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

SANTA CLARA, CA - DECEMBER 01: Jack Jones #25 of the USC Trojans is called for pass interference on JJ Arcega-Whiteside #19 of the Stanford Cardinal during the Pac-12 Football Championship Game at Levi's Stadium on December 1, 2017 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images) /

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(Photo by Matt King/Getty Images) /

2. Cameron Scarlett will make difference on offense, special teams

Cameron Scarlett has the potential to be Stanford’s next great running back. He offers a multi-talented threat in both the offense and on special teams. Scarlett had 1,008 kick return yards in 2017, and he is due for another breakout game. That will come this week when USC visits Stanford Stadium.

He was quiet in the season opener, managing just 16 yards on his seven carries. Scarlett failed to haul in any passes, and he was not provided much opportunity to do anything on special teams. That won’t be the case in Week 2.

USC won’t be afraid to kick to Scarlett on their visit to Palo Alto, especially after he had just one return for 20 yards last week against San Diego State. He might not bust off a touchdown return, but he will rip off several long runs that open up good field position for the defense.

Once Stanford gets the ball, they will look to control the game on the ground. Love will obviously be a critical part of that effort, but Scarlett will also have his part to play. The understudy has the potential to break the game wide open, and with USC likely focused on Love and Arcega-Whiteside it will open up the possibility for Scarlett to break out.

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