The SEC has dominated the BCS since its inception. They have won eight national championships overall, including seven straight. And with Alabama, Georgia, Florida and LSU continuing to reload, the future seems bleak for the rest of college football. However, this year the Pac-12 has two heavyweights of their own: Oregon and Stanford. Oregon, even without Chip Kelly, will continue to run a very fast paced offense, but questions about Kelly leaving still leave a couple questions with the Ducks. Stanford, however, has all of the qualities necessary to win. Here are five reasons why Stanford has a legitimate shot to take down the SEC.
5. Consistent Running Game
Since David Shaw returned to Stanford in 2007, the Cardinal have had a 1,000 yard rusher all but one season. While they will likely use a running back by committee throughout the season, as Stepfan Taylor has moved on to the NFL. Stanford returns a great offensive line, starting four seniors, including guard David Yankey. Expect the line to open up some large holes for whoever the running back is.
4. Strength of Schedule
Stanford may not have the easiest schedule, but they have a lot of favorable matchups, playing Oregon, UCLA, Notre Dame, Arizona State and San Jose State all at home. They also have a few opponents with some big question marks. Who will be USC’s starting quarterback? Will Keith Price be able to regain his 2011 form for Washington with all of the playmakers that surround him on offense? How will Notre Dame fare this season without Everrett Gholston? How much will Oregon be affected by the loss of Chip Kelly? Each of Stanford’s opponents have some question marks heading into 2013, giving the Cardinal an early advantage.
Even if all of Stanford’s opponents are able to figure out their problems, if Stanford can finish the season undefeated, they will be just as battle tested and as prepared as possible for any SEC team the BCS throws at them.
3. Kevin Hogen
Hogen played incredibly well last season once he took over for Josh Nunes, leading the Cardinal to a 6-0 record to finish the season, including wins against Oregon, UCLA (twice) and Wisconsin in the Rose Bowl. Statistically, Hogen ended up finishing the season with 1,096 yards, nine touchdowns and three interceptions.
Hogen also shows the ability to scramble, rushing for 253 yards and two touchdowns in 2012.
With Hogen starting for the full season, behind a strong offensive line, expect the Cardinal offense to continue to move the ball, even with the inexperience at wide receiver, running back and tight end.
2. Strong Defense
The Cardinal had a very strong defense in 2012, finishing in the top-20 in overall defense and in the top-5 in run defense. Expect similar numbers in 2013, as many of the key players are returning. Stanford returns much of its front seven, including defensive end Ben Gardner and linebackers Trent Murphy, Shayne Skov, and AJ Tarpley. They will continue to close up running lanes and pressure the opposing quarterback.
The secondary had some problems last season, but returning safety Ed Reynolds and cornerback Alex Carter will give them a huge boost, as they strive to reach the level of domination that the front seven already has.
1. David Shaw
Shaw is easily the Cardinal’s best asset. Since taking over the head coaching role when Jim Harbaugh left, Stanford has compiled a 23-4 record, including two BCS appearances. Shaw has shown incredible commitment and dedication to the Stanford program, and his players have bought into him. He has them hungry for more than just a BCS Bowl appearance.
As long as Shaw is the head coach, expect Stanford to be serious contenders year in and year out.