STANFORD FOOTBALL
Stanford Takes Another Step Forward

Few will argue Stanford was a much-improved football team in 2007 under first-year head coach Jim Harbaugh.

The final record of 4-8, which included an epic upset victory over top-ranked USC and a notable win in the season finale against defending Pac-10 Conference co-champion California, was a three-game improvement from the previous year, when the Cardinal struggled to a 1-11 overall mark, including 1-8 in conference play. A similar leap this year would land Stanford in a bowl game for the first time since the 2001 season.

Statistically, the Cardinal improved in virtually every category, most notably on defense, where Stanford finished with 37 sacks on the year, the fifth-highest total in the Pac-10, ninth-best in the nation and 23 more than the previous year's total of 14. Not to be overlooked is the fact Stanford went from -11 to +3 in turnover margin, which was the second-best mark in the Pac-10, behind Oregon.

Next steps? A healthier Stanford team that includes 43 returning lettermen (24 offense, 18 defense, one specialist) and 20 returning starters (nine offense, 11 defense) along with familiarity of new offensive and defensive systems, should lead to more consistency across the board. However, in the end, Harbaugh, a 15-year NFL quarterback, knows his team will be judged by one thing: results.

Offensively, Stanford welcomes back 24 lettermenfrom last year's unit, which finished last in the Pac-10 in scoring offense (19.6 points per game) and total offense (322.5). After going through the growing pains of learning a new offense under Harbaugh, Stanford hopes greater familiarity with his system, stability at quarterback and a healthy backfield will pave the way to a more consistent offensive attack in 2008.

Tavita Pritchard edged out Alex Loukas and Jason Forcier in a spirited competition for the starting quarterback job. Pritchard made seven starts among his nine appearances last year, including the upset over USC in his first career start.

Stanford is banking on a healthy backfield of Anthony Kimble and Toby Gerhart to shoulder the majority of the run production after both players missed significant time due to injuries last season. Kimble saw action in just seven games, which was all he needed to lead Stanford in rushing and all-purpose yardage (136.9 per game). Gerhart was well on his way to shattering Stanford's single-game rushing record in the second game of last season against San Jose State, racking up 140 yards on 12 carries, but suffered a season-ending injury in the third quarter.

Defensively, Stanford welcomes back 18 lettermen, including 11 starters, from last year's unit, which improved more than numbers alone might indicate. The most notable change in personnel is on the sideline, where the Cardinal welcomes 38-year coaching veteran Ron Lynn to the position of co-defensive coordinator and assistant head coach.

The Cardinal features two preseason honors candidates on defense. Clinton Snyder, who is on preseason watch lists for the Bronko Nagurski, Chuck Bednarik and Dick Butkus defensive-excellence awards, leads a talented group of starting linebackers that includes senior Pat Maynor and sophomore Chike Amajoyi. Safety Bo McNally, last year's leading tackler and a candidate for the Ronnie Lott Award, heads up an experienced secondary that includes returning starters Wopamo Osaisai, Austin Yancy and Kris Evans.

Unquestionably there is a new era of excitement at Stanford. GoStanford.com.