After a strong stretch to conclude the 2014 season and relatively efficient output from the first-team offense throughout spring and fall camp, it was hard to imagine today happening - one of the worst offensive performances in the last number of years. To be fair, Northwestern's defense did appear solid - they made tackles in the open field and consistently ran down ball carriers along the line of scrimmage. And Stanford was without its top two receivers for the first half, and Cajuste appeared at least somewhat limited in the second. But, bottom line, the Cardinal gained only 240 yards and managed only six points against a defense that ranked seventh in the Big Ten last year. And only 176 yards after the game's first drive. 7 punts, one turnover, two field goals is not going to get it done.
This was Stanford's first game without an offensive touchdown since the Notre Dame loss in 2012. It was the Cardinal's first game without a touchdown since ??
I guess the surprising/concerning part is that it's not like there was one, single area where Stanford's offense appeared particularly overmatched. The Cardinal didn't get push up front on a regular basis. Their skill position players didn't make Northwestern defenders miss in space. Receivers dropped passes. Kevin Hogan wasn't particularly accurate. There were two illegal substitution penalties. Stanford burned a timeout to avoid a delay of game penalty on the first play of the second half. And so on... And it's hard not to question some of the decisions to run on 3rd and long + punt on a 4th and 5 or so in Northwestern territory. And of course, there's the general question of whether Stanford is utilizing its offensive talent in the optimal manner.
Hard to quibble too much with Stanford's performance on the defensive side of the ball, though Northwestern's offense isn't the most potent that Stanford will see the year. Kodi Whitfield and Alijah Holder would love to have those near interceptions back, and the Cardinal didn't generate a consistent pass rush on Clayton Thorson. There were a few mistakes (three offsides penalties). And the absence of David Parry and Henry Anderson was certainly noticeable - particularly after Harrison Phillips left with an injury. But despite losing Phillips early - and being on the field for 31:55 - the unit held its own and slowed the Wildcat offense. I though Brennan Scarlett and Peter Kalambayi were particularly good. Though I'd imagine the defense will be frustrated with Northwestern's third down efficiency (12-22).
But really, you're not going to win many games scoring six points.
Special teams were probably the bright spot. Jake Bailey struck his kickoff quite well, Alex Robinson averaged 46.0 yards on his seven punts (thanks in small part to a side judge who gave him some favorable spots on punts that sailed out of bounds). And Conrad Ukropina comfortably hit both of his field goal attempts.
So Stanford will try to bounce back against a UCF team that suffered an equally disappointing loss in its first game, against FIU. Will be interesting to see how Stanford's offensive approach changes. Because after an offseason filled with hope an optimism about the Cardinal's progress on the offensive side of the ball, it's hard not to be just incredibly disappointed with how everything transpired today.
Also: Harrison Phillips' status remains up in the air. Appears he'll be further examined tomorrow.
