No. 15 Ole Miss | No. 17 Arizona State | Top 25
No. 16: Stanford
Last Season: 8-5 (5-4 Pac-12)
Kevin Hogan looks, walks and sounds like an NFL quarterback. He returns for his senior year surrounded by almost every single fellow offensive starter from a year ago. So, why all the crossed-up foreheads and sleep-deprived eyes on The Farm? "Because last year wasn't much fun," admits the 6-4, 225-pound signal-caller. "I guess you said we'd gotten spoiled, but we earned it. Now we need to get back there." Spoiled? You bet. That's what four straight BCS bowl appearances will do. But the hallmark of those teams wasn't just oak tree quarterbacks, but workhorse running backs. Hogan didn't have that in 2014, and the revolving door backfield led to a woefully boring offensive output, producing a 23.9 PPG that ranked last in the Pac-12. The conga line returns for '15, with no fewer than three backs in the mix, '14 leading rusher Remound Wright, and a couple of football blue bloods in Barry J. Sanders and Christian McCaffrey. A pair of big September road trips -- USC and Oregon State -- will test that carousel early. Oh, and did we mention only four starters returning on defense? No? Too stressful already? -- Ryan McGee
Under Jim Harbaugh and now David Shaw, Stanford has soared to new heights, with a clear identity built on running and defense. This year's defense, though full of new starters, has plenty of natural skill, and the offense returns a veteran QB in Kevin Hogan. Last year Shaw told me that he had probably his most talented offensive line yet, despite its inexperience, and it'll only be better with another year under its belt -- I rank the O-line eighth best in the country. Stanford also benefits from just four conference road games, three of them against the weakest teams in the league, and a home date with Oregon on Nov. 14 that might very well decide who wins the Pac-12 North.
Stanford's chances to win each game
09.03 @ Northwestern: 80.6%
09.12 vs. UCF: 91.2%
09.19 @ USC: 36%*
09.25 @ Oregon State: 85.6%
10.03 vs. Arizona: 70.7%
10.15 vs. Washington State: 50.9%
10.24 vs. Washington: 85.3%
10.31 @ Washington State: 77.7%
11.07 @ Colorado: 81%
11.14 vs. Oregon: 47.4%
11.21 vs. Cal: 74.4%
11.28 vs. Notre Dame: 59.2%
*BROCK HUARD, ESPN analyst: This rivalry features two of the more accomplished quarterbacks in college football, but USC's athleticism, balance and overall playmaking in all three phases of the game will provide a distinct advantage for Cody Kessler and the Trojans.
SHARON KATZ, ESPN Stats & Info: Stanford faces six FPI top-50 opponents, but this is the only one on the road. Stopping the Trojans' talented offense -- whose speed will prove especially troublesome -- will be a challenge for a defense that ranked sixth last year but lost seven starters.
While the offense should make big strides from last season's showing, questions along the defensive line -- specifically the lack of experience and depth -- is a concern. Navigating one of the toughest schedules in the country will be no easy task -- though quarterback Kevin Hogan is one of the most experienced quarterbacks in the nation. An 8-4 regular season feels conservative, because 10 wins are possible if the defense comes together quickly. -- Kevin Gemmell
The Cardinal will drop an early one on the road to USC before going on a six-game winning streak to enter their matchup with Oregon, which will decide which North team represents in the Pac-12 title game. Despite their streak, the Cardinal will fall to the Ducks at home and finish out their regular season 10-2. -- Chantel Jennings
Call the Cardinal offense "Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde." We saw two completely different versions of it last year. If the explosive, efficient attack of 2014's final three games shows up, Stanford has the home-heavy schedule to do damage even while breaking in an inexperienced defense (they don't play ASU and Utah). This is a team that can finish 9-3 -- but sights can be set even higher if the Cardinal manages to win at USC in Week 3. -- David Lombardi
While Stanford is rebuilding its defense, the program became a national power by being the best in the Pac-12 on that side of the ball, so not too many folks are worried on The Farm. Expect the offense to be physical and potent, as QB Kevin Hogan has enough weapons to produce a 9-3 finish. -- Ted Miller
No. 15 Ole Miss | No. 17 Arizona State | Top 25
