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2016 Sun Bowl: UNC-Stanford preview with Go Mighty Card

By Zack Pearson

November 26, 2016; Stanford, CA, USA; Stanford Cardinal quarterback Keller Chryst (10) passes the football against Rice Owls defensive end Brian Womac (44) during the second quarter at Stanford Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports
November 26, 2016; Stanford, CA, USA; Stanford Cardinal quarterback Keller Chryst (10) passes the football against Rice Owls defensive end Brian Womac (44) during the second quarter at Stanford Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports /
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Stanford’s offensive game plan and prediction

October 24, 2015; Stanford, CA, USA; Stanford Cardinal running back Bryce Love (20, center) runs against Washington Huskies defensive lineman Taniela Tupou (90, left) and defensive back Darren Gardenhire (3, right) during the first quarter at Stanford Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports
October 24, 2015; Stanford, CA, USA; Stanford Cardinal running back Bryce Love (20, center) runs against Washington Huskies defensive lineman Taniela Tupou (90, left) and defensive back Darren Gardenhire (3, right) during the first quarter at Stanford Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports /

KIH: How will Stanford attack UNC’s defense? Will they attempt to run early and often? Or air it out?

GMC:  As mentioned earlier, the offense isn’t going to change. Stanford has been and always will be a run-focused offense.

How focused? Five years ago the team set a school record by rushing for 446 yards against Washington, and as David Shaw and Andrew Luck were walking off the field together, the coach apologized to his quarterback for the lack of passing plays.

Luck had only passed 21 times in the 65-21 win, but he told his coach that he thought it was the best game he had played because he kept checking into the right run play. This is something that’s ingrained into the culture of Stanford football.

McCaffrey’s absence will force carries deeper into the depth chart, so in addition to Bryce Love, we’ll also see a bit more of sophomore Cameron Scarlett, especially in short yardage situations.

Once the run is established, watch for play action. It’s a simple formula, but it’s been working for a long time. 

Prediction:  I think Bryce Love will have more than a hundred yards, but it will be the Stanford defense that makes the difference. Stanford 27, North Carolina 17.

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