Saturday Road Crystal Ball: Predicting every Stanford football game for 2024

**Editor’s Note:** Saturday Road's annual Crystal Ball series continues with a focus on Stanford. We're covering all 17 teams in the ACC in alphabetical order.

Previously: Boston College | Cal | Clemson | Duke | FSU | Georgia Tech | Louisville | Miami | NC State | North Carolina | Pitt | SMU

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Stanford's football program is mired in a significant slump. With only four wins or fewer each season since before the pandemic, the Cardinal have finished with a 3-9 record in the past three years.

Last year, the team ranked 129th out of 130 Division I teams in points allowed (37.2) and yards allowed (461.7), and 110th in points scored (20.6). They endured five losses by 33 points or more and were the only FBS team without a home victory. Unsurprisingly, Stanford was predicted to finish last in its inaugural ACC preseason poll.

Reviving the program to its former glory, where it consistently won double-digit games under Jim Harbaugh and David Shaw from 2010 to 2016, will be a long journey. But every rebuild needs a starting point.

For Stanford, that starting point is fundamentally grounded.

“When we first arrived, we had lost 17 players to the transfer portal,” said second-year coach Troy Taylor. “We had a young, inexperienced team for the most part.”

Taylor, a former Cal quarterback with a record-setting career, is in the early stages of revitalizing Stanford's talent pool. With 85% of last season’s production returning, Taylor’s efforts are already showing promise. 

One standout returnee is wide receiver Elic Ayomanor, who had an impressive debut season with 62 receptions for 1,013 yards and 6 touchdowns, earning Freshman All-American honors.

“We’re a much more experienced and deeper team this year,” Taylor noted. “In today’s game, just having your team stick around is a big deal.”

**Homegrown Cardinal**

Stanford’s approach to rebuilding differs from many ACC teams. Except for Clemson’s Dabo Swinney, no team in the ACC brought in fewer transfers this offseason than Taylor's squad, with only four new additions. Cornerback Jaivion Green and tight end Griffin Waiss came from former Pac-12 rival Washington, while defensive lineman Clay Patterson joined from UNLV and linebacker Jahsiah Galvan transferred from Northern Iowa.

Unlike Swinney, Taylor is not philosophically opposed to transfers, but Stanford's strict academic requirements limit the number of suitable candidates. As a result, Taylor has focused on traditional recruiting methods.

This year’s recruiting class, ranked 7th in the ACC by 247Sports, includes 4-star quarterback Elijah Brown, who is competing with Ashton Daniels for the starting role. Brown is joined by fellow 4-star recruits, running back Cole Tabb and defensive lineman Benedict Umeh. While developing a program with homegrown talent takes time, Taylor believes it will yield more sustainable results, provided he can retain his players.

“We aim to treat our players well and want them to stay for four years,” Taylor explained. “The appeal of Stanford is that if you’re smart enough to choose it, you’re smart enough to stay until you graduate. That’s what we’re counting on.”

**Stanford’s Rising Star**

At 6-2 and 210 pounds, with sure hands and sprinter’s speed, Elic Ayomanor embodies the ideal star receiver. His journey to this point, however, has been anything but conventional.

“I’m from Medicine Hat, Alberta, Canada,” Ayomanor said. “Growing up, I’d see highlights of American football and dream of competing at that level. I never imagined I’d actually get the chance, but through a bit of luck and perseverance, here I am.”

Though Ayomanor was a 3-star recruit with interest from several major programs, he initially flew under the radar after choosing Stanford and sitting out his freshman season with a torn ACL. However, his breakout performance on October 13 in Boulder, Colorado, marked a significant turning point.

Ayomanor made a remarkable debut on the college football stage with a record-setting performance—13 catches, 294 yards, and 3 touchdowns—in a double-overtime victory against Coach Prime's Buffaloes. His highlight reel included an incredible grab off Travis Hunter’s helmet, showcasing his talent and setting the stage for his Freshman All-American recognition and promising a standout season ahead.

**The Key to Stanford’s Improvement?**

The answer lies in the trenches. The Cardinal’s success will largely depend on strengthening their performance up front, on both the offensive and defensive lines.

Last season, while Stanford had capable running backs, their running game struggled, ranking 103rd nationally with just over 118 yards per game. The offensive line's inability to create sufficient holes was a major factor. With most of the line returning—Fisher Anderson (LT), Trevor Mayberry (LG), Levi Rogers (C), Simione Pale (RG), and Connor McLaughlin (RT)—the focus this offseason has been on enhancing strength and conditioning rather than overhauling the offensive scheme.

“Physicality has always been a cornerstone of Stanford football,” said quarterback Ashton Daniels. “Our strength staff, led by Coach Ryan Deatrick, has done an outstanding job. We’re stronger and faster, which is essential for our physical play.”

On defense, the need for increased physicality is equally critical. However, according to linebacker Tristan Sinclair, it’s not just about physicality but also aggression. The Cardinal must improve their pass rush, which produced only 23 sacks last season, and address a run defense that allowed nearly 5 yards per carry and struggled on third downs.

“The defensive philosophy we’re focusing on is playing red—being aggressive, competitive, and physical,” Sinclair explained. “Running to the ball and maintaining that edge are key.”

**Game-by-Game Predictions**

- **Week 1: vs. TCU (W)**

  Stanford’s home opener and ACC debut could favor the Cardinal, especially with TCU's recent decline from their national championship game appearance. Elic Ayomanor could be a game-changer for Stanford.

- **Week 2: vs. Cal Poly (W)**

  Cal Poly, coming off a 3-win season, should be a manageable opponent. Stanford could be well on its way to surpassing last year's win total.

- **Week 3: Open**

- **Week 4: at Syracuse (L)**

  The Cardinal face their first ACC challenge and a long cross-country trip. Syracuse might prove too tough an opponent.

- **Week 5: at Clemson (L)**

  A second consecutive East Coast trip against the powerful Tigers will test Stanford’s resilience. Clemson’s strength will be a significant hurdle.

- **Week 6: vs. Virginia Tech (L)**

  Virginia Tech, with a solid roster returning from a strong finish last season, poses a significant challenge for Stanford.

- **Week 7: at Notre Dame (L)**

  The rivalry with Notre Dame has been competitive, but the Irish may have the upper hand this year, especially at home.

- **Week 8: vs. SMU (L)**

  SMU, also new to the ACC, has a talent edge. Despite being at home, Stanford might struggle against the Mustangs.

- **Week 9: vs. Wake Forest (W)**

  Wake Forest is in a rebuilding phase. This game presents Stanford with a strong chance to secure a conference win.

- **Week 10: at NC State (L)**

  NC State's defense and transfer-enhanced offense will likely be too much for Stanford, particularly on their third cross-country trip.

- **Week 11: Open**

- **Week 12: vs. Louisville (L)**

  Louisville's veteran quarterback Tyler Shough has a history of success against Stanford. The Cardinal could face another tough matchup.

- **Week 13: at Cal (L)**

  The Big Game against Cal is always unpredictable. However, the Bears' talent, particularly Jaydn Ott, may prove too much for Stanford.

- **Week 14: vs. San Jose State (W)**

  The season finale against San Jose State, a short-distance rivalry game, could end on a high note for Stanford as the Spartans are rebuilding under a new coach.

**2024 Projection: 4-8 (1-7)**

After a challenging debut season, Coach Troy Taylor continues to build the foundation for Stanford's program as it joins the ACC. Establishing a strong culture and evaluating talent are key to long-term success.

Taylor’s previous success at FCS Sacramento State—30-8 with three consecutive Big Sky championships—offers hope. While replicating that success at Stanford will be challenging, especially with frequent cross-country travel, the Cardinal have a history of winning and can achieve success again, though it may take time.