Early look: What to like about No. 15 Stanford in 2017
Each week, USA TODAY Sports will give a more detailed look at the teams listed on our early top 25 for the 2017 college football season.
Up next: No. 15 Stanford. David Shaw and the Cardinal look to climb back to the top of the Pac-12 Conference North Division after watching Washington take home the title in 2016.
To get there, Stanford needs some help on the defensive line and a healthy quarterback.
Why No. 15?
1. Consistency. Every other school in the Pac-12 but one, Utah, has made at least one coaching change since David Shaw was promoted to replace Jim Harbaugh before the 2011 season. At this point, this program’s consistency places Stanford in elite company — a step below Alabama and Ohio State, to name two, but right alongside the top contenders in college football. Why should that change in 2017? The issues with Stanford aren’t grand, though they do exist, so expecting anything less than another year spent battling for the Rose Bowl and a top-10 ranking ignores recent history.
2. Linebackers and secondary. There are some slight reasons for concern on the defensive line, as we’ll touch on below. The rest of the defense is in terrific shape, however. Stanford looks great at linebacker, as usual. The secondary might be the best in the Pac-12 and among the top units in the country. Though line play is a potential issue, it’s conceivable that the Cardinal’s back eight can offset any decline from the pass rush. And if the staff can find some push up front? Then this defense might be elite.
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3. Offensive line. It was surprising to see Stanford’s offensive line struggle in 2016, relatively speaking. The group did not come near the program’s recent standard for line play, which helps to explain the Cardinal’s frustrating offensive swoons. There’s reason to expect a nice uptick in production this fall. With four returning starters and several impressive underclassmen waiting in the wings, Stanford will have a deeper pool of bodies to choose from in finding the right combination. Two incoming freshmen, Foster Sarell and Walker Little, are future linchpins at tackle.
Why not higher?
1. Uncertainty at quarterback. Keller Chryst’s knee injury, suffered in January, casts a shadow over the Cardinal’s quarterback competition. It wouldn’t have been a competition, actually, had Chryst remained healthy — he would have been the starter. But because he will be sidelined until at least the start of fall camp, Stanford may be forced to go with either senior Ryan Burns, who contemplated transferring in January, or redshirt freshman K.J. Costello, an elite prospect who might be needed come September.
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2. Defensive line. Losing Solomon Thomas is a major blow to a defense otherwise loaded in production, depth and experience. He was an anchor from his spot up front both in run support and when rushing the passer, so finding some way to replicate or mirror Thomas’ impact is a key task for Stanford this spring and summer. The cupboard isn’t bare, however. Harrison Phillips returns at tackle and Dylan Jackson at end, so it might be a matter of creating a rotation of able linemen along the interior and on the outside.
3. Big-play potential. Running back Bryce Love was productive as Christian McCaffrey’s backup and as the Cardinal’s primary starter, so expectations are high heading into his junior season. Whether Love, or any skill player on this roster, can provide a home-run threat remains to be seen. It’s a crucial aspect of any successful Shaw-coached offense: Stanford can pound out yards to sustain drives, but explosive plays are a mandatory piece of the puzzle.
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Biggest games
►At Southern California, Sept. 9
►Vs. Oregon, Oct. 14
►Vs. Washington, Nov. 10
Three players to know
1. WR JJ Arcega-Whiteside. Arcega-Whiteside has the frame and potential to develop into an all-conference receiver.
2. LB Joey Alfieri. Look for Alfieri to pace the Stanford defense in tackles for loss and sacks from his spot at outside linebacker.
3. S Justin Reid. Based on his rate of improvement since contributing as a true freshman in 2015, Reid is set to become one of the top safeties in the Pac-12.
PROJECTING THE PRESEASON TOP 25
