College Football Rankings 2017: Projected Week 9 AP Top 25 Poll

After back-to-back losses against USC and San Diego State, the Cardinal appeared to be off track for a run at the Pac-12 title. But Stanford has now won four straight before taking a bye week in Week 8, and they entered the week atop the Pac-12 North standings.

The catalyst for Stanford’s success so far this season is Bryce Love. Love, who stepped up to take over for all-purpose threat Christian McCaffrey after he moved on to the pros, has looked even better than his predecessor this year. The Cardinal tailback leads the nation in rushing, and has averaged over 200 all-purpose yards per game through Stanford’s first seven games.

With games against both Washington schools still on the horizon in November, the Cardinal holds control over its own destiny this season. Love will continue to make an impression on Heisman voters, and if David Shaw‘s team can keep winning they will present an intriguing case study to the College Football Playoff selection committee.