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Though it isn't ideal to be playing without Meeks and Holder, Stanford should be more than capable of overcoming their absence. Murphy and Alexander are quite experienced players. Frankly, my biggest concern in this game has nothing to do with Holder or Meeks being out. It is with Hoffpauir getting singled up with their speedy little receivers. He consistently lets guys get behind him. Otherwise, don't sleep on Frank Buncom. He is ready to emerge IMO. Really impressed me at the Spring practice I saw.Â
Stanford played the Pac-12 CG and Rose Bowl without Marx, so I don't think his loss is a mortal would either. It would be nice to get Taboada back because he is, IMO, the best pass catching TE. And Stanford is deep the Guard position, with Caspers, Bright, Fanaika, Wilson, and Herbig.Â
This game on Friday is going to be more decided by how Stanford's offense plays than its defense, IMO. Another UCLA-type performance on that side of the ball and they will lose, even if Meeks and Holder, Fanaika, Marx, and Owusu were playing.