Stanford’s win looked good, but . . .
Oct 25th, 2009
Two perspectives on Stanford’s season after its 33-17 victory over Arizona State on Saturday
It looks promising that . . .
After playing its best all-around game, Stanford is just one win from being bowl eligible with four games still to play, and with a bye this week, Stanford will be strong for a final push.
Jim Harbaugh file photo/Icon SMI
On the other hand. . .
Stanford’s final four games are against three of the four best Pac-10 teams – Oregon, USC and Cal — and Notre Dame, which is 6-2 and might be ranked this week.
It looks promising that . . .
The Cardinal was able to finish off an opponent in the second half, a major hurdle for Stanford, which has wasted good first-half performances by letting games slip away in the second half. Against Arizona State, the Cardinal moved the ball consistently well in the second half, and after ASU scored to get within 27-14, Stanford responded by going 78 yards for a touchdown.
On the other hand . . .
The Cardinal was still outscored 14-9 in the second half, and the Sun Devils’ passing game is too weak to overcome a significant deficit against anyone. The fact that ASU quarterback Danny Sullivan left the game in the third period with a knee injury did not help.
It looks promising that . . .
Stanford ran the ball so effectively against an Arizona State team that ranked second nationally in run defense heading into the game.
On the other hand . . .
Four of ASU’s first six games were against mediocre offenses that don’t run the ball well – Idaho State, Louisiana-Monroe, Washington and Washington State – and a fifth opponent, Georgia, that ranks 103rd among 120 FBS schools in rushing. The Sun Devils’ defensive numbers may have been skewed.
It looks promising that . . .
Stanford’s retooled secondary was so effective against Arizona State after getting sliced apart in previous games. Two new starters at cornerback – Quinn Evans and Johnson Bademosi – and extensive playing time for Mike Thomas seemed to improve the secondary significantly.
On the other hand . . .
There’s a reason Arizona State fans have been calling for Sullivan to be benched. He and the ASU offense have struggled against everyone. What success the Sun Devils had was a product of their defense and schedule.
It looks promising that . . .
TB Toby Gerhart, who rushed for 126 yards against ASU, and quarter back Andrew Luck, who had his best all-around game, seem to be getting stronger as the season goes along.
On the other hand . . .
Things will get tougher for them the next two games against Oregon and USC, which have strong defenses.
It looks promising that . . .
Stanford is 4-0 at home, and three of its final four games are at Stanford Stadium.
On the other hand . . .
The Cardinal has only one road win – against last-place Washington State – and the teams the Cardinal beat at home are San Jose State, which is 1-5, and three Pac-10 teams that won’t finish anywhere near the top of the conference standings.