Pac-12 Football - 2021 Stanford Cardinal Preview
Our Stanford Cardinal preview 2021 finds that the Pac-12 North is a division that’s crowded at the top. Stanford is one of four teams that could finish anywhere from first to fourth. At this point, we’re projecting them to end up third. Last year, the Cardinal went 4-2, finishing second behind the Washington Huskies. In terms of offensive yardage, they ranked third in the Pac-12 and 45th in the nation with 420.2 YPG. However, those yards did not necessarily translate into points, as they ranked seventh in the conference and 56th in the country averaging 29.3 PPG. Contrast those stats to their defensive yards allowed, which came to 438.7 YPG (9th Pac-12, 93rd Nationally) and points allowed, which averaged 31.7 PPG (8th Pac-12, 77th Nationally). Plus, Stanford’s rush attack was 93rd in the nation while their rush D came in 112th.
Stanford Offense
With quarterback Davis Mills gone, the Stanford offense is in a quandary. Freshman Tanner McKee and senior Jack West will compete for the starting spot. However, neither has much college level experience. Frosh Ari Patu and Air Force transfer Isaiah Sanders are also in the mix. The receiving unit has also suffered key losses, as three essential pass catchers, including conference-leading wideout Simi Fehopko, are gone. Senior Michael Wilson and junior Elijah Higgins will be asked to step up. Last season, Wilson had 19 catches for 261 yards and one TD while Higgins recorded 15 receptions for 176 yards.
The running game, which is led by junior Austin Jones, looks solid. In 2020, Jones carried the ball 126 times, averaging 4.4 YPA and scoring nine times. He also made 21 catches for 156 yards. Nathaniel Peat, also a junior, returns as the team’s number two rusher after carrying the ball 29 times while averaging 7.0 YPA and scoring once. Although the O-line loses some top talent, including center Drew Dalman, they return three starters and should be an asset.
Stanford Cardinal Preview 2021 - Defense
Even though eight starters return on defense, the Cardinal have some major losses on this side of the ball. ILB Curtis Robinson, the team’s top tackler, safety Malik Antoine, their best secondary defender, and defensive end Thomas Schaffer, their premium pass rusher, must all be replaced. Despite possessing some talent upfront, the unit is overall thin. NT Dalyn Wade-Perry and DE Thomas Booker, both seniors, will serve as foundation elements.
Junior Levani Damuni, who was second in tackles last season with 42, anchors the linebacking unit. Often-injured senior LB Ricky Miezan has talent and skill. If he can stay healthy, Miezan could have a breakout season. Although the secondary sees four starters return, this group is still a major concern. Last season, they ranked last in the Pac-12 in pass efficiency defense. At strong safety, Kendall Williamson can do the job, while free safety Jonathan McGill offers playmaking potential. Corner Kyu Blu Kelly is solid, but the other corner is a concern and could be this group’s undoing.
Specialists
The Cardinal lose reliable placekicker Jet Toner. But our Stanford Cardinal preview 2021 finds that they have a sound replacement in 2020’s top-ranked high school kicking prospect Joshua Karty. Once again, junior Ryan Sanborn will punt. In 2020, he averaged 39.0 YPP while nailing nine of 23 inside the 20. Peat will return kickoffs again, as last season he averaged a healthy 24.9 YPR and Wilson takes punts. He was good for 7.0 YPR.
Stanford Cardinal Preview 2021 - Projection
Our Stanford Cardinal preview 2021 notes that between 2012 and 2015 this team won three PAC-12 championships. Since then, they have been in the mix and more times than not bowl bound. Last year, with a 4-1 record, they proved they could rebound from a disastrous performance when in 2019 the Cardinal went 4-8. We expect Stanford will fare well this year. But a number one finish in 2021 would be stretching it.
Pac-12 Football - Stanford Cardinal 2021 - Predictions:
Third Place - Pac-12 North
Redbox Bowl vs Minnesota