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Stanford Football: 5 reasons the Cardinal will beat USC in Pac-12 title

By Zach Bigalke

SANTA CLARA, CA - DECEMBER 05: Ronald Jones II #25 of the USC Trojans scores a touchdown, dragging Dallas Lloyd #29 of the Stanford Cardinal into the endzone during the third quarter of the NCAA Pac-12 Championship game at Levi's Stadium on December 5, 2015 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images)
SANTA CLARA, CA - DECEMBER 05: Ronald Jones II #25 of the USC Trojans scores a touchdown, dragging Dallas Lloyd #29 of the Stanford Cardinal into the endzone during the third quarter of the NCAA Pac-12 Championship game at Levi's Stadium on December 5, 2015 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images) /
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(Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)
(Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images) /

1. Stanford will have the best player on the field in Bryce Love

While Christian McCaffrey departed for the NFL after last season, the Stanford running game has been even better in 2017 thanks to Bryce Love. The Heisman hopeful ranks second in the nation in yards per game and total rushing yards, and he averages a gaudy 8.6 yards per carry.

He has struggled with ankle issues throughout the season, but he is rounding back into form and is due for another statement moment as he chases Baker Mayfield for the most coveted individual award in college football. On Friday night, Love needs 152 yards to pass the 2000-yard mark for the season.

No player is a bigger threat to bust off a game-changing play than Love, who leads the nation in plays of 30 or more yards this season. Thanks both to a stout offensive line and his spectacular field vision, Love has ripped off 16 rushing touchdowns already this season.

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When he faced USC last time in September, the tailback ran for 160 yards on 17 carries. That included a 75-yard burst for a touchdown that tied the game up in the first quarter on the first play after the Trojans’ touchdown on their opening drive. If he can produce like he has all season long, Love will put the Cardinal in position to generate a huge upset and yet another Pac-12 championship.

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