Stanford football schedule 2019: Game-by-game predictions

Game-by-game predictions

Game 1: vs. Northwestern

Northwestern turned plenty of heads last season making it to the Big Ten Championship Game. This could be a fun Week One battle that might not have gotten as much attention as it would have in years past. Stanford should have the edge at home.

Result: Win

Game 2: at USC

The yearly battle with USC in September has seemingly favored which team is at home. This time, the Cardinal are on the road. It’s hard to say what USC will be like with Clay Helton on the perpetual hot seat entering this season. J.T. Daniels is still coming into his own for the Trojans and this is going to probably go down to the wire. Look for a tough loss here.

Result: Loss

Game 3: at UCF

This is another tough game for Shaw and company as they visit UCF. The Knights have taken college football by storm over the last couple of years. Even with McKenzie Milton expected to miss the season as he continues to rehab his leg injury, Darriel Mack and Brandon Wimbush are more than capable of leading the offense. The Stanford defense will need to be at its best on long travel. This might turn lopsided in UCF’s favor.

Result: Loss

Game 4: vs. Oregon

The Cardinal have yet another tough task in their fourth game. They return home to face Justin Herbert and the Oregon Ducks. Oregon is looking to stake its claim in the conference with their returning star quarterback. This could be the best Pac-12 game of the season. An experienced secondary carries the way and the Cardinal get a win avoiding a slow start to the season.

Result: Win

Game 5: at Oregon State

With a big win under the belt, Stanford hits the road to take on Oregon State. This should be a game where the Cardinal lock down Oregon State and roll to victory as they win in the trenches. Stanford should cruise to victory.

Result: Win

Game 6: vs. Washington

In a game that could go a long way in deciding the Pac-12 North, Stanford returns home to face Washington. Jacob Eason by this point should have full command of the Washington offense. The Cardinal can’t keep pace and lose at home.

Result: Loss

Game 7: vs. UCLA

Chip Kelly and UCLA roll into Palo Alto for the seventh game of the season. Stanford should be facing a much improved Bruins team this go around. However, UCLA still has a long way to go as they transform this program back into a contender. The Cardinal pick up a much-needed conference win here.

Result: Win

Game 8: vs. Arizona

Khalil Tate can be tough to wrap up and Kevin Sumlin should have the Wildcats looking for success in 2019. However, the Cardinal defense has made a living out of taking away what the opposing offense does best. Stanford picks up another win at home.

Result: Win

Game 9: at Colorado

Mel Tucker’s going to need some time to get the Buffaloes turned around. There could be some woes in his first season. Facing a Stanford team hitting its stride is not the best thing for Colorado in this game. The Cardinal adds another.

Result: Win

Game 10: at Washington State

A late season trip to Pullman is the start of a three-game slate to end the season that will ultimately tell the tale of the 2019 campaign for the Cardinal. Stanford dropped a close one to Mike Leach’s squad last season. The Cougars will be tough on the road here, but the Cardinal have the experienced quarterback and roster to get the big road win.

Result: Win

Game 11: vs. California

If Cal indeed takes that next step under Justin Wilcox, this could soon become the best rivalry game in the Pac-12 again. Stanford and Cal have had some classics and this could very well end up being another. Give the nod to the home team, which in this case is the Cardinal.

Result: Win

Game 12: vs. Notre Dame

The Cardinal ends their slate at home with the traditional non-conference battle against Notre Dame. Ian Book is doing some incredible things with the Fighting Irish and helped lead them to the College Football Playoff last season. This should close game that could carry plenty of implications for both sides. Look for Notre Dame to edge out a win.

Result: Loss

Final Record: 8-4 (7-2 in the Pac-12)