Here are our initial takes on tonight’s 68-24 blow-out in Stanford Stadium:
- QB Andrew Luck bounced back from his subpar throwing game last week. Tonight, Luck went 17-23 (74%) for 207 yards and 4 touchdowns. Once again, he used his legs very effectively. Luck rushed for 69 yards on 3 carries, including one 52-yard touchdown rush. Luck contributed 5 total touchdowns for the Cardinal tonight.
- The Stanford defense followed the game plan we prescribed: rattle true freshman Tanner Price and force the Demon Deacons to win on the ground against a stuffed box. Wake compiled 283 total yards, but many of them came in garbage time, during which Stanford had defensive back-ups or third-string players in the game. Tanner Price was horrendous: in 18 attempts, Price completed only 8 passes for 76 yards and 1 interception.
- Stanford didn’t just cover the spread: they easily doubled it.
- We don’t yet know the extent of Ryan Whalen’s injury, although it appeared to be something (perhaps elbow) in his right arm.
- Fellow wide receiver Chris Owusu played brilliantly in his first game back after an injury kept him from playing against Sacramento State and UCLA. Owusu only caught 3 balls for 65 yards, but he caught 2 touchdown passes. (Yes, 2/3 of his receptions were touchdowns.) If Whalen is seriously injured, Owusu will need to continue making big plays for Stanford.
- Stanford avenges its loss to Wake Forest last year. That game was a heartbreaker for Cardinal fans. This game will be an even bigger disappointment for the Demon Deacon faithful.
- Tonight was Wake Forest’s first trip to California. We’re guessing they won’t return any time soon.
- Stanford last scored 68 points 42 years ago… in 1968.
- Wake Forest joins the list of ACC teams that look terrible. The conference ought to stick to the hardwood.
- No official stats from the scorers yet, but inside linebacker Shayne Skov looked good in his return. We’ll let you know when we get official defensive statistics from tonight’s game.
- We really enjoyed talking Stanford Football with several followers on Twitter during the game. Follow us (@DailyAxe) to join the conversation and get real-time Stanford sports updates.
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