Well, they did it again. In many ways not much came together for Stanford in 2016. After carrying so much of the load two falls ago Christian McCaffrey couldn’t do the same in 2016 and missed some time on the field. The Cardinal attempt to break in a new quarterback didn’t do great, either. However, the defense re-grouped from an average 2015 and led another 10-win season in Palo Alto.

Stanford

2016 Record: 10-3
2016 S&P Rank: 23
Offense Returning Production Rank: 38
Defense Returning Production Rank: 36

Chryst Almighty

For all of the ink spilled about Stanford’s run-heavy ManBall offense they have, like virtually every team in college football, found success only when the quarterback position is stable and productive. Last year, then redshirt junior Ryan Burns won the job out of fall camp but disappointed immensely. He made it half way through the year before being benched following a 5-point effort and 3 interceptions against Colorado.

Now a rising senior, Keller Chryst took over to start the final 6 games leading Stanford to victories in each contest. He’d be a shoe-in for the starting job if not for an ACL injury suffered in the Sun Bowl. That, and as time has passed everyone hasn’t fallen in love with Chryst and his 133.83 passer rating which was just 6th best in the Pac-12 conference. He was steady and smart but by no means on the track to stardom with just 154.8 passing yards per game over the final 5 regular season starts prior to his bowl game injury.

Of course, the Irish face Stanford in the regular season finale so anything could happen between now and late Novemeber. The reports out of Palo Alto since spring were that Burns re-established himself as a starting candidate while rising redshirt freshman K.J. Costello (No. 3 pro-style QB for 2016) was still a step behind his older teammate.

Additionally, the Cardinal have the nation’s top overall quarterback prospect David Mills coming this summer and it’d be foolish to think he couldn’t make an impact by the latter part of the season.

Life After Christian

Stanford mustered one drive of 50+ yards against Notre Dame last year in a game running back Christian McCaffrey missed due to injury. The Irish still lost. In fact, McCaffrey sat out the bowl game and Stanford won that, as well.

A big difference between Stanford and Notre Dame seems to be that the former have learned how to win when things don’t go their way. Still, losing McCaffrey and his 6,191 all-purpose yards for 2015-16 could potentially be a huge blow to the Cardinal.

If the QB situation works out things should be solid for the offense, and much better than the beginning of last year when they averaged 17 points per game through 7 games. Plenty of bodies return on the offensive line that was not great in power situations but great with being explosive. Plus, a pair of Top 10 overall recruits at tackle are coming in as freshmen to add depth.

The top two pass catchers and tight end return so the only major question (if Chryst doesn’t come back healthy) is depth at running back behind Bryce Love. The rising junior has shown big-play ability (1,005 career rushing yards for 7.12 per carry) but the Cardinal need one or two options to step up in more of a power role.

Back to Basics

Stanford quietly improved their defense last year after a rather large dip in 2015. It was a pretty typical Cardinal defense, solid across the board with the ability to stop the run and use their linebackers to create havoc.

The loss of defensive lineman Solomon Thomas (3rd overall pick to the 49ers) could be a big problem if only because Stanford has really struggled to develop this position and add quality depth. Nevertheless, their 3-4 system has mitigated this weakness for years.

Corner and linebacker will assuredly be the strength’s of this defense. A full 7 out of the top 10 at these positions are back which doesn’t include Alijah Holder who will be returning after missing most of last year and should start at corner.

Summer Spread: Irish Underdogs by 7.5 Points

Notre Dame has lost its last 4 games at Stanford with little reason for this game to have a close line heading into summer camp. The Irish will be facing Miami on the road, coming back to face Navy, and then head out west for this regular season finale. Not a great run-in for an unfriendly place in recent times.

Buy or Sell: Stanford Winning the Pac-12

Instant sell if only because of their schedule with Notre Dame and one of the strongest G5 teams in San Diego State involved to help weaken their chances in league play. Plus, the Pac-12 North is really competitive again and the Cardinal face USC, Utah, and UCLA (the first two on the road) from the South. Stanford was the second-lowest rated 10+ win team last year according to S&P+ and I could see 2017 being a year where they are 8-4 but ranked in the S&P+ Top 20 at years end.

Know a Player: WR JJ Arcega-Whiteside

The 601st overall player in the 2015 class took a redshirt and then moved quickly up the depth chart last year, finishing with 379 yards on 24 catches in Stanford’s anemic passing offense. Fans are looking to him to solidify the outside and help improve the quarterback situation.

Outfitter: Nike

Stanford has long been partnered with Nike and it will remain that way as long as Phil Knight is alive. The Nike owner is a graduate of Stanford’s business school and recently pledged $400 million to scholars at the school. That’s in addition to millions more Knight has given to Stanford in the past.

Most Important Game: Washington

Most prognosticators have the Huskies as a mild-to-strong favorite in the Pac-12 North and in the conversation to repeat as league champions. This will be a late season showdown for Stanford sandwiched in between a road game at Washington State and the rivalry game against California.