Stanford looks to bounce back from 3 straight 9-loss seasons in debut year in ACC

STANFORD, Calif. (AP) — Entering coach Troy Taylor's second season at Stanford, the Cardinal face more pressing issues than the new opponents and increased travel that come with their move to the ACC. After enduring three consecutive nine-loss seasons, the team is focused on returning to the high standards that marked their successful decade under Jim Harbaugh and David Shaw.

“For us, the focus is on our process and preparation, not so much on where or who we’re playing,” Taylor said. “We’ll adapt to the travel demands—crossing the country a few times won’t be a major hurdle compared to what we’ve faced in the past.”

The Cardinal have struggled mightily over the last three seasons, finishing with a 3-9 record each year. Only UMass and Akron had worse records among FBS teams during this period.

Stanford was once known for its “intellectual brutality,” achieving no fewer than eight wins per season from 2009 to 2018 and ranking among the top teams in FBS wins during that span.

Taylor is optimistic that having a more experienced roster and improved depth will help turn the program around. With only 75 scholarship players in 2023, depth was an issue, but Taylor believes the team’s familiarity with his system and the added confidence will be beneficial.

“Our players have a better understanding of what’s expected of them and how to execute our game plan,” Taylor said. “The familiarity and confidence in the system should make a significant difference.”

Ashton Daniels, who won a three-way quarterback battle last summer, is set to lead the offense after a solid performance last season with 2,248 yards and 11 touchdowns. Taylor highlighted Daniels’ comfort and consistency as key factors for the upcoming season.

If Daniels struggles, four-star recruit Elijah Brown is a promising alternative. However, improvement from an offensive line that allowed 41 sacks last season will be crucial for whoever is under center.

A standout from last season, Canadian receiver Elic Ayomanor, aims to build on his impressive freshman year, where he caught 62 passes for 1,013 yards and three touchdowns. His confidence has grown, and he’s ready to make more impactful plays.

For the Cardinal to succeed, they must address their defensive woes. Stanford’s defense was among the worst in FBS last season, ranking 132nd in points allowed per game and 126th in yards per play.

Defensive lineman Clay Patterson, a notable transfer from the Ivy League, could provide the needed boost. 

The move to the ACC offers a slightly less daunting schedule. After facing six ranked teams last year, including three top-10 opponents, the Cardinal will encounter just three ranked teams this season. Their matchups include No. 14 Clemson in September, No. 7 Notre Dame in October, and No. 24 North Carolina State in November. Stanford will make three trips to the Eastern time zone, including consecutive games against Syracuse and Clemson in September.

The Cardinal kick off their season at home against TCU on August 30.