Stanford Football: Should Cardinal be on upset alert vs San Diego State, again?

In a rematch from 2017, Stanford Football will look to get revenge as they host the San Diego State Aztecs in the 2018 opener.

Way north California meets way south in an under-the-radar season opener as the Stanford Cardinal will welcome in the San Diego State Aztecs in a rematch of their close game played just a year ago.

The phrase “Pac 12 after dark” turned into “in the dark” last year in San Diego, as the Aztecs prevailed after a power outage delay and took the game by a score of 20-17. Despite being in the same state, last season’s meeting was the first matchup between these two teams since 1988. The Cardinal hold a 3-2 advantage in the all-time series.

The Aztecs had the privilege of home field in 2017, and unfortunately for them they must return the favor here in 2018 and travel north to Stanford. On paper, the Cardinal severely outmatch the Aztecs, and with them being at home many would think this could be a cakewalk for the No. 13 team in the country, especially when you are fueled by Heisman Trophy favorite, running back Bryce Love.

Fresh off a ten win season, the Aztecs could spark some trouble for the Cardinal, even if it is in Stanford’s home stadium. Led by quarterback Christian Chapman, who completed 60 percent of his passes in 2017, this offense could cause problems for the Stanford defense.

Date: Friday, August 31
Time: 9:00 p.m. ET
Location: Stanford, CA
Venue: Stanford Stadium
TV: Fox Sports 1
Live Stream: Fox Sport Go

Keys to the Game

San Diego State will be looking to secure its fourth straight win over a Pac 12 opponent when they enter Friday’s matchup. Despite last year’s (somewhat) low-scoring outing between the two, a much more fast-paced game should be on the horizon this year. While the Aztecs lost their big running attack led by Rashaad Penny, the passing attack should be just as good– if not better.

Of course, the key for the Aztecs is shutting down the Cardinal’s offense as best they can and giving their offense a shot to keep them in the game. It is safe to assume Love will be hard to slow down, but as long as the Aztecs can limit his big plays and keep their offense contained, they have a shot.

For Stanford, the same as true as Chapman and the offense will likely have a “nothing too lose” mentality being double digit underdogs on the road. Expect many formations and a spread out offense in order to confuse and keep the Cardinal defense off balance. Limiting big plays through the air, all while forcing three and outs will help get the offense going. Whichever team can control the time of possession will have a great chance to pull through.

Prediction

For some reason, the Aztecs love playing the Pac 12- and again they should come out fired up. Unfortunately for them, they are missing some key pieces from 2017 and will be going up against arguably the nation’s best running back on the road.

It will be close for a while, but ultimately too much Bryce Love will be the difference maker.

Final score: Stanford 34, San Diego State 21