Blue & Gold Illustrated: 2019 Notre Dame Football Preview
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BLUE & GOLD ILLUSTRATED 2019 FOOTBALL PREVIEW ✦ 129 BY BRYAN DRISKELL Winning nine games in back-to-back sea- sons is not backsliding for most programs, but that is the case at Stanford after the Cardinal won at least 10 games in five of head coach David Shaw's first six seasons in charge. Last year, the program finished 9-4 and un- ranked for just the second time under Shaw, and its eight regular-season wins marked the second fewest over the previous decade. Getting back on track in 2019 won't be easy thanks to a schedule that contains four teams that won at least 10 games last year. "The schedule combined with some major questions about several starting spots and the depth of the team makes this year the most daunting challenge of Shaw's head coaching career," CardinalSportsReport.com publisher Jacob Rayburn said. "This team is not as tal- ented as previous teams." But don't expect a program known for dis- cipline and physical play to go down without a fight. "The players are well aware that many peo- ple outside the program are already writing the obit on their chances to be a contender in the North Division of the Pac-12," Rayburn noted. "A healthy chip on their shoulders has developed. "In the past that's produced great results for Shaw's teams that enter a season overlooked." Stanford's results the last two years coincide with a decline on defense. After giving up just 340.4 yards and 19.6 points per game during Shaw's first six seasons, the Cardinal surren- dered 407.5 yards (and 5.8 yards per play) and 22.8 points an outing the last two years. There is hope, however, that Stanford could be poised to re-emerge as a top Pac-12 defense. "Stanford lost only one significant contribu- tor to the defensive front, and the returning players are expected to step up from last sea- son," Rayburn said. "Outside linebacker is set with experienced returners Casey Toohill and Jordan Fox. Both have the ability to be produc- tive and challenge for All-Pac-12 honors." Stanford also returns a talented second- ary, which is led by Athlon Sports preseason first-team All-American cornerback Paulson Adebo. The one-time Notre Dame commit fin- ished first nationally with 24 passes defended last fall. The Cardinal should have a potent offense, and if the defense can get anywhere close to its production early in Shaw's career, the Cardinal could be dangerous. "Stanford has enough talent to have a chance to win the Pac-12 if pieces click together in just the right way," Rayburn said. "There isn't the margin for error that existed with previous championship teams." Reasons For Optimism • Coach/quarterback combination • Offensive line bounce back • Experienced defensive line When head coach David Shaw has a talented quar- terback, his teams have won a lot of games, and he has that with K.J. Costello … Injuries derailed the of- fensive line last season, but it returns a lot of talent and should get back on track … The defensive line gained valuable experience in 2018. Reasons For Concern • Challenging schedule • Inexperienced pass catchers • Running back depth chart Stanford's opponents went 90-63 a season ago, and the Cardinal schedule is one of the nation's most difficult … Facing it without star running back Bryce Love and the team's top three pass catchers will make that even more difficult. STANFORD CARDINAL GAME 12 • NOV. 30 • STANFORD STADIUM X-FACTOR: Junior Colby Parkinson is in line to become Stanford's next star tight end, and that is needed after the Cardinal lost their top three pass catchers. PHOTO COURTESY STANFORD ATHLETICS/ISI PHOTOS 2019 SCHEDULE Date Opponent 2018 Result Aug. 31 Northwestern — Sept. 7 at USC W, 17-3 Sept. 14 at UCF — Sept. 21 Oregon W, 38-31 Sept. 28 at Oregon State W, 48-17 Oct. 5 Washington L, 27-23 Oct. 17 UCLA W, 49-42 Oct. 26 Arizona — Nov. 9 at Colorado — Nov. 16 at Washington State L, 41-38 Nov. 23 California W, 23-13 Nov. 30 Notre Dame L, 38-17 QUICK FACTS All-Time Series: Notre Dame leads 20-13 Last Meeting: Notre Dame 38, Stanford 17 (Sept. 29, 2018; South Bend) Head Coach: David Shaw, 82-26 at Stanford and overall (9th year) 2018 Results: 9-4 overall, 6-3 Pac-12 North (3rd); beat Pittsburgh 14-13 in the Sun Bowl Returning Starters: 8 (3 offense, 5 defense) Prediction: Notre Dame 34, Stanford 27 RETURNING LEADERS Rushing: RB Cameron Scarlett (330 yards, 8 TD) Passing: QB K.J. Costello (3,540 yards, 29 TD) Receiving: TE Colby Parkinson (485 yards, 7 TD) Tackles: CB Paulson Adebo (64) Sacks: LB Gabe Reid (5.5) Interceptions: Adebo (4)