Stanford Football: From 1-2 to CFB Top 25 and more?

Stanford football checked in at No. 22 in the Week 11 College Football Playoff rankings, which is remarkable considering how the 2017 season started.

This is not the first time that Stanford has been named among the committee’s top 25 teams this season. The Cardinal checked in at No. 21 in the first edition of the rankings, but a Week 10 loss to Washington State clipped them from last week’s ranks. After a one week hiatus, Stanford is back.

Now the Cardinal look to be here to stay. That’s remarkable considering where this season started. After blasting Rice 62-7 in Australia, Stanford dropped back-to-back contests against USC and San Diego State. That knocked the Cardinal off the national radar completely.

While the nation focused their attention on the Trojans the Washington Huskies and the Washington State Cougars the Cardinal did the only thing they could do: win. Stanford reeled off a five game winning streak before falling to Wazzu, but bounced back with a 30-22 upset of Washington last week.

If Stanford beats Cal and Washington beats Washington State the Cardinal will play for the Pac-12 title, potentially against USC. Stanford last regular season contest comes against Notre Dame. Three more wins would not only give Stanford a 10-3 regular season, but put them in contention for a New Year’s Six Bowl.

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From 1-2 to New Year’s Six. There’s still more work to do before Stanford can claim that dream, but the fact that it’s within reach at all is remarkable. Coach David Shaw has found a way to turn Bryce Love and nothing else into a viable team that just knocked off one of last year’s College Football Playoff participants.