09-27-2015, 07:07 PM
* One point is relevant but hasn't been discussed too much: Stanford has played three road games so far this year. It's pretty incredible, and something that needs to be factored in when comparing Stanford to other teams nationwide. And of course that effect will be paid back by the end of the year: only two road trips left. And while you don't want to totally write off any opponents, @WSU and @Colorado are hardly the most frightening road trips conceived by God or the schedulemakers.
* The normal pattern of Stanford defenses has changed. Here's Stanford's rankings in sacks since 2010: 12th; 11th; 1st; 1st; 6th ... 111th. I don't think that's going to cut it against UCLA or N.D.
* Meanwhile let's take a look at the Stanford offensive line:
So while the OL's progress this season has been encouraging, I'd argue it still has some distance to go. (And remember offenses, even great ones, can have dud performances -- see Stanford only putting up 17 against ASU in 2010.)
* But obviously the main question is whether the defense can stay reasonably healthy, and whether the younger components can develop reasonably rapidly.
* The normal pattern of Stanford defenses has changed. Here's Stanford's rankings in sacks since 2010: 12th; 11th; 1st; 1st; 6th ... 111th. I don't think that's going to cut it against UCLA or N.D.
* Meanwhile let's take a look at the Stanford offensive line:
| Year | Sacks Allowed (%) | TFL Allowed (%) |
| 2015 | 5.5% | 8.2% |
| 2014 | 5.62% | 6.53% |
| 2013 | 4.89% | 6.48% |
| 2010 | 1.55% | 6.01% |
So while the OL's progress this season has been encouraging, I'd argue it still has some distance to go. (And remember offenses, even great ones, can have dud performances -- see Stanford only putting up 17 against ASU in 2010.)
* But obviously the main question is whether the defense can stay reasonably healthy, and whether the younger components can develop reasonably rapidly.