Overview

Best-Case Scenario

With just three starters returning on offense, the chemistry between the new quarterback and offensive line is pivotal.

Taylor has one of the top tight ends in the Pac-12 with Yurosek and a respectable receiver in Humphreys. But unless the O-Line takes steps forward, the new QB could be in trouble.

Offensive lineman Levi Rogers started 11 games for the Tree last year and returns to anchor the unit.

Penn transfer Trevor Mayberry has been brought in after starting 18 games over the last two seasons, while Harvard transfer Alec Bank has been added after starting 20 straight games over the last two years.

Both transfers’ production could arguably make-or-break Stanford’s O-Line.

Junior Jack Leyrer is back, too, after starting three games last season. Expected to contend for a more consistent role this year, Leyrer is one of the few returning Cardinal offensive linemen with any career starting experience.

Rounding out the returning players with starting experience is Logan Berzins. But he started just one game in 2022. The Tree will need former four-star offensive linemen Lucas Heyer and Fisher Anderson to make jumps in their second seasons.

All told, the Stanford offensive line is inexperienced and a major source of concern heading into the season. Combined with the lack of experience under center, Stanford’s expectations are fairly low in Taylor’s first season.

If a quarterback distinguishes himself early enough in fall camp, the Tree could post wins over Hawaii, Sacramento State, and California for a three-win year in 2023.

Worst Case Scenario

The strength at tight end is wasted with a QB under heavy pressure. Interceptions are frequent and Taylor is forced to try multiple different starters under center.

The result is a painfully ineffective offense that becomes one-dimensional on the ground.

On defense, returning star linebacker David Bailey and Florida International transfer linebacker Gaethan Bernadel do everything they can to stop opposing offenses.

The duo combine to create a respectable unit that is the strength of the defense.

But the secondary becomes a liability and there’s not enough depth along the defensive line. Jaxson Moi leads the unit up front and forces opposing coordinators to game plan for him.

Tobin Phillips, Lance Keneley, and Anthony Franklin do their part, too.

Yet, the four starters aren’t supported by enough quality depth and teams are able to move the ball with relative ease, particularly through the air.

What Should Happen

The duo are each capable of making plays and figure to be prominent in Taylor’s scheme. Complemented by a respectable one-two punch in the backfield, Stanford’s passing attack should be the strength of its offense.

Running backs Filkins and Smith should take advantage of the opportunities they get, helping to alleviate pressure on the inexperienced quarterback.

Taylor’s focus on the offensive line via the portal should pay dividends, with both Mayberry and Bank starting from Day One. The result is an offense that improves its 21.3 points per game from last season.

On the other side of the ball, the starters in the front seven should combine to form a better-than-expected unit.

Stanford’s main issue on defense is its secondary and depth. But its front seven is probably better than some expect. Sophomore lineman Franklin is an under-the-radar player that could have a breakout year.

Florida International transfer LB Bernadel should have a productive season, too, while returning starting LB Bailey and starting DL Moi should, as well.

What Must Happen

For starters, a quarterback must emerge to lead the team.

The QB battle is between returner Ari Patu, freshman Myles Jackson, Syracuse transfer Justin Lamson, and sophomore Ashton Daniels.

Patu and Daniels are the early favorites, by default, as the only quarterbacks on the roster with a sniff of experience playing college football.

Lamson didn’t appear in a single game for Syracuse and Jackson is a true freshman.

Patu has one start in his career while appearing in six games. Daniels, on the other hand, is a more compelling option. The sophomore appeared in 10 games last year, completing five of his six passes while running for 156 yards with three touchdowns.

Taylor’s offensive scheme is much more exciting than anything Shaw ran on The Farm, arguably making Daniels the betting favorite to win the job.

Outside of the quarterback situation, the Tree must have players emerge in the secondary. The lack of star power in the unit is concerning, to say the least.

Greatest Strength

Totaling 49 receptions and 445 yards receiving last year, Yurosek is head and shoulders the best player on Stanford’s roster.

Getting him the ball will be pivotal and opposing defenses promise to game plan specifically for him. To counteract the heightened attention, the Tree have to get strong production out of their running backs.

A reliable and effective run game would open up the passing attack like nothing else can.

But, outside of Yurosek, the Tree’s linebacker duo is a substantial strength. Bailey had 46 tackles with 8.5 tackles for loss last season and Bernadel had 103 tackles with eight tackles for loss.

The two players should make for a productive unit in 2023.

Biggest Concern

Taylor did well to bring in experienced O-Linemen via the transfer portal, but the product must be shown on the field before the concerns can be allayed.

The secondary, though, is another animal entirely.

Jonathan McGill, Kyu Blu Kelly, Ethan Bonner, Kendall Williamson, and Patrick Fields are all gone from last year’s group.

The only returning players with noteworthy production are safeties Alaka’i Gilman and Omari Porter. Gilman started two games last season while Porter started one.

The lack of experience among the defensive backs is a certified problem for Taylor in his first season on The Farm.

Deciding Factors

The Tree were No. 126 in turnovers forced last year and tied for dead last in the Pac-12. The team managed to generate just 11 TO’s all season. Only four teams in all of College Football created fewer.

And when it came to turnover margin, Stanford was equally as bad. The Cardinal were No. 122 in turnover margin with a -10 mark.

Turning those two stats around could be the difference between a one-win year and a surprise to the upside.

Schedule Analysis