Coming off a disappointing 3-9 season in 2021, the Stanford Cardinal are looking to bounce back and once again be at the top of the conference. Fortunately, head coach David Shaw has a prized talent at the most important position. Junior QB Tanner McKee, one of the best QBs in the 2023 draft class, will look to lead the Cardinal on offense. On the other side, senior CB Kyu Blu Kelly will lead the Stanford on defense. But how will McKee and Kelly’s play and leadership translate to wins on the field? That’s what we’re going to be looking at in this article.
Week 1 Colgate vs Stanford:
Stanford’s talent at the QB and WR position should allow them to easily a handle an FCS foe like Colgate. I predict this game will be a blowout from the very beginning.
Result: Win
Week 2 USC vs Stanford:
While Stanford gets to play USC at home instead of the Coliseum, there’s one problem: no students will be at the game. Stanford students only start class on September 26, which means the student section will likely be very empty during the game. The Cardinal don’t draw big crowds, so the lack of students will dramatically effect the home environment. Additionally, USC’s Caleb Williams has the talent to go toe-to-toe with McKee on offense. With 2021 Biletnikoff winner Jordan Addison and former star Oregon RB Travis Dye by his side, Williams will have too much firepower for Stanford to respond adequately.
Result: Loss
Week 3 Stanford @ Washington:
After Jimmy Lake was fired during the 2022 season, the Huskies went south to swoop up former Fresno State head coach Kalen DeBoer. DeBoer is known as an offensive guru, and quickly added talent to the roster. Former Indiana starting QB Michael Penix Jr. transferred to Washington, and the Huskies also bring back three starters on the offensive line. Additionally, the receiving corps is likely to be a strength of the team, with many talented players returning.
DeBoer coached Penix while he was at Indiana, which means they likely have good chemistry. It’s likely DeBoer can quickly put an offense together with the pieces around him. Last year Stanford offensive line struggled in run blocking, making them a one-dimensional team. If this trend continues, then this revamped Washington team will be tough to beat.
Result: Loss
Week 4 @ Oregon:
Oregon will likely have better play at QB, as Auburn transfer Bo Nix will be the starter. While Nix was inconsistent in the SEC, the Pac-12 is certainly a step down in strength. Oregon’s entire offensive line will return as well. Last year, Oregon ranked top 25 in rushing yards per game, and that rush attack will take pressure off Nix.
However, while the Ducks are strong in their front seven, the secondary remains a weakness. Last year McKee was able to torch the Oregon secondary multiple times. However, with the Ducks improving their QB play, the talent differential will be too much to overcome. Especially when playing in a hostile environment in Eugene.
Result: Loss
Week 5 Oregon State:
The Beavers made their first bowl game in eight years under head coach Johnathan Smith. The offense should once again be good, headed by a veteran offensive line group. Last year Oregon State offensive line gave up the 4th lowest tackles for loss in the country, so it’s a talented group.
However, the defense remains an area of concern. While the secondary has a ton of talent, the Beavers are still questionable up front. Given the game is at home, Stanford will likely have the edge in the battle of good offenses.
Result: Win
Week 6 @ Notre Dame:
While Notre Dame still has questions at the QB position, the team will still be very talented. Additionally, the defense should be star-studded. Isaiah Foskey, last years leader in sacks, will return. Additionally Brandon Joseph, an All-American safety from Northwestern, transferred into the program. Marcus Freeman and new DC Al Golden know how to scheme a defense. They will make it very difficult for McKee to throw the ball into open windows. The Fighting Irish are just more talented than the Cardinal, and that talent differential will show in this game.
Result: Loss