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Number 67 Stanford Cardinal Preview
By: Matt Fargo
Spring practices are in the books and fall camps will be here before you know it so that means getting an early jump on the 2006 NCAA football season. Knowing the teams now will save you time in August and Matt Fargo is here to help you get a grasp of what to expect this upcoming year. We go from worst to first in this 2006 College Football Preview.
#67 ? Stanford Cardinal 5-6 SU; 7-2-1 ATS
Fargo?s Take Little did the Cardinal know that the improbable three-point loss to UC-Davis in the second game of last season cost them a bowl bid. That was one of three heartbreaking losses that kept Stanford under .500 for a fourth straight season so things are looking up in the second season under Walt Harris. The Cardinal finished 70th or worse in seven of the eight major offensive and defensive categories so the five wins were actually a huge overachievement. There will likely have to be some overachieving once again as the schedule is not easy and the defense has to be retooled for the second straight season. Offensively, Stanford brings back 10 returning starters for a second straight season and this senior laden unit is going to have to improve immensely and carry the team if a bowl game is to come.
Returning Starters on Offense ? 10 Despite returning 10 players last year, the Cardinal struggled to move the ball as it finished 99th in total offense. A couple factors contributed to that starting with a new system put into place by Harris along with numerous key injuries that occurred throughout the season. Quarterback Trent Edwards is back for his fifth season and if last year was any indication, he should have a monster season. He tossed 17 touchdowns while throwing only seven picks and completed 62.7 percent of his throws. He gets receiver Evan Moore back, who missed 10 games with a hip injury. The offensive line and the running game are big concerns as the Cardinal finished 110th in the nation in rushing offense, averaging just 92.3 ypg and 2.6 ypc. It was the third straight year that Stanford has averaged fewer than 100 ypg and less than 2.7 ypc.
Returning Starters on Defense ? 6 The defense played a big role in three of the Cardinal wins last year but it also contributed to four of their losses. They finished 105th in total defense in 2005 and with four of it?s top players no longer around, Stanford has some major rebuilding on its hands. The defensive line will have two sophomores and a freshman as starters so it will be up to the more experienced back seven to take control of the unit. The problem last year was in the secondary as Stanford allowed 285.9 ypg through the air, 110th in the country. Three of the four starters should return but strong safety Brandon Harrison was suspended from the team in the spring and his return is in question. A.J. Christoff is back as the defensive coordinator for a third time so his familiarity with the system could be a big asset.
Schedule Stanford has a brand new stadium for 2006 but unfortunately, fans are only going to be able to attend five games. The Cardinal come right out of the gate with their Pac Ten opener at Oregon before heading to state rival San Jose St., who was missing from the schedule last season. The home opener is against a solid Navy team that will be out for some revenge after last season?s opening defeat. Washington St. commences the Pac Ten home schedule that also includes Arizona, USC and Oregon St. In total, five of the nine conference games are on the road including the finale at California. Also sandwiched in there is a trip to Notre Dame in early October. Of the seven road games, only two (San Jose St. and Washington) look to be doable.
You can bet on? Stanford has increased its scoring average in each of the last three seasons and that trend will continue in 2006, barring any more injuries. There is huge potential on that side of ball and for the Cardinal to even think about a .500 record, that potential needs to come to the forefront. The rushing game must get better or Edwards could be ending another season on the sidelines from taking too many hits. Stanford finished 7-2-1 ATS last season with the push coming in its only game as a favorite. It?s obvious that the Cardinal were undervalued last year and with the recent track record of losing seasons, we should get more value with them again in 2006. They are getting double digits in the opener against the Ducks and they can keep that one close.
Matt Fargo is a documented member of the Professional Handicappers League. Read all of his articles at http://www.procappers.com/Matt_Fargo.htm |
