown with two interceptions.

Burmeister, a dual threat, didn’t log a carry against the Cougs. The Ducks quarterback will carry the ball more against Stanford to keep them honest and to get the Ducks running game moving. No one is sure if Freeman is healthy amongst the slew of Ducks banged up. Freeman has run for 600+ yards and 10 touchdowns, Kani Benoit has run for 7.3 yards per carry and eight touchdowns, and Tony Brooks-James has struggled but hopefully can break out.

I think Burmeister’s improvements will be a mixture of his adjustment to the college game and facing a weaker defense. Stanford relies on the rushing game which will chew up the clock and allow Burmeister more time to go over the game in his head and slow down the time between drives.