Stanford

Founded in 1891, Stanford University is one of the nation’s premier institutions of higher learning.  Unfortunately for the school’s 19,000 students, the football team had another abysmal season finishing last in the PAC-10 at 1-11.  Once a consistent threat to at least contend for the conference title, the Cardinal have fallen on hard times and look forward to a long rebuilding process under first year head coach Jim Harbaugh. 

In a nutshell, the outlook for Stanford this season is bleak.  With a team with more holes than a fishing net, Harbaugh needs to transform a complete unit that was outscored last season 377-127.  With one returning starter on an already weak offensive line, the Cardinal may even surpass last year’s national worst 50 sacks allowed.  With a tough conference schedule ahead of them again, Stanford may make some slight improvements in moving forward but will likely maintain sole possession of tenth place in the conference.

Jim Harbaugh brings a record of success to the moribund Cardinal football program.  His 29-6 record at the University of San Diego includes back to back Division I-AA Mid-Major National Championships.  His biggest contribution this year will be in instilling confidence in the players with his enthusiastic outlook in what will be the first of several rebuilding years for the program.  His youth and energy will be tested as he tries to snap Stanford out of its funk.

If it is possible for a 1-11 team to have any key departures, linebacker Michael Okwo would be it.  An All-PAC-10 player, Okwo anchored the team’s defense and provided valuable leadership to the struggling unit.  The key players to watch are the trio of receivers Richard Sherman, Evan Moore and Mark Bradford.  Plagued by injuries in 2006, this unit is potentially one of the best in the conference.  The challenge however, is whether or not senior quarterback T.C. Ostrander will be standing long enough to utilize this talented batch of receivers.