Predicting Stanford's Second Half

by Scott Allen on Oct 18, 2025 10:59 AM PDT

Before taking a more in-depth look ahead to Washington State, here is one Stanford fan's totally meaningless predictions for how the second half of the season will shake out.

WASHINGTON STATE
Prediction: Win
Confidence Level: High
Comment: The Cougars have looked better in recent weeks, putting up a fight for a half against Oregon and staying within striking distance of Arizona for much of the game. Still, the Cardinal should have a field day against the nation's worst defense on Homecoming.

at WASHINGTON
Prediction: Win
Confidence Level: Low
Comment: This was supposed to be a showdown between Heisman hopefuls, but only Andrew Luck remains in serious contention. While Jake Locker's campaign was derailed with a 4-for-20 performance against Nebraska in September, he threw five touchdowns in Saturday's 35-34 win over Oregon State and looked very impressive in Washington's 32-31 win over USC two weeks earlier. I like Luck's chances to assert himself as the better NFL prospect and for Stanford to win in Seattle for a third straight time, but I think it will be a close one.

ARIZONA
Prediction: Win
Confidence Level: Medium
Comment: The confidence level for this one could shoot to high depending on the status of Arizona starting quarterback Nick Foles, who dislocated his kneecap against Washington State and is expected to miss at least 2-3 weeks. Foles torched the Cardinal last season in Tucson, passing for 415 yards and three touchdowns. Whether or not Foles plays, the Wildcats' defense will provide Luck his toughest test to date.

at ARIZONA STATE
Prediction: Loss
Confidence Level: Low
Comment: As of now, this is the game that concerns me more than any other in the second half of the season. To understand why, consider the Sun Devils' three losses. The first came by one point at Wisconsin, which just upset then-No. 1 Ohio State, and the difference was a blocked extra point in the fourth quarter. The second was by 11 points to Oregon. No shame in that. The third came two weeks ago, a 31-28 setback at Oregon State. Quarterback Steven Threet leads one of the best passing offenses in the country, while the ASU defense has been solid. My feelings about this game could change after Arizona State's visit to Cal on Saturday. Today, I think Tempe spells trouble.

at CALIFORNIA
Prediction: Win
Confidence Level: Medium
Comment: Big Game generally inspires about as much confidence in this Stanford fan as a Jeff Tedford-led trip to the Coliseum does Cal supporters, but the Bears looked awful against USC and that loss to Nevada is looking worse after the Wolf Pack lost at Hawaii. Of course, none of that matters come November 20. Expect the confidence level to slide closer to zero as the game approaches, but the prediction to remain the same.

OREGON STATE
Prediction: Win
Confidence Level: High
Comment: Any team with Jacquizz Rodgers has a chance, but quarterback Ryan Katz and the Beavers miss Rodgers' brother, James, who was lost for the season with a knee injury. This game comes during a difficult stretch for Oregon State--one week after a visit from USC and one week before the Ducks travel to Corvallis for the Civil War. I expect Stanford to cap an undefeated season at home with a comfortable win.

Projected Final Record: 10-2

Am I crazy for thinking the Cardinal could falter in the desert, or too generous for only predicting one loss in the second half? Let me know in the comments.

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Read More: Nick Foles (QB - Arizona), Andrew Luck (QB - Stanford), Stanford Cardinal, Washington St. Cougars at Stanford Cardinal, Oct 23, 2025 2:00 PM PDT

Comments

The margin of error is very small

That is the lesson of the USC game. Until we get a pass rush that permits the secondary to have a better chance, we will be forced to outscore everybody. I have faith that we can do that most of the time, but it is unlikely we can do that always. I fear more last second games like USC. Add to that, except for maybe WSU, none of our opponents are really outclassed.

by Gus Zernial on Oct 18, 2025 12:56 PM PDT reply actions

10-2 would be amazing...

The Card would be very fortunate to finish with that kind of a record. There are a number of bad match-ups in the back half or the schedule (Arizona, Cal and Oregon St. come to mind). Realistically, I’d be happy with 8-4 or 9-3. Anything better would be awesome, a true tribute to the team’s ability to maintain focus.

by RickeySteals on Oct 18, 2025 4:57 PM PDT reply actions

I think there’s a real chance the Cardinal runs the table… I’m not too worried about Washington because I think Stanford’s D is physical enough at this point to really hammer Locker. ASU… we’ll see how they do against Cal.

Biggest test, as I see it, will be the season finale against OSU. That’s a team that always gets better as the year goes along, and this year the Cardinal were unlucky enough to have to play them in the final week. Luckily, we won’t be seeing one of the Rodgers brothers, as Scott mentioned, but Jacquizz is plenty good enough to get the job done on his own. That’s the game that scares me the most, definitely.

And never count out the Bears. Given how poorly they’re season has gone, they’re going to pour all their emotions into Big Game to salvage some pride and keep the Axe. I’m sure Stanford won’t be overlooking Cal, since it’s a rivalry game, but in Berkeley that one makes me a little nervous, too.

The good news is, as long as everyone stays mostly healthy, we’ve got the offense to keep up with anyone in the conference.

Idolizing Robb Nen since 2002...

by Smoke on the Water on Oct 18, 2025 7:31 PM PDT reply actions

I think its pretty simple.......

win out and go to a BCS game……….I only see Cal as a possible stumbling block (because well……whenever I think Stanford is going to beat Cal they lose, and when I think they will lose they win.)

Arizona is iffy only if for the fact that Foles is a question mark………if he plays it’s a possible loss, if he doesnt they (Cardinal) should win.

Win out and lets go to a BCS game!

"Oh man, moral victories and pulling confidence from losses, that's crap" -Marcus Stroud

by norcaliangelsfan on Oct 20, 2025 12:46 PM PDT reply actions