The Stanford Cardinal had a disappointing 2014 season, and they're looking to get back to the top of the Pac-12 in 2015. With many key starters returning, Stanford looks poised to do just that, but they still have some pressing questions they need to answer:
1) Where is the defense at in its rebuilding process?
Injuries have ravaged Stanford’s defensive line, leaving defensive coordinator Lance Anderson to put together patchwork units despite the team running a 3-4. In addition to that, the only former defensive starter who practiced with the team this spring is Blake Martinez. Stanford’s going to be young and talented on D, but how the depth chart’s gonna shake out is anyone’s guess.
2) Will Kevin Hogan finally take the next step?
Hogan’s consistency and efficiency have been trademarks during his three years in Palo Alto, but there’s a feeling around the team this spring that he’s ready to make the jump from being great to being truly elite. With four massive tight ends to throw to both as primary targets and safety valves, can Hogan post a completion rate comparable to his career-high 71.7% mark in 2012? It’s plausible.
3) Is Stanford’s power running game here to stay?
This will likely come down to how the offensive line protects him, but Remound Wright has shown himself capable of bludgeoning defenses (despite a 2014 weight of just 204 pounds) in the power running game. He added seven pounds of muscle this offseason too, so there’s more of him around to make up for a missed block and pick up major yards after contact. If Wright functions as a mini bowling ball in 2015, the rest of the offense will open up considerably.
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