Stanford vs. USC: Preview, predictions, TV schedule and more

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SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA – AUGUST 27: Bryce Love of Stanford makes a break during the College Football Sydney Cup match between Stanford University (Stanford Cardinal) and Rice University (Rice Owls) at Allianz Stadium on August 27, 2017 in Sydney, Australia. (Photo by Steve Christo – Corbis/Corbis via Getty Images) /

Keys for Stanford

For Stanford, it’s pretty darn simple. You have one of the better running backs in the nation in Bryce Love going up against a porous run defense. Keep the ball out of Darnold’s hands and run it down USC’s throat.

Last week, Love rushed for a team-high 180 yards on 13 carries, including one touchdown. But as a team, Stanford added on an extra 107 yards, to give them a rushing total of 287 yards for the day. That’s a massive amount of yards to gain on the ground — even against a poor team like Rice.

On the flip side, the Trojans gave up 263 yards rushing to Western Michigan. That’s a lot of yards to give up against a team like Western Michigan. Love is better than all of the running backs that the Broncos have this season.

If I was David Shaw, I would continue to pound the rock with Love and that offensive line. QB Keller Chryst was efficient and didn’t make any mistakes. That’s exactly what I’m going to need out of him again on the road in Los Angeles.

The Cardinal’s defense was really sound last Saturday, giving up zero points in the first three quarters. Darnold is a completely different animal, but they’ll need to limit the big plays and get off the field on third downs. It’ll be a tough test, but I think it’s one that Stanford is up for.

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