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Stanford needs running game to make a comeback
Stanford's biggest problem in 2014 wasn't its defense. It wasn't its QB, either. No, Stanford's biggest issue was the running game.
In order for the Cardinal to compete with Oregon for the Pac-12 North title this year, the team is going to have to improve its running game significantly.
In 2014, the Cardinal rushed for 158.7 yards per game, 4.3 yards per carry and 22 rushing touchdowns. Those numbers were the worst of the Davis Shaw era at Stanford.
To be fair, the Cardinal lacked a dominant back in 2014. Without a Toby Gerhart, Stefan Taylor or Tyler Gaffney in the backfield, any team (except for maybe Oregon) would have a slight decline in production.
However, the Cardinal offense is predicated on the ability to run the ball effectively at any moment. Without that ability, it's harder for the Cardinal to produce consistently on offense.
“We still believe if you can play great defense and hold the other team below their scoring average, you’ve got a chance to win,” Shaw told ESPN's Kevin Gemmell. “Our style of play, when we play it well, we’ve done well against the spread teams and against our conference and against the nation and against ranked teams. I think our philosophy gives us a chance to win every week.”
Stanford should have the offensive line to produce big rushing numbers this season. But will Christian McCaffrey, Barry Sanders Jr. or Remound Wright be able to make things happen down the field?
The answer to that question will go a long way in determining how successful the Cardinal can be in 2015.
(h/t ESPN)
Photo Credit: Matt Cashore-USA TODAY Sports
