The Odyssey will be in the press box in Palo Alto Friday night.
We anticipate a closer game than Las Vegas predicts. San Diego State is a 2-touchdown underdog. For a team which beat Stanford last year, is returning both their quarterback and offensive line and likes to control the clock, we think the Aztecs are not getting enough respect. Sure, Rashaad Penny has graduated but his backup, Juwan Washington averaged 6 yards per carry as well as taking multiple kick returns to the house.
Yes, Bryce Love returns and he is awesome. He caused 76 missed tackles last year and if he gets in space, he is gone. He was spectacular in last year’s game in San Diego and his heroics were still not enough. Stanford will have a clear upgrade in one regard. QB K.J. Costello has much more upside than last year’s starter in the Aztec upset, Keller Chryst. Chryst played poorly last year (Perhaps overly conservative play calling contributed to his disappointing output). When we left the stadium, we half expected to overhear a disgruntled Stanford fan to mutter, “Christ, he’s a killer.”
Those many pundits who highly tout Stanford this year must be Beatles’ disciples who believe “All You Need Is Love.” However, Bryce Love does not play defense and we believe the Cardinal front 7 is not as stout as virtually any in the David Shaw era.
As a result, we expect more than the total of 48.5 points to be scored in spite of the conservative SDSU offense. The Aztecs will not be able to stop Love and his talented offensive line. Regardless, we believe Stanford will have difficulty containing the Aztecs. Whoever has the ball last may well win this game.