The 1991 Stanford-Cornell game, which the Cardinal won, 56-6, provides a model for this mismatch.
Stanford will make enough mistakes (fumbled punt, blown coverage, or biting on a trick play) that Colgate may get close enough to kick a couple field goals, so I predict 6 for the Toothpaste.
Stanford has enough elite offensive athleticism that they could score over 60, but Shaw won’t show any of the passing attack he is saving for USC, and he will pull EJ Smith pretty early. Some coaches like to practice their season’s system in their FCS game — like Oregon running their spread against Portland State — but Shaw is the type to hide everything he can.
I would predict an even lower score for a conservative, scheme-hiding, clock-chewing Stanford, but the team won’t be able to help returning a kickoff/punt and an interception or two.
Stanford, 49-6 (entered)
Stanford will make enough mistakes (fumbled punt, blown coverage, or biting on a trick play) that Colgate may get close enough to kick a couple field goals, so I predict 6 for the Toothpaste.
Stanford has enough elite offensive athleticism that they could score over 60, but Shaw won’t show any of the passing attack he is saving for USC, and he will pull EJ Smith pretty early. Some coaches like to practice their season’s system in their FCS game — like Oregon running their spread against Portland State — but Shaw is the type to hide everything he can.
I would predict an even lower score for a conservative, scheme-hiding, clock-chewing Stanford, but the team won’t be able to help returning a kickoff/punt and an interception or two.
Stanford, 49-6 (entered)