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Stanford Football: 3 Bold predictions vs Arizona State

By Matthew Bartlett

PALO ALTO, CA - SEPTEMBER 30: Bryce Love #20 of the Stanford Cardinal runs with the ball against the Arizona State Sun Devils at Stanford Stadium on September 30, 2017 in Palo Alto, California. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)
PALO ALTO, CA - SEPTEMBER 30: Bryce Love #20 of the Stanford Cardinal runs with the ball against the Arizona State Sun Devils at Stanford Stadium on September 30, 2017 in Palo Alto, California. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images) /
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(Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images)
(Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images) /

3. The Cardinal defense bounces back

It’s been a rough stretch for Stanford on defense. After allowing 23 points in their first three games the Cardinal haven’t held any of their next three opponents under 30 points. The level of competition has gone up, but they allowed a season-best three points against a strong USC squad in Week 2. Stanford is ready to break out on defense.

Arizona State could be the cure for Stanford’s woes. Outside of games against UTSA and Oregon State they haven’t been a team that’s broken the scoreboard. Quarterback Manny Wilkins has been held under 200 yards as many times as he’s broken the 300-yard mark. With no real playmakers on offense outside of Harry, they’re going to struggle to move the ball consistently on the Cardinal.

The hype and excitement around the new coaching staff is starting to die down. The upset of Michigan State was a nice moment, but the offensive side of the ball is not how Arizona State is going to win football games.

Next. College football bowl projections after Week 7. dark

If all this holds, Stanford should walk away with a big win that keeps them in the running for a Pac-12 title. With two losses, the College Football Playoff might be out of reach, but it’s way too early to punt on those aspirations. Crazier things have happened

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