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Know Your Opponent: UCLA Football vs Stanford Cardinal

By Michael Chavez

Sep 17, 2016; Stanford, CA, USA; Stanford Cardinal team prepares to enter the field prior to a NCAA football game against the USC Trojans at Stanford Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 17, 2016; Stanford, CA, USA; Stanford Cardinal team prepares to enter the field prior to a NCAA football game against the USC Trojans at Stanford Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports /
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Stanford Defense

Playing out of a base 3-4 defense, the Cardinal will give multiple looks up front but are content to just out physical opposing offenses. Their front seven has long been the strength of the team but this year they have have a few cracks in their armor.

Along the defensive line Solomon Thomas is a physical monster capable of pushing the pocket and being stout in the run game. His wingspan is impressive and he can bring down ball carriers with just an arm tackle. His running mate Harrison Phillips missed last week against the Trojans with a knee injury but is probable for Saturday. Although not a prototypical nose tackle, Phillips pushes the pocket from inside and can make life hell for opposing interior linemen.

At the linebacker position it seems like the Cardinal have taken a step back. Not that these linebackers aren’t good but they are a far cry from the names like Martinez and Skov. In the interior Noor Davis and Sean Barton play tackle to tackle but do not have elite speed to get to the numbers. Barton doesn’t have the biggest size inside but Davis fits the bill of a traditional “Buck” linebacker. On the outside both Mike Tyler and Casey Toohill are better against the run than rushing the passer but both are serviceable. Toohill was able to get a sack last week against the Trojans but doesn’t posses an elite first step and is more of an effort rusher.

Related Story: UCLA Football: Stanford Keys to The Game

The secondary features some big names and even bigger hitters. The Cardinal have a couple long guys on the outside. Quenton Meeks is a lengthy corner with plenty of speed. While still young, he should continue to develop into one of the top corners in the PAC-12. On the other side, Alijah Holder uses his 6’2″ frame to blanket receivers and both he and Meeks are not shy about tackling in the run game.

Stanford will bring some pressures from the secondary or play a safety in the box to act like another linebacker. However it is the technique and execution they operate with that makes them so difficult to beat.

How does the UCLA offense stack up? Well the Bruins have a stable of backs but need to improve their offensive line play especially in the interior.

How does the UCLA offense stack up? Well the Bruins have a stable of backs but need to improve their offensive line play especially in the interior. The Cardinal do not have major size in their front seven but they are strong and disciplined. However Kansas State was able to find some success running the ball between the tackles out of two by two receiver sets. If the Bruins can spread this defense out, they’ll be able to move the ball much more easily.

Outside the Bruin receivers haven’t blown anyone away but will really need to bring their A game this Saturday. Gaining separation will be key to giving Rosen some easy targets early on. Protecting the ball will be key for all skill players. Any turnovers will give the Cardinal additional possessions and ball control is what they strive for.