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UCLA Football Early 2018 Schedule Preview: Stanford Cardinal

By Mike Regalado

SANTA CLARA, CA - DECEMBER 01: Head coach David Shaw of the Stanford Cardinal looks on from the sidelines against the USC Trojans during the Pac-12 Football Championship game at Levi's Stadium on December 1, 2017 in Santa Clara, California. The Trojans won the game 31-28. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images)
SANTA CLARA, CA - DECEMBER 01: Head coach David Shaw of the Stanford Cardinal looks on from the sidelines against the USC Trojans during the Pac-12 Football Championship game at Levi's Stadium on December 1, 2017 in Santa Clara, California. The Trojans won the game 31-28. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images) /
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EVANSTON, IL – SEPTEMBER 5: Head coach David Shaw of the Stanford Cardinal looks on against the Northwestern Wildcats in the first half at Ryan Field on September 5, 2015 in Evanston, Illinois. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images)
EVANSTON, IL – SEPTEMBER 5: Head coach David Shaw of the Stanford Cardinal looks on against the Northwestern Wildcats in the first half at Ryan Field on September 5, 2015 in Evanston, Illinois. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images) /

Stanford Special Teams

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The Stanford specialists are going to continue to play at a high level. Kicker Jet Toner and punter Jake Bailey return and will bring consistency to the kicking game. The punting game was especially strong as Bailey gave Stanford the second best punt game in the Pac-12 with a net average of 41.0 yards.

The Cardinal had several different returners for both kickoff and punt returns. Kickoffs were especially fruitful for Stanford as they averaged 25.1 yards, the best in the Pac-12. Punting can improve as they were only averaging 8.6 yards per return.

Final Analysis

Is this UCLA’s time to fight back against the Cardinal. It should be closer than everyone believes as Kelly knows how to properly prepare for every game he enters. Still, this is a Stanford team that still has a lot of talent. If they disallow Stanford’s offense to get up and down the field, then they could pull this out with their offense. It may be a young squad, but the offense could surprise a lot of people. Still, this looks like it might be no. 11.

Next. The 30 Greatest UCLA Football Players of All-Time. dark

Prediction

Stanford 30 – UCLA 28