Stanford Football: 5 reasons Cardinal will beat USC in Week 2

3. Defense will pester JT Daniels into rookie mistakes

Young quarterback JT Daniels graduated early and earned the starting gig as a true freshman. He looked solid against UNLV, but Stanford’s defense presents a completely different challenge. Stanford’s defense consistently flustered the San Diego State offense in the season opener, and there is little reason to think they won’t be able to do the same against USC on Saturday.

The front seven did a great job of getting push up front. With five sacks and seven tackles for loss, the Stanford line and linebackers did a great job of controlling the trenches and getting into the backfield. Stanford even managed a safety to break the seal on the Cardinal scoring midway through the second quarter. That means Daniels is going to be rushed in the pocket with greater frequency than he has ever endured in the college ranks.

Stanford’s secondary has also been solid. They are one of the deepest units in the country, and they finished last season ranked 12th in the FBS in interceptions. Given the pressure Daniels will be facing up front, he is going to be more susceptible to throwing into coverage and lobbing up interceptions.

Daniels is going to make at least three rookie mistakes that thwart Trojans advances. Stanford will capitalize on those bungles to set themselves up for victory.