×
×
homepage logo
SUBSCRIBE

BYU-Stanford football matchups and prediction: A chance for both teams to finish strong

By Jared Lloyd - | Nov 25, 2022

Courtesy BYU Photo

BYU players run onto the field before the game against Liberty at Williams Stadium in Lynchburg, Virginia, on Saturday, Oct. 23, 2022.

Here is Jared Lloyd’s look at the BYU-Stanford matchups, including his prediction for the final score for Saturday’s game at Stanford Stadium in Stanford, Calif.:

BYU offense vs. Stanford defense

The Cougars should be able to find success against a Cardinal defense that is giving up more than 432 yards per game. Jaren Hall may not have been perfect but he’s played consistently throughout the season and should have another big game. BYU will also keep the Stanford defense honest by gaining yards on the ground.

Edge: BYU

BYU defense vs. Stanford offense

The Cougars have shown some slight improvements but were still inconsistent in their last two games. It’s tough to believe that Cardinal quarterback Tanner McKee won’t make some nice throws and put some points up for his team, but can he avoid costly mistakes?

Edge: Even

Coaching

BYU head coach Kalani Sitake hasn’t been able to get the most from his team this fall, which is always his No. 1 goal. He gets one more chance in the regular season but it won’t be easy. Stanford head coach David Shaw is in his 12th year and has seen ups and downs. It’s been a tough go for the Cardinal but the win over Notre Dame shows Stanford is still dangerous.

Edge: Even

Intangibles

Stanford is at home and will have Senior Night, but the Cardinal have lost four straight (three by 25 points or more) and it’s tough to know how motivated this team will be. BYU gets one more shot at a Pac-12 opponent as an independent and certainly wants to make the most of it.

Edge: BYU

Key Matchup: The BYU defensive front vs. the Stanford offensive line

The Cougars have struggled to consistently make opposing offenses feel uncomfortable, even needing a half to start getting some pressure against Utah Tech last week. The Cardinal offensive line has also had a tough time, surrendering 36 sacks this season. If BYU can be strong at the point of attack, that will give the Cougar defense a big advantage in trying to regularly get off the field.

Edge: Even

Prediction

This will be an ugly, late-night game with neither team playing its best football. That will favor Stanford in the early going as the Cardinal will have a good first half. BYU will rally after the break but the outcome will be in doubt down the stretch. In the end, the Cougars will be just good enough to get the win.

BYU 26, Stanford 22

Newsletter

Join thousands already receiving our daily newsletter.

I'm interested in (please check all that apply)