NCAA Football Preview - Stanford Cardinal

Aug 22, 2014 - 2:52 PM Philadelphia, PA (Sports Network) -

2013 SEASON IN REVIEW: Stanford has produced the greatest four-year stretch in program history, and the 2013 campaign was yet another strong one for a squad that plays a style that starkly contrasts that of most Pac-12 teams.

Aside from a couple of stunning upsets at Utah (27-21) and at USC (20-17), the Cardinal were impossible to stop. They earned major wins over Arizona State (twice), UCLA (24-10) and, once again, topped conference favorite Oregon (26-20) on the way to capturing their second straight Pac-12 title. Then, in the Rose Bowl, they met a mirror image of themselves, with Michigan State on the other side. They were unable to put a knockout blow on the Spartans and dropped the contest, 24-20.

Despite the postseason disappointment, the Cardinal finished off the year at 11-3, marking the fourth straight season they had logged at least 11 wins and made a BCS bowl. More importantly, for a Pac-12 team at least, the Cardinal made it to the Rose Bowl in consecutive seasons for the fifth time in school history.

2014 ANALYSIS:

OFFENSE: Part of Stanford's identity these past few years, especially since the departure of Andrew Luck, has been a reliance on a power running game. That may have to change this season.

The backfield lost a major piece in Tyler Gaffney, who led the Pac-12 in rushing touchdowns (21) and ranked third in rushing yards (1,709) in 2013. The best options to replace him are Barry Sanders Jr., Kelsey Young and Ricky Seal, who all combined to rush for less than 200 yards last season. To head coach David Shaw, the loss of Gaffney does not necessarily mean a shift in philosophy.

"We want to have a continuity to us that we don't change schemes every week just because one guy leaves," Shaw said, while adding his thoughts about the running back situation. "If one guy outperforms the others and becomes more of a steady guy, that's great. I'll let that happen naturally."

Still, with no workhorse at running back, or at least none yet established, the Cardinal may favor a bit more of an aerial attack this season. Fortunately, they have the pieces to do so.

Quarterback Kevin Hogan has never been a prolific passer in his two seasons under center, but he has still been a reliable and efficient one. Last year, he threw for 2,630 yards on 61 percent passing as the full-time starter. He also had twice as many touchdowns (20) as interceptions (10). Add in the 355 rushing yards he had and the Cardinal has to like how they stack up at the position.

Asking Hogan to do a bit more this year is also a good idea considering the talent at wide receiver. Ty Montgomery (61 receptions, 958 yards, 10 TDs) is a fantastic playmaker, who led the team in receptions, yards and touchdowns. Devon Cajuste only snagged 28 balls last season, but he made the most of them, averaging 22.9 yards per reception and scoring five times.

The passing game appears ready to erupt, but giving Hogan time will be key. It will also be difficult. Only tackle Andrus Peat is a returning starter along the offensive line.

DEFENSE: Normally, a defense lacking much consistency from the previous season would be no problem for Stanford. That will not be true this year, as the unit is retooling after such productive stars as Shayne Skov, Trent Murphy and Ed Reynolds have moved on to the NFL.

However, new blood does not mean Stanford won't be strong on defense, it just might not be as fantastic as last year, when it ranked 16th nationally in yards allowed (343.1 ypg)

The defensive line features two returning starters in end Henry Anderson and tackle David Parry. Anderson had 6.5 tackles for loss last season and Parry had five. Both will need to get to the quarterback a bit more with Murphy (15.0 sacks) and Ben Gardner (4.5 sacks) no longer around.

Skov was the unquestioned leader of the Stanford defense, topping the squad in tackles (109), but A.J. Tarpley (93 tackles) and James Vaughters (36 tackles, 4.0 sacks) are excellent candidates to replace him. The unit will also be strong if some of the newer starters follow in the footsteps of the slew of great linebackers Stanford has produced of late.

The secondary lost Reynolds but not much else, with starting corners Alex Carter (59 tackles, INT) and Wayne Lyons (69 tackles, two INTs) along with safety Jordan Richards (69 tackles, three INTs) back in the fold.

Regardless of the personnel changes, expect Stanford to play the same type of aggressive, attacking style they have favored the last few years. It is a strategy that has certainly produced results, with the Cardinal ranking fifth in the nation in tackles for loss last season (107).

"We'll tackle and push the envelope. We'll do as much as we can as far as being physical and tackling," Shaw said. "Everything we do, there is a method to the madness. But you have to be physical. You have to play football as we call it. Tackling guys to the ground."

SPECIAL TEAMS: While the offense and defense are in for some changes, special teams should stay pretty much the same. Jordan Williamson is back at kicker after nailing 18-of-22 field goal attempts last season. Ben Rhyne will continue to be the punter (42.9 yards per punt in 2013), and Montgomery is a dangerous returner, who brought back two kickoffs for touchdowns and was named an All-Pac-12 performer for his efforts.

OUTLOOK: Shaw has proven to be a stellar coach and a few changes on the roster, even big ones, aren't likely to send his team into the Pac-12 basement.

However, an extremely difficult schedule might. The Cardinal play a string of difficult road games this season, including at Washington, Notre Dame, Arizona State, Oregon and UCLA.

Hogan and Montgomery are an excellent combination for the offense to build around, but with the Cardinal lacking experience in a many key spots coupled with and a murderous schedule, they are likely in for a year of regression.