Stanford Football Back In Action

Pac-12 Conference announces resumption of 2020 season

Although “The Walk,” Fanfest and the typical mayhem of the Leland Stanford Junior University Marching Band can only exist in our memories this season, Stanford Football and the 2020 season are back on track. 

The Pac-12 recently announced that the football season will begin on Nov. 7 with seven conference games and a Pac-12 Football Championship Game. Even with the go-ahead from Pac-12 Commissioner Larry Scott, the university still awaits permission from Santa Clara County to play football. Stanford will face tough competition against University of Oregon, University of Southern California (USC), University of Washington and others. 

The Cardinal are coming off a mediocre season — quite uncharacteristic of the Shaw era. They finished 4-8, lost the last four games and missed a bowl berth. Despite an impressive first win against  Northwestern, Stanford never found momentum last season. Riddled with injuries, a competitive schedule and the departure of big playmakers to the National Football League (NFL), Stanford wasn’t able to live up to its usual standard. Regardless of these setbacks, Stanford has the potential to disrupt Oregon and USC’s path to Pac-12 domination.

Let’s break down the upcoming season.

The transfer portal and the NFL:

Since 2017, the faces of Stanford Football have shifted dramatically. In the last three years, Stanford has sent 13 players to the NFL draft and lost 13 more to the transfer portal. NFL athletes include notable alumni Christian McCaffrey, Solomon Thomas, Justin Reid, J.J. Arcega-Whiteside and Bryce Love. Finding replacements for these powerhouse athletes has been challenging for Stanford. 

Most recently, two key players — Walker Little and Paulson Adebo — announced their plans to opt out of the 2020 season to prepare for the NFL Draft. Stanford’s defense will take a hit with Paulson’s departure. 

Meet the Offense:

In the past, Stanford has relied heavily on running backs, but the pass game might develop this year. The offense will be led by quarterback Davis Mills, the No. 15 overall player in the 2017 class. 

“His ability to get through progressions, to be really disciplined with his eyes and then as you mentioned just being a great decision maker,” Director of Offense Coach Tavita Pritchard told 247Sports.

Mills will throw to a group of well-rounded teammates including Michael Wilson (WR), Connor Wedington (WR), Osiris St. Brown (WR), Simi Fehoko (WR) and Scooter Harrington (TE). Another player to keep an eye on is Austin Jones, a sophomore running back. On the offensive line, Foster Sarell, Drew Dalman and Barrett Miller are expected to have prominent roles.

Game 1 Prediction:

Stanford will travel to Eugene, OR to take on the 14th-ranked Ducks in the opener of the season on the first Saturday in November. Oregon is the only ranked team in the Pac-12 and a consistent rivalry for the Cardinal. Oregon’s starting offense will feature a new QB, Tyler Shough, transfer WR Devon Williams, top TE Cam McCormick and RB Sean Dollars, to name a few. In last year’s matchup, the Ducks held Stanford to a mere two field goals and came up with a 21-6 win. Stanford is 49-33 in all time wins against Oregon, with the longest winning streak at 11 games.

Recently, it seems as if Stanford and Oregon have stepped onto opposite paths. This season looks to be one of growth and rebuilding for Stanford. Oregon, on the other hand, is looking to capitalize on its past successes and take the lead in the Pac-12. 

With such a limited season, this first game will be a strong indicator for the future of Stanford Football.