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Stanford Football: Bryce Love’s return may mean more David Shaw stubbornness

By Connor Muldowney

PALO ALTO, CA - OCTOBER 14: Bryce Love #20 of the Stanford Cardinal is congratulated by Keller Chryst #10 after Love scored on a sixty seven yard touchdown run against the Oregon Ducks during the first quarter of the NCAA football game at Stanford Stadium on October 14, 2017 in Palo Alto, California. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images)
PALO ALTO, CA - OCTOBER 14: Bryce Love #20 of the Stanford Cardinal is congratulated by Keller Chryst #10 after Love scored on a sixty seven yard touchdown run against the Oregon Ducks during the first quarter of the NCAA football game at Stanford Stadium on October 14, 2017 in Palo Alto, California. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images) /
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Stanford football will be getting Bryce Love back this week and it looks like that may lead to more David Shaw stubbornness.

As the Stanford Cardinal struggled to reach the end zone against Oregon State on Saturday evening, one thing became evident: David Shaw’s stubbornness may cost this team a Pac-12 title in 2017.

Stanford eked out the win, though, heading him with a 15-14 victory against the conference’s only winless team. Why was it so difficult to take down a seemingly lifeless foe which lost its head coach to resignation earlier this season? The quarterback situation was problem No. 1.

The offense failed to move the ball effectively against the Beavers and Keller Chryst was playing down to Oregon State’s level. What was even worse was the fact that talented sophomore dual-threat KJ Costello was warming up on the sidelines, ready to go in and salvage the offense.

However, that never happened. Shaw stuck with Chryst despite his 16-for-33 performance with 141 yards, a touchdown and an interception. It was so bad that the only passes he could complete late in the game were jump balls from inside the 10-yard line to the corner of the end zone.

Now that Bryce Love is returning from injury, Shaw will be pressured to make a decision. The offense had been just fine with Love healthy as he averages over 10 yards per carry and is arguably the favorite to win the Heisman.

If the passing game struggles again, Shaw will be under pressure. Love won’t be able to take on his normal load as he should be eased back into the starting role, so that means passing will be crucial.

Chryst could very well struggle and that means Costello may be the best option. What happens if Shaw sticks with a struggling Chryst against Washington State’s formidable defense Saturday afternoon?

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The pressure is on with Love’s return and Shaw must answer the call.

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