Previewing the Stanford Cardinal - Part I: Coaches and Offense

by AHMB on Oct 5, 2011 10:42 AM PDT in Football

Our defense is going to have to bring it's A game in order to slow Andrew Luck and Stanford's dominating offensive line. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)

Jim Harbaugh may have followed in the great Bill Walsh's footsteps by leaving the Farm for one of the best franchises in all of sports, but he left Stanford football in excellent shape. Despite returning only 5 starters on offense, 6 on defense, no kickers, as well as losing their head coach and defensive coordinator, Stanford is currently ranked #4 in the USA Today Poll and #6 in the AP Poll.

Stanford ranks in the top 10 in the country in both points scored (9th) and points allowed (4th). They are balanced on offense, passing for 285 yards per game (28th in the nation) and rushing for 196 yards per game (35th in the nation). They're holding opponents to 1.23 yards per carry on the ground, and have only allowed one touchdown pass through the air. They are as complete a team as UCLA will face all year.

Coaching Staff

WIth Harbaugh gone, former offensive coordinator David Shaw takes over. Shaw served as Jim Harbaugh's offensive coordinator in 2006 at the University of San Diego, and was Stanford's offensive coordinator from 2007-2010. Prior to coaching in the college ranks, he spent nearly 10 years in the NFL. In fact, Shaw was wide receivers coach in Baltimore in 2005 at the time when Rick Neuheisel served as quarterbacks coach. Baltimore hired Mike Johnson to replace Shaw in 2006 after Shaw left for the University of San Diego to coach with Jim Harbaugh.

Shaw played under Bill Walsh during Walsh's second stint at Stanford. Shaw credits Walsh with the foundation of his offensive philosophy, which was later sharpened under Jon Gruden in the NFL. While Pep Hamilton is the offensive coordinator in title, this offense is clearly Shaw's.

Vic Fangio followed Jim Harbaugh to San Francisco, leaving the defense to co-defensive coordinators Derek Mason and Jason Tarver. Mason was the secondary coach last season, and spent the previous three years as a defensive backs assistant under Leslie Frazier of the Minnesota Vikings. Tarver had spent the previous 10 years in San Francisco, spending the previous 5 years as outside linebackers coach under Mike Nolan, Billy Davis, and Greg Manusky. Tarver was a graduate assistant at UCLA from 1998-2000 and has a master's degree in biochemistry and molecular biology from UCLA.

Quarterbacks

Andrew Luck. You may have heard of him. He is the best collegiate quarterback since Peyton Manning. He's better that Phillip Rivers was. He's better than Aaron Rodgers or Carson Palmer was. He's better than Matthew Stafford, Sam Bradford, Blaine Gabbert and Matt Ryan. Andrew Luck is the real deal.

At 6'4, 235 lbs., Luck certainly looks the part. However, it's not just the eyeball test that he passes. Last season, he completed 70.7% of his passes for 3,332 yards, and threw 32 touchdowns compared to only 8 interceptions. He's off to an even better start this year, completing 67.1% of his passes for 786 yards with 8 touchdowns and 1 interception.

Backing up Luck is RS Fr. Brett Nottingham. Yes, that Brett Nottingham. He beat out highly touted RS So. Josh Nunes and former walk-on So. Robbie Picazo for the job. At 6'4, 210 lbs., Nottingham also looks the part, and completed 3-4 passes for 55 yards and a touchdown in his only action this season.

Running Backs

Former 4 start recuit Jr. Stepfan Taylor is off to a hot start this season. The 5'11, 208 lbs. tailback has 289 yards and a solid 5.35 yards per carry. Had Stanford not blown the first three opponents out, his stats would be more impressive as he carried less than 50% of Stanford's team rushing attempts to date. Taylor rushed for 1137 yards last season, including 15 touchdowns, and is a decent threat out of the backfield as a receiver as well.

So. Anthony Wilkerson and Jr. Tyler Gaffney provide a solid 2-3 punch off the bench. The two are both big (6'1 220 lbs. and 6'1 216 lbs., respectively) and talented (4 star recruits). Wilkerson has 12 carries to Gaffney's 10, but Gaffney has two touchdowns to Wilkerson's one. Gaffney has also caught four balls out of the backfield.

Fifth year Sr. Jeremy Stewart returns as well. At 6'1, 218 lbs., he's a load to bring down, but he has fought injuries his entire career.

At fullback, Stanford replaces Owen Marecic by committee. RS So. Geoff Meinken was recruited out of high school as a defensive end, and he's built like an offensive tackle. At 6'4, 274 lbs., he has more than enough girth to create holes for the Cardinal running backs. Jr. Ryan Hewitt (6'4 238 lbs.) is more versatile and can be used more as an H-Back. He has 9 receptions on the year for 105 yards and a touchdown.

Receivers and Tight Ends

Of the 63 total team receptions, only 25 have been by wide receivers this season. Twenty-eight of the receptions are split between tight ends Sr. Coby Fleener (6'6 244 lbs.), Jr. Zach Ertz (6'6 249 lbs.), Jr. Levine Toilolo (6'8 263 lbs.), and H-Back/Fullback Jr. Ryan Hewitt. In comparison, Stanford's tight ends accounted for 67 of last season's 266 team receptions.

Fleener, Ertz, and Toilolo all have NFL talent. Despite their size, they are not plodding tight ends; Fleener averages 22.67 yards per reception, Ertz averages 14.11 yards per reception, and Toilolo averages 25.50 yards per reception. Fleener is was one of Luck's favorite targets, catching 28 balls for 434 yards last year. He excels in the red zone, where he caught 7 touchdowns last season and has 3 already this season. Ertz and Toilolo are both former 4 star recruits. Ertz has broken out this year, catching 9 balls for 136 yards and 3 touchdowns. Toilolo missed most of last season with an ACL injury, but he has excellent leaping ability and has caught 4 balls for 102 yards and a touchdown.

At receiver, Stanford loses top receivers Doug Baldwin and Ryan Whalen. In their place, the Cardinal will start Sr. Chris Owusu and Sr. Griff Whalen. Owusu has decent size (6'2 200 lbs.) and has been a dynamic playmaker throughout his career as both a receiver and return man. Unfortunately, he has also suffered a number of injuries that have slowed him down. His yards per reception have dropped from 18.43 to 15.84 to 14.19 since 2009. When healthy, Owusu is Stanford's biggest playmaker

Griff Whalen may be a former walk-on, but he is Luck's roommate and is one of those collegiate receivers that manages to help his team win. At 6'1 185 lbs. and lacking top end speed, he squeezes out every bit his talent. He caught 17 balls for 249 yards last year, and has 6 receptions for 72 yards this season.

Whalen's story is in direct contrast with third receiver, Jr. Jamal-Rashad Patterson. The former 4 start recruit has all the size (6'3 205 lbs.) and speed a wide receiver could need, but he hasn't managed to turn the talent into production. Last season, Patterson caught 5 balls for 67 yards. This season, he has caught 2 balls for 16 yards.

Other receivers who may see action are Fr. Ty Montgomery (6'2 205 lbs.) and Jr. Drew Terrell (5'11 180 lbs.). Montgomery has been brought along fairly slowly in his freshman campaign, but the 4 star recruit has big time talent that may be opened up a bit following Stanford's bye week.

Offensive Line

Stanford's offense is largely predicated on the maulers up front. This is the biggest offensive line UCLA has faced all season, and while the line may not be as good as last year's, it is still the engine that drives the Stanford offense. Led by returning stars RG Jr. David DeCastro (6'5, 307 lbs.) and LT Jr. Jonathon Martin (6'6 297 lbs.), the Cardinal offensive line has played extremely well this year, giving up only 2 sacks and paving the way for 196 rushing yards per game.

The other three spots on the line are all new starters. Of them, C Jr. Sam Schwartzstein (6'3, 278 lbs.) is the most experienced. The other two spots are manned by redshirt freshmen. RT Cameron Fleming (6'6, 299 lbs.) beat Sr. Tyler Mabry (6'7, 300 lbs.), and LG David Yankey (6'5, 305 lbs.) beat SO Kevin Danser (6'6, 284 lbs.) for the job. Mabry and Danser remain in the rotation, as does C So Khalil Wilkes (6'3, 280 lbs.) and G Sr. Matt Bentler (6'5, 297 lbs.).

That concludes Part I of the preview of the Stanford Cardinal. Fire away with any further comments and thoughts, and be sure to check back in for Part II of the preview, where we'll take a look at Stanford's defense and special teams.

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Comments

Great stuff AHMB

Again this OL, 3 man rush is not going to get it done. The only way you can perhaps influence Luck is break up his passing rhythm. For that to happen we are going to have to assert pressure in a smart way. Are we going to do it? I doubt.

I am guessing more “bend don’t break” mindset, which could mean a night of death by 1000 cuts with Luck cutting us up in the middle or also getting first downs with his feet (which he really hurt us with in crucial situations two years ago).

by Nestor on Sep 28, 2011 11:08 AM PDT reply actions

Bullough tried to sit back last year, and we got beat 35-0.

Granted, it was 13-0 at the half and we had opportunities to score, but our defense was gassed by halftime. We absolutely have to be more aggressive, especially considering the fact that our corners should be able to lock down their wide receivers. Luck probably picked up 4 or 5 first downs with his feet against soft zones last year, and I hope the coaching staff recognizes that those first downs were the difference in the game rather that keying on the fact that the soft zones “held” Stanford to 13 first half points.

Formerly AllHailMightyBruins

by AHMB on Sep 28, 2011 11:20 AM PDT up reply actions

I wonder if coaches will think about mixing up the DL

Datone for whatever reason hasn’t gotten it going. It may make sense to insert someone like Owa and have him go at Luck. This would be a great time to also bring the heat with Riley. Get him in Luck’s face early.

by Nestor on Sep 28, 2011 12:07 PM PDT up reply actions

I don't understand what happened to Datone.

He looked absolute dominant against our lineman in the preseason, and for once, our offensive line isn’t something we really need complain about. Datone had that ragdoll effect when he rushed where he’d get his hands on the line man and move them where he wanted them to go. It looked a lot like what Brian Price used to do, only for some reason, he can’t do it now.

All I can think is that he got schemed into playing a way that isn’t natural for him or Breckterfield is trying to fix what wasn’t broken. At this point, he looks worse than Datone year 2.

by captainqtp on Sep 28, 2011 4:03 PM PDT up reply actions

Tough with Luck.

Bright kid, our D isn’t exactly the most confusing to understand. When we blitz it had been obvious and very easy to find the open WR. I just can’t see Luck not being able to handle what we throw at him w/o some incredible D-Line play.

by Bruin'96 on Sep 28, 2011 11:22 AM PDT up reply actions

The only way to stop a good quarterback is to hit him.

You’re right, the coaches have to devise some better blitz schemes, but the “he’s too good to blitz” idea doesn’t make sense. If Luck is smarter than our defensive coaches, we need new defensive coaches.

Formerly AllHailMightyBruins

by AHMB on Sep 28, 2011 11:30 AM PDT up reply actions

Yep

I remember during the Niners’ halycon days the team that used give them the hardest time was the Giants. That’s because the Giants weren’t shy about bringing the heat in and disrupt Montana’s rhythm.

The idea was not necessarily to sack Joe but to get his jersey dirty. Knock him down (legally) every chance they get. Throw hands up and try to tip the ball if Joe had already released the ball. The bottom line UCLA D will need to “disrupt” rhythm. If they stay in their zone and let Luck gash them with pin point passing and easy runs, the game will be over early.

by Nestor on Sep 28, 2011 12:10 PM PDT up reply actions

It's the same thing that beats Brady and Manning.

All quarterbacks are average when they’re getting hit.

Or, as Mike Tyson so eloquently stated, “Everyone has a plan ’til they get punched in the face.”

Granted, we don’t have LT, but Tresey & Co. have to find a way to get pressure, whether it be by shaking up the d-line or by bringing creative blitzes.

Formerly AllHailMightyBruins

by AHMB on Sep 28, 2011 1:04 PM PDT up reply actions

Yeah.

Disruption is key, as far as the “eye” test goes for the week, this will be a key factor on how well the defense does. No picnics for Luck!

by Bruin'96 on Sep 28, 2011 2:40 PM PDT up reply actions

+1

We need to make sure tackles, preferably gang tackling. Not just hitting without wrapping up.

by ChuchDawg on Sep 28, 2011 2:03 PM PDT reply actions

The only chance we have in this game is...

To do what RN was good at off the field: GAMBLING. Take chances on blitzes, and if we get burned se la vie. What really is the alternative? Watch him put on a passing clinic? Disrupt routes. Get rough on people. In the Art of War, Sun Yin says, strike the enemy by surprise. Take risks where he is weak. On offense, that means PA passes when bec they expect us to run and run. Doing these things, we can stay in it, at least and look respectable. Cushions are for couches.

Stanford is the answer to the question that UCLA has too high of academics to get great players. BS.

by 1970 on Sep 28, 2011 2:17 PM PDT reply actions

Agree on needing to take chances..

But that’s a cheap shot on CRN regarding gambling. That was bullshit what happened to him at UW and the courts agreed…

I dont think many folks here on BN use our academic standards as an excuse regarding great players. We have high quality players (and will next year at QB as well). It just seems like we just cant get out of our own way, which reflects more on coaching

We surely are a frustrated bunch.

by WestlakeVillage Bruin on Sep 29, 2011 11:34 AM PDT up reply actions

i have a nightmare vision of luck soft-zoning us to death...42-10 the trees

by BRUINCLASSOF72 on Sep 28, 2011 2:18 PM PDT reply actions

AHMB is right

Andrew Luck is the real deal. I never like annointing players before they even get to the pros, but Luck is as sure of a success at QB as Ndamukong Suh is at DT. There really hasn’t been anyone as good as him in the college ranks since Peyton Manning. For all those other top-notch QBs listed, the scouts have always found some weaknesses when assessing their prospects before the draft. When it was assumed that Luck would turn pro this offseason, many of them admitted to having tremendous difficulty identifying any flaw in his game. Maybe that’s why Peyton Manning called him this past year and urged him to return to college.

I’d love to see our guys win, hoping for another 13-9 miracle. We do have the athletes to compete, but I’m not going to place any bets.

by BruinMW on Sep 28, 2011 4:30 PM PDT up reply actions

C'mon it's still just Stanford!

I refuse to subscribe to this madness! I think the trees are a good team, not a great team. And certainly very beatable.

They overacheived and peaked last year under Harbaugh. I have no answers for last years debacle but the final score was not truly indicative of what happened.

Luck is dominant, there is no question about that. We haven’t been able to get much pressure on the QB’s so far this year so we need to figure out another way, and not try to pound a square log into a round hole. I hope Tresey is taking a long hard look at the Houston game and making the appropriate adjustments.

I don’t think blitzing is going to be the answer on Saturday even though it seems like the only path to success. Luck’s timing and awareness are too good. If Tresey ever wants to clear his name and turn this thing around, he needs to find a scheme that will work. Need to be aggressive, but also cognizant of our inability to get penetration on the line of scrimmage. Zone?

I think we need to pound the rock all day long. DC is the most underrated player on the team and needs to be main guy. Don’t get me wrong, I love jetski..but he’s not a catalyst and is much better served as the changeup vs. the starter.

Rant….over!

by Uclabrians on Sep 28, 2011 10:35 PM PDT reply actions

For real

Their stats don’t mean much b/c of the teams they played.

by robotchampion on Sep 28, 2011 10:43 PM PDT up reply actions

For the record

The teams they’ve played have a 4-8 record. Meanwhile our teams have an 8-6 record.

I’d like to see Stanford play Houston.

by robotchampion on Sep 28, 2011 10:48 PM PDT up reply actions

Oregon's O is a LOT more concerning

I’ll take a date with Luck & co any day over a trip to Autzen.

So glad we no longer have to play UO every year now. 1 trip to Autzen in 4 years is a LOT more palatable than before. I still haven’t gotten over DeShaun Foster tripping on their cheap ass astroturf. (in addition to the Melsby & Poli-Dixon plays from the game which will NOTbe mentioned)

Luck is like their Peyton Manning. Without him, they are a mediocre to BAD team. He makes everyone around him better. We KNOW what we have to do on Sat. How many times has Stanford pulled this shit on us when the roles were reversed? Karma is a bitch…

by Uclabrians on Sep 28, 2011 11:42 PM PDT up reply actions