The previous article predicted the Cardinal would go 2-4 in their first six games of the regular season. Can Stanford win four out of the next six to become bowl-eligible?
Week 7 Arizona State:
The offseason has been a disaster for the Sun Devils to say the least. First, starting QB Jayden Daniels transferred to LSU. Additionally, ASU lost both of their previous coordinator amid NCAA investigations. This should be a rebuilding year for the Sun Devils. I expect Stanford to come out on top at home due to their talent on offense.
Result: Win
Week 8 @UCLA:
UCLA brings back QB Dorian Thompson-Robinson and RB Zach Charbonnet. With Stanford’s run defense being poor last season, expect the Bruins to gash the Cardinal. However, the UCLA defense ranked 107th in passing yards allowed during the 2021 season. This works in favor of Stanford’s strength in the passing game. Stanford is usually able to pull off at least one upset per year, and this game has the prime chance to be it.
Result: Win
Week 9 Washington State:
The Cougars are breaking in a new signal caller, as Southland conference POY Cameron Ward will be starter. Washington State will have some excellent defensive pieces at DE in Ron Stone and Brennan Jackson. They will also have star Jahad Woods at LB and Armani Marsh at Nickelback.
However, the Cougs have questions on the offensive line, as three starters have departed. Wazzu struggled last year in preventing teams from getting to the QB. But Stanford is unlikely to exploit this weakness, as the defensive line remains one of the question marks of the team.
Result: Loss
Week 10 @Utah:
Utah is one of the front-runners in the Pac-12 for next year. They will bring back QB Cam Rising and RB Tavion Thomas. They also have two elite TEs in Brant Kuithe and Dalton Kincaid. While they lose a lot at linebacker, the front seven should continue to be a strength of the team. Also, since coming to the Pac-12, Utah head coach Kyle Wittingham has won four of his five games against Stanford. Expect this trend to continue, as the Utes will have too much talent for the Cardinal.
Result: Loss
Week 11 @Cal:
After longtime QB Chase Garbers has left, Purdue transfer Jack Plummer will step into the starting QB spot. Plummer showed some promise in limited action at Purdue. But he will not have Rondale Moore or David Bell at his disposal. Plummer also seemed to struggle on passes downfield, which will allow teams to crowd the box more.
The Bears ranked within the top 50 in total defense in 2021. Last year’s defense was solid and should continue to be good heading into this year. However, if McKee and his receivers can stay healthy, the talent discrepancy at QB will be too much for Cal.
Result: Win
Week 12 BYU:
BYU has an NFL Prospect of their own at QB in Jaren Hall. Hall should be one of the best QBs in the country, and his dual-threat ability could give Stanford trouble. Additionally, the BYU offensive line should be among the best in the country, especially in pass protection.
However, the BYU defense did struggle last season, being unable to put up an adequate pass rush. But they weren’t healthy for a large part of the year. LB Kenan Pili, perhaps their best defensive player, suffered a season-ending injury after three games. Also, another LB Payton Wilgar, got injured toward the end of last-season. With a solid secondary, the Cougars should be much improved on defense this year.
BYU will be ranked in the preseason top 25, and should be able to handle the Cardinal without trouble.
Result: Loss