[Farm93]

If this The Athletic article is to be believed, Love is dealing with 2 gimpy ankles. I was wondering why the left one looked heavily supported when I thought he'd hurt his right ankle. It's behind a paywall but the relevant part can be viewed in the preview. (from All Write Now today)

The dynamic Cardinal running back had just six carries for 17 yards and missed some time while watching from the sidelines after getting his left ankle re-taped. This, while already dealing with a sprained right ankle that's bothered him for several weeks.

https://theathletic.com/159698/2017/11/1...-game-win/

Not really news.  While he has looked almost 100% after the snap of the ball, it has been very obvious that he is at best 75% going into the huddle.  And after each play he looks more like both ankles are not even close as he hobbles off the field.

However, I am not so sure about the never play view.

If WSU wins the Apple Cup, then Stanford's better bowls are available only with a Notre Dame win.  Also, for Love playing against Notre Dame (and their slow to my eye defense) has got to be appealing.  If he can perform well against Notre Dame then his draft status soars.  Also, if WSU wins then there is not another game for ~5 weeks.

So to not play love would imply
Stanford believes UW will win.
Stanford believes 1 week of rest will make a big difference against USC.
Bryce Love is OK getting labelled as "Soft" or "Fragile" when the highest profile team comes to town. and he stands on the sideline.

[Farm93]

If this The Athletic article is to be believed, Love is dealing with 2 gimpy ankles. I was wondering why the left one looked heavily supported when I thought he'd hurt his right ankle. It's behind a paywall but the relevant part can be viewed in the preview. (from All Write Now today)

The dynamic Cardinal running back had just six carries for 17 yards and missed some time while watching from the sidelines after getting his left ankle re-taped. This, while already dealing with a sprained right ankle that's bothered him for several weeks.

https://theathletic.com/159698/2017/11/1...-game-win/

Not really news.  While he has looked almost 100% after the snap of the ball, it has been very obvious that he is at best 75% going into the huddle.  And after each play he looks more like both ankles are not even close as he hobbles off the field.

However, I am not so sure about the never play view.

If WSU wins the Apple Cup, then Stanford's better bowls are available only with a Notre Dame win.  Also, for Love playing against Notre Dame (and their slow to my eye defense) has got to be appealing.  If he can perform well against Notre Dame then his draft status soars.  Also, if WSU wins then there is not another game for ~5 weeks.

So to not play love would imply
Stanford believes UW will win.
Stanford believes 1 week of rest will make a big difference against USC.
Bryce Love is OK getting labelled as "Soft" or "Fragile" when the highest profile team comes to town. and he stands on the sideline.