Stanford Football: 3 bold predictions vs. San Diego State in Week 1

2. Juwan Washington out-rushes Bryce Love

Don’t know the name Juwan Washington? You may want to get to know it as the junior running back is ready to step up and fill some big shoes.

Rashaad Penny had himself a big season, rushing for over 2,200 yards while Washington sat back and soaked in some knowledge behind the breakout star. He still managed 759 yards and seven touchdowns of his own, averaging 6.0 yards per carry. Not too shabby for a backup running back.

Bryce Love, on the other hand, was Stanford’s breakout star, rushing for over 2,100 yards and 19 touchdowns on 8.1 yards per touch. He was an unstoppable force, and San Diego State knows all too well what he can do — he rushed for 184 yards and two touchdowns on just 13 carries versus the Aztecs last season.

This is a running back matchup for the ages. Washington will make a name for himself on a national level in this Week 1 battle, out-rushing the Heisman Trophy favorite.

It won’t be a crazy out-dueling by Washington, but he’s going to finish with 180 yards on the ground to Love’s 150.

Still, this is the first step toward a monster season for the Aztecs’ junior.