Stanford football: (Bryce) Love is all Stanford needs
Offense
Stanford’s biggest issue last year, and for the past few years, was at the head of their offense. After losing Kevin Hogan, the Cardinal have struggled quite a bit with quarterback play, stumbling through signal callers that either aren’t accurate enough, aren’t strong enough, or can’t throw at all.
Keller Chryst stunk last year, but Stanford did seem to find somewhat of a solution in K.J. Costello. He wasn’t great, but he’s good enough to keep the offense afloat. If he’s healthy, and if he’s better than he was last year, Stanford’s offense may finally return to the efficient approach of years past that they lacked last year.
Everyone already knows who will be joining Costello in the backfield. Bryce Love is one of the best running backs in the country, and he could be even better this season. If he can stay healthy, and improve his production even more, he could be headed for a Heisman. With an awesome line in front of him, and what seems to be a good quarterback beside him, Love should be even better this year. He’s can’t miss television, and you need to be watching him this fall.
Pretty much every good receiver is back too. JJ Arcega-Whiteside, Trenton Irwin, tight end Kaden Smith and Connor Weddington will all make great targets for Costello. This is one of the best receiver rooms in the conference, and if Costello is just decent, they should be able to keep him afloat and lead Stanford to more than nine wins.
Four of five starters return up front, and should be improved after a pretty solid year last year. There will be a new face at left guard (probably Devery Hamilton), but seniors Jesse Burkett and A.T. Hall, as well as guard Nate Herbig and former five-star tackle Walker Little will be able to open massive holes for Bryce Love.
Making the routine plays
Last year, the biggest thing that Stanford struggled with was their inability to pick up yardage consistently. They were awesome with big plays, but the passing attack was too stagnant too often, and Bryce Love was stuffed too many times. Stanford can’t compete for the playoff on big plays alone, and they probably won’t even win the Pac-12 North.
They need the line to be better, and they need the quarterback play to improve. If they get that and are able to move the ball well on good defenses, this should be one of the best offenses in the country.