STANFORD FOOTBALL
Stanford Football Looking to Build on Last Season

By Jim Young


Quarterback Andrew Luck.
Photo: David Gonzales/Stanford Athletics.

The 2009 Stanford Football season was one to remember.

Stanford posted its first winning season and made its first bowl appearance since 2001. Along the way, the Cardinal went 3-0 against Top 25 teams, including convincing wins over over No. 24 Washington, No. 7 Oregon and No. 11 USC, and spent four weeks ranked in the top 25.

The Cardinal featured Doak Walker Award winner and Heisman Trophy runner-up Toby Gerhart and 15 other players who earned Pac-10 Conference honors. Along the way, Stanford set school records for points scored and rushing yardage.

Don't miss out on any of the action at beautiful Stanford Stadium this fall, as the Cardinal will play the first of six home games on Sept. 4 against Sacramento State.

Season-ticket plans start as low as $149 and family plans start as low as $199, making Stanford football one of the most affordable sports entertainment options in the Bay Area. Group tickets are also available for all six home games. Single-game tickets go on sale Aug. 2. For additional ticket information, call 1-800-Stanford or go online to www.gostanford.com.

Stanford's six-game home schedule next season features dates with Sacramento State (Sept. 4), Wake Forest (Sept. 18), USC (Oct. 9), Washington State (Oct. 23), Arizona (Nov. 6) and Oregon State (Nov. 27). Kickoff times will be announced at a later date.

Stanford returns 43 letterwinners, including 17 starters off last year's Sun Bowl team that posted an 8-5 record and tied for second in the Pac-10 Conference with a 6-3 record.

Quarterback Andrew Luck returns to lead a high-flying Stanford offense that scored the most points in school history a year ago. Leading receivers Ryan Whalen, Chris Owusu and Coby Fleener will team with Luck for one of the most exciting offenses in the nation.

Sophomore Stepfan Taylor and Tyler Gaffney, along with senior Jeremy Stewart, will try to match the production of running back Gerhart in the backfield. Defensively, the Cardinal should be an improved team with the return of tackle Siona Fua, linebackers Shayne Skov and Chase Thomas, safety Delano Howell and cornerback Richard Sherman.

Throughout the season, go to GoStanford.com www.gostanford.com for team updates.