Stanford Football: 3 takeaways from Alamo Bowl loss to TCU

SAN ANTONIO, TX - DECEMBER 28: Bryce Love #20 of the Stanford Cardinal runs past Innis Gaines #6 of the TCU Horned Frogs and Arico Evans #7 in the second quarter during the Valero Alamo Bowl at the Alamodome on December 28, 2017 in San Antonio, Texas. (Photo by Tim Warner/Getty Images) /

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SAN ANTONIO, TX – DECEMBER 28: Bryce Love #20 of the Stanford Cardinal rushes past Travin Howard #32 of the TCU Horned Frogs for a touchdown in the first quarter during the Valero Alamo Bowl at the Alamodome on December 28, 2017 in San Antonio, Texas. (Photo by Tim Warner/Getty Images) /

3. Bryce Love’s ankle injury took a toll

The Heisman runner-up in 2017, junior Stanford running back Bryce Love, dealt with a rough injury during the stretch-run of the regular season and the postseason. Love’s ankle injury was visible on nearly every carry, and this wasn’t the first game that’s happened.

Despite whatever injury Love was dealing with, he put up another crazy stat line. He rushed for more than 150 yards and two touchdowns, including a 69 yard rushing touchdown in the first half. It’s wild to think about what he could have done while healthy.

Love did stayed off his ankle during Stanford’s preparation for the Alamo Bowl. He had close to a full month off and still could not keep the ankle going for a full game. The explosiveness and agility could be seen on occasion.

Fellow junior running back Cameron Scarlett got some of the carries while Love was hobbling. But, the Frogs front seven kept Scarlett contained a lot easier than Love. That kept the Frogs in the game most of the way, at least enough to win it.

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