To round off a three-game home stretch for the Clemson Tigers in the month of September, the Stanford Cardinal travels to Memorial Stadium on Sept. 28 for the Tigers’ Homecoming game.
The Cardinal heads into this season behind second-year head coach Troy Taylor, whose efforts led Stanford to a disappointing 3-9 record. It wasn’t all in vain, as they took down Colorado and nearly defeated Arizona, along with wins at Hawaii and Washington State.
This year, the schedule for Stanford presents an even bigger challenge, including an early season matchup against the Tigers. Will the Cardinal be able to bounce back this season?
OFFENSE
The offense starts with Ashton Daniels, a former star player in Buford, Ga. His talent through the air as well as on the ground will be key to making the offense run. He combined with backup QB Justin Lamson for 2,751 yards through the air in 20023. There was not a ton of scoring thought, as Daniels amassed only 11 TDs with eight interceptions.
As far as a running game, there needs to be development. Both quarterbacks led the team in rushing, with the next two rushers both hitting a little over 200 yards each. EJ Smith, who had 218 last season, transferred to Texas A&M, making Sedrick Irvin the main back for the Cardinal. With only 113 yards last year, he and the rest of the backfield will need to step up to make the offense more of a threat.
Elic Ayomanor will headline the receiving corps, after putting up a 1,000-yard season in 2023. His talents, combined with the young talents of Tiger Bachmeier and others, will be crucial in the success of the offense.
All five starters on the offensive line are expected to be back, but offseason improvement will be heavily advantageous. Pass protection and blocking overall has not been a strong suit as of recent for Stanford, as Daniels and Lamson combined taking 41 sacks.
DEFENSE
The Cardinal defense in 2023 was not up to par with the program’s expectations, and everyone would agree. Allowing 37 points per game and over 450 yards as well, nothing was stopping teams from trampling them.
Cornerbacks Zahrain Manley and Collin Wright return, leading a solid group of corners. Additionally, the help from junior safety Mitch Leigber and his unit will be key for running a no-fly zone.
The most prominent issue seems to come from the defensive line and pass rush. While the linebackers might be the strongest piece of the defensive squad, with sack leaders David Bailey and Tevarua Tafiti manning the main rotation at edge and linebackers Gaethan Bernadel and Tristan Sinclair expected to reach their previous 150-plus combined tackle total yet again, there needs to be more disruption up front.
Veteran tackles Anthony Franklin and Tobin Phillips will be the main pieces up front yet again for the Cardinal, and their efforts amassed 48 tackles and 5.5 sacks. With their return for another run in Stanford, an improvement of defensive pressure, as well as run-stopping must happen, as they lost all five games when their opponents rushed over 180 yards.
SPECIAL TEAMS
Former kicker Joshua Harty, who made every extra point and nailed 85-percent of his 27 field goals in 2023, is now on the roster of the NFL’s Los Angeles Rams. His replacement, senior Emmett Kenney, only attempted one extra point last season, which he made. He will need to step up and fill in some big shoes in 2024.
OVERVIEW
Stanford enters a new season leaving behind the struggles of the previous year. At least that is what they need to do to win.
With an emphasis on stopping the run and an increased offensive manifold to work with, the Cardinal will be looking better in an attempt for redemption.
Their schedule isn’t very forgiving, however. An opener against TCU followed later by away games at Clemson, Notre Dame, NC State, and California, Stanford has a lot to do to prepare for an improved and successful season.
Safe to say, their matchup on Homecoming against Clemson could be an unpredictable one. Only time will tell.
–photo by Robert Edwards / USA TODAY Sports
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