Stanford Football: Way-too-early game-by-game predictions for 2018

This is one of those games that I’d say would cost the Cardinal a surprising loss in Pac-12 play, but the direction that the Sun Devils’ program is headed is not a positive one. Arizona State just fired head coach Todd Graham and replaced him with Herm Edwards — a guy who has been out of coaching since 2008 and hasn’t coached at the collegiate level since 1989.

Things could get ugly in Tempe, and the Cardinal are going to take advantage of a disjointed first year under the new head coach.

Edwards is more of a defensive mind and the offense might suffer under his watch. Although he has capable coordinators in charge of that, he may not focus too much of his attention on that, even with a talented quarterback like Manny Wilkins leading the way. He’ll struggle a bit against the Cardinal in this one, especially without Demario Richard and Kalen Ballage backing him.

N’Keal Harry will give the Cardinal the most trouble, but Stanford will overcome that with strong performances from KJ Costello, Bryce Love and JJ Arcega-Whiteside.

The Cardinal will pull away from Arizona State late in this one and come away with a quality road win.

Final Score: Stanford 38, Arizona State 24 (5-2, 3-1 Pac-12)