BYB Top 25 Countdown = #4 Stanford Cardinal

Stanford QB Kevin Hogan

David Shaw has filled in nicely for Jim Harbaugh, taking his alma mater to consecutive BCS Bowls, including last season’s Rose Bowl win against Wisconsin. The Carindal’s pro-style offensive attack and power football style remains in stark contrast to the Pac 12’s spread focus and that difference in style has seemed to assist Stanford in consistent, focused play.

Kevin Hogan returns as starting quarterback after taking over when Josh Nunes was injured against Colorado. Hogan was thrown into the fire as the Cardinal’s last three games were against ranked teams in Oregon State, Oregon and UCLA.

The then freshman weathered the storm with a 3-0 record and added wins in the Pac 12 Championship rematch with UCLA and in the Rose Bowl. He finished the season with 1,096 yards and nine TDs and completed 71 percent of his passes.

Hogan will be breaking in new starters at running back and receiver but Tyler Gaffney has significant experience in the backfield and Ty Montgomery is primed for a breakout season at receiver after being slowed by injuries in his career.

The offensive line is deep, experienced and one of the best in the country. David Yankey should be another All-American at guard for the Cardinal and three other returning senior starters will likely have a chance to play pro as well.

The defense returns eight starters from a group that was dynamic defending the run in 2012, finishing fifth nationally in rush defense and 11th nationally in scoring defense. Defensive ends Ben Gardner and Henry Anderson are the best pair of ends in the conference and team leader Shayne Skov and dynamic A.J. Tarpley should be the soul of the talented defense. The defensive back corps returns starters in cornerback Alex Carter and safeties Jordan Richards and Ed Reynolds.

Stanford lost two games by a total of 10 points last season and has a more forgiving schedule this season. Road games at Oregon State and USC will be challenging, as will home bouts with UCLA and Oregon but the defense will be stellar. If the skill position players produce then Stanford could be playing in the BCS Championship Game finale. I have Stanford at 9-0-3.