No big surprise here, as the Stanford Cardinal are expected to repeat as Pac-12 Champions in 2016. In fact, after winning ten games in 2015, the program is looking to possibly run the table this season. They have a pretty tough slate, playing five nationally-ranked teams, but when you have a playmaker like they do in the backfield, they should be hard to beat.
Last season, Christian McCaffrey dominated college football, breaking numerous records along the way. The runner-up for the Heisman Trophy, McCaffrey broke the NCAA single-season record for all-purpose yards (3,864), shattering Oklahoma State’s Barry Sanders’ record (3,250). The then-sophomore also became the first Stanford Cardinal to rush for 2,000 yards, as his total of 2,019 were second in the nation.
A name to watch out for is Bryce Love, a speedy back who will compliment McCaffrey well this season. Aside from being a football player, Love is also a track star, and has been clocked at 4.4 in the 40-yard dash.
The biggest worry for the Cardinal will be at the quarterback position, as senior Kevin Hogan is out eligibility. He was the winningest quarterback in Stanford history, as he broke Andrew Luck’s record of 31 wins last season. On Wednesday, head coach David Shaw announced that junior Ryan Burns beat out sophomore Keller Chryst for the starting job in 2016.
On defense, Solomon Thomas may be ready to become an All-American. The Cardinal lost a ton of talent on the defensive side, but they have reloaded. They may not be as deep as they were last year on defense, but if the starters stay healthy, they will be fine.
Prediction: The way I see it, the Cardinal are going to be solid no matter who is behind center. College football revolves around the running back position, and Stanford is loaded in that department. I expect them to win eight of their nine games in conference, while having double-digit wins again in 2016.