Can Stanford Cardinal's Defense Spark a Turnaround After SMU Setback?
The Stanford Cardinal faced a challenging matchup against the SMU Mustangs, concluding with a 10-40 defeat at Stanford Stadium. This game moved the Cardinal to a 2-5 record for the season, while the Mustangs advanced to 6-1. Despite the tough loss, there were notable performances and statistics that highlighted areas of resilience and potential growth for Stanford.
Key Defensive Efforts
Stanford's defense had moments of brilliance, with three sacks contributing to their defensive efforts. Tristan Sinclair led with nine tackles and three assists but couldn't prevent SMU's strong offensive showing. Jshawn Frausto-Ramos added six combined tackles and contributed significantly on defense as well. The team managed one interception by Mitch Leigber, showcasing their ability to disrupt plays despite the challenging circumstances.
Offensive Highlights
On offense, quarterback Elijah Brown completed 50 percent of his passes for 153 yards, including one touchdown pass but was intercepted twice. Micah Ford emerged as a key player in the rushing department with 31 yards over thirteen attempts, highlighting his role as a crucial asset in Stanford's ground game strategy. In receiving, Sam Roush stood out by catching six passes for 75 yards, demonstrating his reliability as a target despite not finding the end zone.
Looking Ahead
As they regroup from this setback, The Stanford Cardinal looks forward to their next challenge against Wake Forest Demon Deacons at Stanford Stadium on October 26th at 3:30 PM EDT. Fans can catch all the action live on ACC Network (satellite channel 612), where they'll hope to see their team bounce back stronger.
This recent performance underscores areas for improvement but also showcases individual talents that could be pivotal in turning around The Cardinal's season. As they prepare for Wake Forest Demon Deacons, fans remain hopeful that this game will mark the beginning of a positive shift towards more consistent success.
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