Fear the Cardinal: A Stanford Cardinal Rise to Power (NCAA11)

**mrblakevincent** · 07-28-2010, 12:35 AM

Stanford Stadium

Stanford Stadium General Information

Stadium Information
A new Stanford Stadium was unveiled in 2006, making the Home of Stanford Football one of the premier college football facilities in the nation. Originally built in 1921, Stanford Stadium played host to many historic events including the Super Bowl XIX, men's and women's World Cup Soccer matches, Olympic soccer competition, Presidential nomination, Track & Field, and numerous college football games.

The $100 million project on the new stadium began on November 26, 2005, moments after Stanford's final game. The project was completed in an unprecedented 42-weeks, in time to host the Cardinal's 2006 home opener versus Navy on September 16.

The state-of-the-art stadium is set in a park-like setting among groves of eucalyptus and oak trees.

Facility Features

50,000 stadium seats
Seven luxury Skybox suites (3rd and 4th floors of Skybox)
400 Director's Level Seats (2nd floor of Skybox)
16,510 square feet of private meeting room space
Two high-resolution video scoreboards
Closed circuit television
200 concession points of sale
On site stadium merchandise shop
Natural turf playing field
Alcoholic Beverages not Prohibited inside Stanford Stadium...we like making money, you like drinking beer, so we'll make money from you drinking our beer. k thanks

**mrblakevincent** · 07-28-2010, 12:40 AM

Stanford Cardinal Coaching Staff

Stanford Cardinal Coaching Staff

Jim Harbaugh - Bradford M. Freeman Director of Football/Head Coach

Lance Anderson - Linebackers/Recruiting Coordinator

Tim Drevno - Assistant Coach - Offensive Line

Vic Fangio - Assistant Coach - Defensive Coordinator/Linebackers

Pep Hamilton - Assistant Coach - Wide Receivers

Randy Hart - Assistant Coach - Defensive Line

Derek Mason - Secondary

Brian Polian - Assistant Coach - Special Teams Coordinator

Greg Roman - Associate Head Coach/Asst. Head Coach Off./TE/OT

Mr Blake Vincent - Offensive Coordinator/Quarterbacks

Ron Lynn - Director of Player Development

Matt Doyle - Assistant AD/Director of Football Operations

Mike Eubanks - Assistant AD/Director of Football Administration

Dave Forman - Assistant Strength and Conditioning Coach

Chip Brierre - Czar of ALL Things Video/Media

Peter Hansen - Defensive Assistant

Nick Holz - Offensive and Football Operations Assistant

Chester McGlockton - Defensive Intern

Theresa Miraglia - Administrative Associate

Casey Moore - Offensive Graduate Assistant

Jon Oswald - Video Assistant

Jordan Sundheim - Graduate Assistant

Kevin Tolbert - Head Strength and Conditioning Coach

Shannon Turley - Sports Performance Coordinator

Morgan Turner - Strength and Conditioning Intern

Tim Wait - Recruiting Assistant

Tsuyoshi Kawata - Volunteer Staff Assistant

**mrblakevincent** · 07-28-2010, 12:40 AM

Yearly Win / Loss Records & NCAA Recap

Stanford Cardinal Yearly Win / Loss Records & NCAA Recap

-2010-2011 Season-

Stanford Cardinal: 13-0(9-0)
Wins versus Top 25: 2(Week 1 def #20 Arkansas, Week 5 def #1 Boise State)
Wins versus Rivals: 1(def Notre Dame)
Current Win Streak: 13
National Champion: Stanford Cardinal
Heisman Winner: RB Stefan Taylor; Stanford Cardinal

-2011-2012 Season-

Stanford Cardinal:
Wins Versus Top 25:
Wins versus Rivals:
Current Win Streak:
National Champion:
Heisman Winner:
Coach of the Year:

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**mrblakevincent** · 07-28-2010, 12:41 AM

Yearly Schedules & Results

Year-by-Year Schedules & Results

--------------------2010 Schedule--------------------

Strength of Schedule: A+
Week 1 - Sept. 4.......#20 Arkansas Razorbacks..............Win, 17-10.....1-0(0-0)
Week 2 - Sept. 11.....@ UCLA Bruins.............................Win, 23-6.....2-0(1-0)
Week 3 - Sept. 18.....Wake Forest Demon Deacons..........Win, 29-17.....3-0(1-0)
Week 4 - Sept. 25.....Notre Dame Fightin' Irish...............Win, 35-7.....4-0(1-0)
Week 5 - Oct. 2........@ #5 Boise State Broncos..............Win, 28-23.....5-0(2-0)
Week 6 - Oct. 9........@ #13 Southern Cal Trojans..............Win, 35-7.....6-0(3-0)
Week 7 - Oct. 16......BYE
Week 8 - Oct. 23......#23 Utah Utes..............Win, 56-28.....7-0(4-0)
Week 9 - Oct. 30......@ Washington Huskies..............Win, 55-17.....8-0(5-0)
Week 10 - Nov.6......Arizona Wildcats..............Win, 42-21.....9-0(6-0)
Week 11 - Nov.13....@ Arizona State Sun Devils..............Win, 45-31.....10-0(7-0)
Week 12 - Nov.20....@ Calfornia Golden Bears..............Win, 38-10.....11-0(8-0)
Week 13 - Nov. 27...#19 Oregon State Beavers..............Win, 28-10.....12-0(9-0)
Week 14 - Dec. 4.....BYE
Week 15 - Dec. 11...BYE

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**mrblakevincent** · 07-28-2010, 12:42 AM

Dynasty Championships & Bowl Game Appearances

Updated at the end of each season

**mrblakevincent** · 07-28-2010, 12:42 AM

Dynasty Player Awards

2010 Stanford Award Winners

Maxwell Award Winner
Stefan Taylor - Stanford - HB - SO - 254 carries, 2,273 rushing yards, 29 rushing touchdowns, 17 receptions, 62 yards, 2 receiving touchdowns

Walter Camp Award Winner
Stefan Taylor - Stanford - HB - SO - 254 carries, 2,273 rushing yards, 29 rushing touchdowns, 17 receptions, 62 yards, 2 receiving touchdowns

Doak Walker Award Winner
Stefan Taylor - Stanford - HB - SO - 254 carries, 2,273 rushing yards, 29 rushing touchdowns, 17 receptions, 62 yards, 2 receiving touchdowns

Lombardi Award Winner
Sione Fau - Stanford - DT - SR - 45 tackles, 26 tackles for loss, 9 assisted tackles, 7 sacks, forced fumble

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**mrblakevincent** · 07-28-2010, 12:43 AM

Dynasty Hall of Fame Year-by-Year

Updated at the end of each season

**mrblakevincent** · 07-28-2010, 12:43 AM

Stanford Cardinal 2010-11 Football Preview

SCOUT.com Stanford Cardinal 2010 Season Preview

By Pete Fiutak

Head coach: Jim Harbaugh
Fourth year: 17-20
Returning Lettermen
Off. 19, Def. 20, ST 4
Lettermen Lost: 16

Ten Best Stanford Players
1. QB Andrew Luck, Soph.
2. WR/KR Chris Owusu, Jr.
3. DE Thomas Keiser, Jr.
4. C Chase Beeler, Sr.
5. WR Ryan Whalen, Sr.
6. LB Shayne Skov, Soph.
7. LB/FB Owen Marecic, Sr.
8. NT Sione Fua, Sr.
9. OG David DeCastro, Soph.
10. SS Delano Howell, Jr.

2010 Schedule
Sept. 4 #20 Arkansas
Sept. 11 at UCLA
Sept. 18 Wake Forest
Sept. 25 at Notre Dame
Oct. 2 at #5 Boise State
Oct. 9 #13 USC
Oct. 16 OPEN DATE
Oct. 23 #23 Utah
Oct. 30 at Washington
Nov. 6 Arizona
Nov. 13 at Arizona State
Nov. 20 at Calfornia
Nov. 27 #19 Oregon State

Has Stanford peaked, or is this just the beginning?

Three years. That’s all it’s taken for Jim Harbaugh to completely transform the Cardinal football program, from top to bottom. Tangible proof of his work was most evident a year ago, when the team finished in a second place tie in the Pac-10 and went 8-5, its most wins and first bowl game since 2001. Heck, you want a turnaround? How about spending four weeks in the Top 25 and going 3-0 versus ranked opponents? Yup, these are heady times on the Farm, but can Stanford actually elevate beyond last year’s breakthrough campaign? Harbaugh, for one, is banking on it.

Despite the graduation of its signature player, All-American RB Toby Gerhart, the Cardinal realizes that its rise has been about more than just a single part. And while he’s virtually irreplaceable, the offense simply plans to shift the focus to its other mega-talent, sophomore QB Andrew Luck. A bit of a bystander at times of his rookie year, he’s set to unleash his full array of talent on the rest of the conference. Already being labeled as a future first-rounder in the NFL, he has the arm, head, and veteran receivers to become a household name by midseason. Even without the services of Gerhart, the offense will be fine. The defense, however, is what’s standing between the program and that next rung on the Pac-10 ladder. Toothless on this side of the ball in 2009, Harbaugh has hired NFL veteran Vic Fangio to orchestrate a turnaround ... or at least locate a pulse. His efforts will go a long way to determining the team’s ultimate fate in 2010.

USC is ineligible. Oregon is without star QB Jeremiah Masoli. Stanford senses an enormous opportunity to play in a Rose Bowl, while really throwing Harbaugh reclamation project into overdrive.

What to watch for on offense: QB Andrew Luck to threaten for a while to become the fourth straight sophomore to win the Heisman. All signs point to him erupting in his second year as the starter. The running game is in a state of transition now that Toby Gerhart is gone. The defense will make shootouts a necessity. Oh, and he has the strong right arm that’s already caught the attention of NFL scouts and two terrific receivers in Ryan Whalen and Chris Owusu. He’ll have the required numbers, and if the Cardinal winds up being in the Rose Bowl hunt, voters won’t have any choice but to pay attention.

What to watch for on defense: The transition of the linebackers to Vic Fangio’s new 3-4 alignment. If you’re going to employ the 3-4, you better have a deep collection of players at the second level. Stanford is feverishly working on it. Ex-fullback Owen Marecic is switching sides of the ball. Former ends Chase Thomas and Thomas Keiser might both wind up playing outside linebacker. There’s a lot of shifting and experimentation that’ll continue to go on in the summer, with the hope of having this unit raring to go by the time Sacramento State visits on Sept. 4.

The team will be far better if… the defense becomes even a little less offensive. Hey, no one is counting on an overnight transformation, but if Stanford is to take the next step, it has to begin doing something better. Anything. Even if the Cardinal continues to allow big plays, the defense can still assist the common good by creating more big plays, like sacks and turnovers. Despite employing a frenetic pace, the team ranked ninth in takeaways and eighth in sacks in the Pac-10.

The Schedule: Get .. through ... the first half. The Cardinal starts off with a light scrimmage against Sacramento State, and then the fun begins with three road games in the ensuing four weeks going to UCLA, Notre Dame, and Oregon with the home game against a decent Wake Forest squad. After that stretch the team is rewarded with a home game against USC in what's sure to be fiery battle all the way around. And then things ease up in a big, big way with a week off to catch the breath before getting another week off against Washington State. There are three remaining road games going to Washington, Arizona State, and California, if you can call that a road trip; that's not that bad.

Best offensive player: Sophomore QB Andrew Luck. Don’t be fooled by last year’s numbers, just 13 touchdown passes and 214 yards a game. Stanford didn’t need him to be more prolific, leaning heavily on the running of Toby Gerhart. Now that the workhorse is in Minnesota, Stanford is going to turn the sophomore loose. The prototype in a pro-caliber quarterback, he can make all of the throws, makes plays with his feet, and has the feel for the position of an upperclassmen. He has as much long-term potential as any young hurler in America.

Best defensive player: Senior DE Thomas Keiser. Boy, did a lot of schools miss the potential of this late-bloomer from Pennsylvania or what? In just two seasons, he’s already racked up 22 stops behind the line and 15 sacks, growing into a 6-5, 242-pound menace coming off the edge. He plays to the whistle and has good natural instincts as a pass rusher. He also could be playing outside linebacker this season, where his range and athleticism will be in full display.

Key players to a successful season: The defensive backs. While the defense was bad a year ago, the secondary was especially inept, yielding 264 yards a game through the air. The front seven has upside and at least three strong candidates for all-league recognition. The defensive backfield, on the other hand, is precariously light on top-tier talent and in dire need of more stops.

The season will be a success if ... the Cardinal wins eight regular season games and goes to back-to-back bowl games for the first time in 14 years. The Rose Bowl is a possibility. It is not, however, where the bar currently sits. No, the goal in Palo Alto is to further the winning mentality and make the postseason the new normal. After the opener, it has a challenging schedule, but gone for now are the days when two or three games are already off limits.

Key game: Dec. 4 at Cal. While every Pac-10 game is going to be pivotal in this season’s race to Pasadena, the Big Game always has special meaning in Northern California. Even more than usual, Stanford would like to return the favor after losing to Cal at home last November to snap one of the most impressive three-game winning streaks in school history.

2009 Fun Stats:
- Sacks: Stanford 21 – Opponents 7
- Time of possession: Stanford 32:05 – Opponents

**mrblakevincent** · 07-28-2010, 01:13 AM

Stanford Cardinal 2010 Offensive Preview

SCOUT.com Stanford Cardinal 2010 Offensive Preview

What You Need To Know: Yes, All-American RB Toby Gerhart has graduated. No, the Cardinal offense isn’t about to seize up and revert back to 2007. While you don’t get better by losing a player of Gerhart’s caliber, Stanford will simply shift its focus, entrusting a much larger portion of the attack to QB Andrew Luck. The sophomore was a complement in his first year, but has the next-level talent and receivers Chris Owusu and Ryan Whalen to shred Pac-10 defenses. Yup, he’s going to be that good. It also helps that the Cardinal brings back all but one starter from an offensive line that put up a wall around the pocket in 2009. The big question, of course, is who replaces Gerhart to give the offense balance. First dibs go to last year’s backup, Stepfan Taylor, who showed promise as a rookie, rushing for 303 yards and two scores on 56 carries.

Returning Leaders

Passing: Andrew Luck

162-288, 2,575 yds, 13 TDs, 4 INTs
Rushing: Andrew Luck
61 carries, 354 yds, 2 TDs
Receiving: Ryan Whalen
57 catches, 926 yds, 4 TD

Star of the offense: Sophomore QB Andrew Luck

**mrblakevincent** · 07-28-2010, 01:21 AM

Stanford Cardinal 2010-11 Defensive Preview

SCOUT.com Stanford Cardinal 2010 Defensive Preview

What You Need To Know: Desperate times call for desperate measures. In an effort to solve a defense that was pitiful last season, Jim Harbaugh has hired coordinator Vic Fangio, who has spent the past quarter-century in the NFL. He has an extensive and impressive resume, but how will he translate to the college game? His first step will be to install a 3-4 defense that the Cardinal began getting accustomed to in the spring. The obvious need for more linebackers has meant changes in location for the likes of Owen Marecic and Chase Thomas, who are better known as a fullback and defensive end, respectively. Even leading pass rusher Thomas Keiser could be in a hybrid role that mixes in elements of defensive end and outside linebacker. The biggest concern—again—will be the ability of the secondary to survive in a Pac-10 flush with quality quarterbacks and receivers.

Returning Leaders

Tackles: Delano Howell, 78
Sacks: Thomas Keiser, 9
Interceptions: Delano Howell, Richard Sherman, 2

Star of the defense: Junior DE/LB Thomas Keiser
Player who has to step up and become a star: Senior CB Corey Gatewood
Unsung star on the rise: Sophomore LB Shayne Skov
Best pro prospect: Keiser
Top three all-star candidates: 1) Keiser, 2) Junior SS Delano Howell, 3) Skov
Strength of the defense: The defensive line,
Weakness of the defense: Pass defense, run defense, creating turnovers, creating pressure, third down defense, red zone defense

Defensive Line

Projected Starters: The switch to a 3-4 defense means fewer concerns about depth and a greater focus on the nose tackle. In this case, 6-2, 307-pound senior Sione Fua. In his first season of significant action, he played very well, starting 11 games and parlaying 24 tackles, 3.5 tackles for loss, and 1.5 sacks into All-Pac-10 honorable mention recognition. An explosive interior lineman, he has the quickness and upper body strength to dominate many opposing blockers. He’s exactly the type of player the Cardinal wants to anchor the middle of the line.

It’s a bit of a mystery right now where 6-5, 249-pound junior Thomas Keiser is going to be lining up. The one certainty is that he’s going to be starting and he’s going to be around the ball a lot. Another honorable mention All-Pac-10 selection, he has the speed and passing rushing skills to play defensive end, but can also be used as a hybrid of sorts at outside linebacker. He built on a terrific first year by racking up 47 tackles and team-highs with 15 tackles for loss and nine sacks, routinely beating tackles with a quick step and an insatiable appetite for the backfield.

A candidate to start at the other end spot is junior Matt Masifilo, a former can’t-miss recruit, who has yet to reach full potential. Although he’s lettered twice, he’s been hampered by injuries, making just 18 tackles, two tackles for loss, and a sack in eight games a year ago. At 6-3 and 270 pounds, he’ll serve as more of a strongside option, using his strength, motor, intensity, and quickness to support in run defense.

Projected Top Reserves: Providing depth and competition for Fua in the middle will be 6-4, 273-pound senior Brian Bulcke, who was selected sixth overall by the Edmonton Eskimos of the CFL in May. A real grinder, who has played in 35 career games and started nine, he’ll bring a blue-collar toughness and stability to the second unit if he can remain off the trainer’s table.

On the outside, there’s hope that 6-6, 253-pound redshirt freshman Josh Mauro can grow up in a hurry and provide some heat off the bench. A terrific athlete, who has added considerable weight without losing a step, he has the long frame and light feet to begin emerging as the future at defensive end for the program.

Watch Out For … Masifilo to begin emerging into the prospect everyone had to have three years ago. He’s had some bad breaks along the way, but the new alignment could wind up playing in his favor. Removed from the traffic, where his size became a hurdle, he’s capable of spicing up the pass rush with his frenetic style and non-stop motor.
Strength: First line potential. When the Cardinal lines up with Keiser, Fua, and Masifilo, it’ll put forth three quality athletes, who are going to bring it until the whistle on every play. All three are quicker than their size might indicate and a handful for opposing blocker to keep out of the backfield.
Weakness: Consistency. Whether it was the pass rush or run defense, this group lacked consistency on a week-to-week basis. It’s imperative that the linemen bring it on a weekly basis, including a collection of backups that’s largely unproven and untested.
Outlook: If injuries and position switches weren’t a part of the discussion, Stanford would be just fine up front, especially as Keiser and Fua emerge. However, that’s not the case, and the Cardinal could learn early that some of its kids must contribute. With confidence in the reserves, it’ll also give the staff the flexibility it needs to freelance Keiser in different spots.
Unit Rating: 7.5

Linebackers

Projected Starters: In Vic Fangio’s new 3-4 defense, the linebackers are undergoing a noticeable makeover that’s required some shifting of positions. The most prominent mover is 6-1, 243-pound Owen Marecic, a three-time all-star fullback. Slated to start on the inside, he played some linebacker a year, and has more than enough toughness, know-how, and dedication to turn this decision into a win for the defense. After being an unsung hero since arriving, it’ll be interesting to see how he reacts to a more visible role.

Joining Marecic on the inside will be 6-3, 242-pound Shayne Skov, one of the undisputed rising young stars on defense. As good as advertised in his debut on campus, he broke into the lineup and finished third on the team with 62 tackles and three stops behind the line. The prototype at the position, he has everything coaches seek in a run-stopper at middle linebacker. Big, fast, and instinctive, he has the diagnostic skills of a much older player and an All-Pac-10 ceiling before too long.

The need for outside linebackers has prompted the staff to move former DE Chase Thomas back a level, where he’ll have a greater opportunity to roam the field. Because of the sophomore’s size, this is going to be a benefit anyway for the 6-4, 233-pound sophomore. He showed plenty of flashes and natural pass rushing skills after Erik Lorig was lost last year, starting eight games and making 36 tackles, seven tackles for loss, and four sacks. If he picks up the nuances of the position fast enough, he’s got the range to make a ton of big plays this year.

After taking it all in his first two years, 6-2, 233-pound sophomore Alex Debniak is set to explode now that he has an opportunity for a full-time gig. Never quite right health-wise, he took last year off, with an eye toward cracking the lineup in 2010. An outstanding physical specimen, he has terrific speed to go along with a frenetic playing style that fits the Cardinal’s quest to bring pressure from the second level.

Projected Top Reserves: Whether he winds up starting or not, 6-0, 239-pound senior Chike Amajoyi is going to be an absolute luxury for this unit on the outside. He’s played a lot of football for Stanford, earning a letter in each of the last three seasons and starting the first half of 2009. An athletic defender, who covers from sideline to sideline, he had 56 tackles a year ago and is dependable in pass coverage when not matched with taller receivers.

In an effort to bolster the corps of inside linebackers, 6-2, 229-pound junior Max Bergen has relocated after beginning his career at weakside. Although he’s earned a letter in each of the last two seasons, his playing time has been relegated to special teams, making just four stops a year ago. Still, he has the athleticism of a safety, lending high hopes for his final two years on campus.

Watch Out For … Marecic’s transition from offense. This is a story that’s going to gain traction nationally as the season develops. Not only is the blue-collar fullback getting a chance for more visibility, but he’s being viewed as one of the keys to Stanford’s shift to a 3-4. Already a fan favorite, his Q rating is about to soar.
Strength: Toughness. Although there is some finesse in this group, it’s personality is more of a rugged, in-your-face style of defense. The Cardinal linebackers have excellent overall size and strength, making ballcarriers earn every yard they gain. They can handle pulling guards and will excel against the run.
Weakness: Pass coverage. This will be the area most likely to impact the imports. With all of the changes that have hit this unit, the Cardinal will be especially vulnerable through the air, lacking the elite speed to keep up with some of the league’s quicker tight ends.
Outlook: Although there are quality linebackers embedded within this group, it could take a while for all of them to mesh and understand their spot on the field. Skov is a sure-thing to blossom into a star, but the final grade for the Cardinal will depend on the transition of Marecic and Thomas to their new digs.
Unit Rating: 7

Secondary

Projected Starters: Considering last year’s feeble results, no one is content just to have most of last year’s letterwinners back in the secondary. It’s time for the holdovers to begin playing much better. One of the cornerstones will be 5-11, 198-pound junior SS Delano Howell, who made a successful transition from offense a year ago. In his first year in the secondary, he finished second on the team with 78 tackles and added a couple of picks. He has an ideal blend of speed and aggression to go along with last season’s much-needed dozen games of experience.

Working to join Howell at free safety is 6-0, 196-pound senior Taylor Skaufel, a veteran of three letters and last season’s backup to Bo McNally. Though he’s had a lot of experience with the program, most of it has come on special teams, and he contributed just 10 stops in 2009. A solid tackler in the open field, he’ll be judged mostly by his ability shut down receivers and keep the ball in front of him.

Both of last season’s primary cornerbacks are hoping to reprise that role this fall. On one side, 6-3, 197-pound senior Richard Sherman has fully adapted to the defensive backfield after starting off his career as a playmaking receiver. From a physical standpoint, he has next-level measurables and upside, but has to improve his technique and cut down the number of blown assignments.

On the other side, 5-11, 189-pound senior Corey Gatewood has the edge following the most extensive action of his career. He played in 10 games and started six as a junior, making 28 tackles and a pick. However, despite all of his athletic ability, he broke up just a single pass, calling into question his cover skills and ability to adjust to balls in the air.

Projected Top Reserves: Gatewood’s biggest challenge is going to come from 6-1, 199-pound junior Johnson Bademosi, who split time in the lineup a year ago. He played in every game, starting six and making 28 tackles and four pass breakups. While it’s a common and frustrating theme in this group, he has no shortage of physical gifts, but has to do a much better job of cutting off passing lanes.

In line to become the first safety off the bench is 6-4, 219-pound senior Austin Yancy . Marked by an up-and-down career and position changes, he’ll bring experience and a tremendous combination of size, speed, and physicality to the final line of defense. A former starter back in 2007, he chipped in with 23 tackles as a reserve last fall and will give breathers to Howell at strong safety.

Versatile junior Michael Thomas continues to make a push for more playing time. Unlike a year ago, however, when he played cornerback, he’s being moved to free safety. At 5-11 and 185 pounds, he’ll have to overcome modest size for the position with his speed and top-notch athleticism. A former option quarterback in high school, who just keeps getting better on defense, he made 23 tackles and broke up five passes as a backup in 2009.

Watch Out For … Howell to move a step closer to the All-Pac-10 team. The ease with which he transitioned to defense even surprised the staff a year ago. He’s always been an elite athlete, but he also has a high football IQ and a great work ethic, which are going to hasten his development at strong safety.
Strength: Bodies. Although there are a lot of shortcomings here, adequate experience is not going to be one of them. The Cardinal will fill out the two-deep with returning players, welcoming back a whopping nine defensive backs who earned a letter in 2009.
Weakness: Cover skills. This continues to be a major concern for the Cardinal on defense. Stanford simply gives up too much ground in pass defense, often lacking the skill to match up with the league’s better receivers. In a familiar scene, it was burned for 23 touchdown passes, picked off just eight, and ranked 110th nationally at stopping the pass.
Outlook: Easily the Achilles’ heel of the program, the secondary is a never-ending work-in-progress. The staff has thrown a lot of good athletes at the problem, but it hasn’t resulted in tighter coverage or fewer blown assignments. Even if progress is made, the league’s better quarterbacks will again have success versus this inconsistent group.
Unit Rating: 6.5

Special Teams

Projected Starters: Senior Nate Whitaker did a solid job in his first year as the Cardinal placekicker, making 16-of-22 field goal tries and improving his consistency as the season wore on. A transfer from Notre Dame, with above average leg drive, he’ll be available for 50-yarders in the fall, especially if there’s a little help from the wind at his back.

Versatile junior David Green held off sophomore Daniel Zychlinski a year ago, and returns to once again handle punting duties. Overcoming prior issues with his back, he raised his average from the previous season to 41.2 yards, doing his part to help the team to a third place finish in net punting.

The return game will contend to be one of the best in America, bolstered by junior Chris Owusu and senior Richard Sherman. Owusu ranked No. 5 nationally in kickoff returns, taking three back for touchdowns, and Sherman scored a touchdown of his own, while averaging more than 10 yards on punt returns.

Watch Out For … the new holder. The departure of Bo McNally is the only uncertainty heading into the season for the Cardinal special teams unit. He’ll be missed, creating some competition for the opening in the offseason.
Strength: The return game. In Owusu, Sherman, and even junior Delano Howell , the Cardinal has athletes, who will force the other team to kick the ball away from them. As if the offense needs more help, these returners are going to be a boon to field position.
Weakness: Punting. It’s the ultimate splitting of hairs, but Green can be a little erratic at times and doesn’t possess the booming leg of some other league punters. Had he qualified with enough opportunities in 2009, he only would have ranked sixth in a 10-team league.
Outlook: New coordinator Brian Polian has to be pinching himself after inheriting such a complete special teams unit. Showing no glaring holes, the Cardinal has a veteran punter and kicker, covers kicks like a blanket, and features one of the most dangerous collections
Unit Rating: 9

**mrblakevincent** · 07-28-2010, 02:07 AM

Reader Create-a-Player Opportunity

As done in many dynasties/franchises on Operation Sports you see the writer giving readers the opportunity to be in that dynasty/'chise. I am doing the same thing. However, with mine you have two options - Be an Incoming Stanford Commitment or Be an Incoming Frosh w/ Full Recruitment Ability(if you don't want to be a Stanford Cardinal and want to end up wherever the game decides via in-season recruiting).

In order to be eligible for either of these options I want you to fill out the CaP Info Sheet posted below. It is pivitol that above your name you put either STANFORD COMMITMENT or INCOMING FROSH Full Recruitment.

Create-A-Player Info Sheet
Desire: Incoming Stanford Commit or Incoming Frosh Full Recruitment
Name:
Position:
Number:
Handedness:
Hometown & State:
Height:
Weight:
Skin Tone:
3 Strengths in regards to your position:
3 Weaknesses in regard to your position:
Any last info I should aka equipment information:

**mrblakevincent** · 07-28-2010, 02:07 AM

Re: Reader Create-a-Player Opportunity

you may now comment, ask questions and leave any tips.

**mrblakevincent** · 07-28-2010, 03:37 AM

Preseason Rundown

2010 Preseason AP TOP 25
1 Alabama Crimson Tide
2 Ohio State Buckeyes
3 Texas Longhorns
4 Boise State Broncos(Pac-10)
5 Florida Gators
6 Virginia Tech Hookies
7 TCU Horned Frogs
8 Nebraska Cornhuskers
9 Iowa Hawkeyes
10 Oregon Ducks(Pac-10)
11 Wisconsin Badgers
12 Georgia Tech Yellow jackets
13 Southern Cal Trojans(Pac-10)
14 Miami Hurricanes
15 Oklahoma Sooners
16 Pittsburgh Panthers
17 LSU Tigers
18 Penn State Nittany Lions
19 Oregon State Beavers(Pac-10)
20 Arkansas Razorbacks
21 Florida State Seminoles
22 North Carolina Tar Heels
23 Utah Utes(Pac-10)
24 Cincinnati Bearcats
25 Houston Cougars
(On the outside looking in: W.VA, Georgia, Auburn, OKST & BYU)
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32. California Golden Bears
34. Stanford Cardinal
37. Arizona Wildcats
47. Washington Huskies
53. UCLA Bruins

PAC-10 Season Outlook
1 Boise State Broncos
2 Southern Cal Trojans
3 Oregon State Beavers
4 Utah Utes
5 California Golden Bears
6 Stanford Cardinal
7 Arizona Wildcats
8 Washington Huskies
9 UCLA Bruins
10 Arizona State Sun Devils

Heisman Preview
1 Mark Ingram HB BAMA
2 Case Keenum QB HOU
3 Kellen Moore QB BOISE
4 Tyrelle Pryor QB OSU
5 Jake Locker QB WASH
(Outside Looking In: WR Julio Jones BAMA, QB Andrew Luck STAN, HB Noel Devine WVU, WR AC Green GEO, HB DeMarco Murray OKLA)

Preseason All-Americans
Offense
QB: Case Keenum Houston
HB: Dion Lewis Pittsburg
HB: Mark Ingram Alabama
FB: Stanley Havili USC
WR: Malcolm Floyd ND
WR: AC Green Georgia
WR: Julio Jones Alabama
TE: DJ Williams Arkansas
LT: Gabe Carimi Wisconsin
LG: Rodney Hudson FSU
C: Jake Kirkpatrick TCU
RG: Kevin Zeitler Wisconsin
RT: Josh Oglesby Wisconsin
Defense
LE: Allen Bailey Miami
RE: Marcell Dareus Alabama
DT: Josh Chapman Alabama
DT: Marvin Austin NCarolina
LOLB: Jerrell Harris BAMA
MLB: Nico Johnson Alabama
ROLB: Travis Lewis OKLA
CB: Shareece Wright USC
CB: Dre Kirkpatrick Alabama
FS: Robby Green Alabama
SS: Mark Barron Alabama
K: Kai Forbath UCLA
P: Bryan Anger Cal
Returner: Greg Reid FSU

PAC-10 Preseason All-Americans
Offense
QB: Jake Locker WASH
HB: LeMichael James ORE
HB: Jacquizz Rodgers OSU
FB: Stanley Havili USC
WR: Marvin Jones CAL
WR: Ronald Johnson USC
WR: James Rodgers OSU
TE: Blake Ayles USC
LT: Bo Thran ORE
LG: Carson York ORE
C: Kristofer O’Dowd USC
RG: Senio Kelemete WASH
RT: Mike Remmers
Defense
LE: Ricky Elmore ARI
RE: Nick Perry USC
DT: Brandon Blair ORE
DT: Stephen Paea OSU
LOLB: Mike Mohamed CAL
MLB: Casey Matthews ORE
ROLB: Shayne Skov STAN
CB: Omar Bolden ASU
CB: Shareece Wright USC
FS: Drew McAllister USC
SS: Delano Howell STAN
K: Kai Forbath UCLA
P: Bryan Anger CAL
Returner: James Rodgers OSU

credit ESPN for this information
Top 25 Poll, Heisman Watch, Conference Standings update releases: Preseason, Wk 3, Wk 6, Wk 9, Wk 12 & Wk 15.

**hockeyplaya2724** · 07-28-2010, 11:25 AM

Re: Fear the Cardinal: A Stanford Cardinal Rise to Power (NCAA11)

Create-A-Player Info Sheet
Desire: Incoming Stanford commit
Name: Aaron Wheeler
Position: Wide Receiver
Number: 27
Handedness: Right
Hometown & State: Detroit, MI
Height: 6'3
Weight: 190
Skin Tone: White
3 Strengths in regards to your position: Catching, Spectacular Catch, Acceleration
3 Weaknesses in regard to your position: Route Running, Trucking, Stiff Arm
Any last info I should aka equipment information: Nike gloves, Oakley clear visor

Fear the Cardinal: A Stanford Cardinal Rise to Power (NCAA11)

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Fear the Cardinal: A Stanford Cardinal Rise to Power (NCAA11)

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