Preview: #16 Stanford vs. Washington
Date: 9/27/14
Time: 4:15 PM ET
Television: FOX (National)
Spread: Stanford -7
Players to Watch
Ty Montgomery, Wide Receiver (Stanford)
Montgomery has been an impact player for the Cardinal, scoring in three different facets (rushing, receiving and punt return.) He leads the team in receptions and receiving yards, easily being Kevin Hogan's favorite target. He is quick and elusive, and stretches the field as a deep threat.
Andrus Peat, Offensive Tackle (Stanford)
Peat is a monster of a left tackle. He is a mauler in the running game, and a solid pass protector. Washington has a very quick defense that can generate a lot of pressure, so Peat and the rest of the offensive line will need to control the line of scrimmage in order for Stanford’s offense to be successful.
Hau’oli Kikaha, Linebacker (Washington)
Stanford has not developed a strong running game yet this season, so putting pressure on Kevin Hogen will be key for the Huskies’ success. Danny Shelton is doing his part in the middle, leading the team with seven sacks, but Kikaha is the team’s most talented rusher, and will battle with Peat all day.
Cyler Miles, Quarterback (Washington)
After missing the first game of the season due to a suspension, Miles has started hot, completing over 67-percent of his passes and five touchdowns, with zero interceptions. He’s also made an impact on the ground, scoring three times, and averaging 40 yards per game. He will have his hands full with a physical Stanford defense.
Stanford’s Offense vs Washington’s Defense
Washington has athletes all over the field. Danny Shelton and Kikaha have generated 13 of the teams 19 sacks and will need to be accounted for. Shaq Thompson is a superstar linebacker who can do it all, and Marcus Peters has the ability to shut down opposing receivers.
With players like this, Stanford will need to rely on their running game to generate some offense. They’ve steadily increased production on the ground, and will need that trend to continue, as Hogan will be under duress all day, and his favorite target, Montgomery, will be lined up against Peters.
Washington’s Offense vs Stanford’s Defense
Stanford has the top passing defense in the country in this young season, holding opponents to only 66 yards per game, though one of those games was against Army, who only attempted five passes in their matchup. However, they still have Alex Carter, Wayne Lyons, and Jordan Richards to shut down the Huskies’ passing attack.
Miles is a dual-threat quarterback, though, and can create plays with his legs, so the secondary will do a lot of chasing receivers, to make sure Miles doesn’t get any open passing lanes. However, if they can’t throw, they still have two talented running backs in Lavon Coleman and Dwayne Washington, who will be able to move the chains carrying the ball, and hopefully open up some passing opportunities for Miles.
Game Preview
On paper, this game projects to be a defensive battle. Stanford is always involved in low-scoring affairs, but Washington, despite having a talented defense, gave up 52 points to Eastern Washington, so they can be carved up given the right conditions. Hogan is more of a drop-back, pocket passer, compared to what they dealt with against EWU, so they probably won’t have many of the same issues.
Though Stanford is the ranked team, Washington projects to have the advantage with their stellar start rushing the ball and with their pass rush, which can force Hogan into making poor decisions and affecting his accuracy, something he already struggles with.
Implications
Stanford already has one conference loss, suffering an early season setback to USC, so a second conference loss will all but derail their conference title hopes. Washington, meanwhile, can propel themselves into the polls and establish themselves as a contender this season in the Pac-12 with a victory, though they will still have to get through Oregon if they want to win the conference.
Final Prediction
Stanford- 14 vs. Washington- 24