Pac-10 Week 1 Notes and Observations: Stanford Cardinal
Stanford Cardinal 1-0 Overall (1-0 Conference)
This Week’s Score: Stanford 39 – Washington State 13
Next Week’s Opponent: @Wake Forest
Sam’s Take:
The debut of QB Andrew Luck was a success, and although he missed a few throws at times, his poise and command of the offense was impressive. Toby Gerhart had a predictably good game (121 yards 2 TDs), and the surprise of the day was WR Chris Owusu, who showed spectacular athletic ability (86 receiving yards 1 TD) and appears to be a legitimate field stretcher for Luck.
The defense gave up some yards to the no-huddle WSU attack, but tightened up when it had to. CB Richard Sherman was picked on a bit in the secondary, but he responded well and should continue to improve.
Overall, coach Harbaugh should be happy to get Pac-10 win number one, and now he will prepare his team for a non-conference road trip to North Carolina to face Wake Forest.
Dave’s Take:
Heading into Washington State could have been a trap game for Stanford early in the season if they caught themselves not taking their opponent seriously. It was after all an improved team, and with a redshirt freshman making his first start of his career on the road, crazier things have happened.
But Stanford was up to the task and looked sharp in their season debut. Andrew Luck had an impressive mistake-free debut, racking up 193 yards and a touchdown with no interceptions through the air and 53 yards on the ground. Toby Gerhart led the rushing attack with 121 yards and two TDs on 23 carries, and Jeremy Stewart added 57 yards and touchdown on his five carries.
The passing defense did not look great, especially against a team that isn’t supposed to be that strong in the passing game. But overall, Stanford avoided disaster and picked up an impressive and convincing road win.
Stanford Cardinal
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Andrew Luck, Chris Owusu, Football, Jeremy Stewart, Richard Sherman, Toby Gerhart
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