This is the Stanford offense, in its simplest form: A skilled quarterback protected by a large line with great tailbacks and receivers.
That formula has worked for the Cardinal, but here in 2022, there’s been an unwanted element in that formula, which is the injury bug.
David Shaw, head coach, announced Tuesday that Emmitt Smith’s son, tailback EJ Smith is out of the season due to an undisclosed injury to his leg. They could also be without right tackle Miles Hinton, who missed last week’s game at Washington. He was missed by quarterback Tanner McKee, who was sacked eight more times in Seattle.
When they can keep McKee upright and on his feet, he’s proven to be a very capable passer. He has six touchdowns and completes 67 per cent of his passes. McKee was picked off four times.
While they might not be 100% fit when they enter Autzen Stadium on Saturday, Oregon coach Dan Lanning believes the Cardinal presents unique challenges.
“They are certainly different. They have their own footprint. They’re a different team to prepare for in some of the packaging and personnel groups you have to get ready for,” he said. “The way they play and the style of play that they have is different. Again, they’ve had a lot of success, obviously over the last few years. We were able to hit on some of that history today (Monday) with our team and I think our guys are really familiar with the success that Stanford’s had in the past and have a lot of respect for that team.”
McKee’s favorite target in the early going has been receiver Michael Wilson. The Simi Valley, Calif., 6-foot-2, 220-pounder has 13 receptions, four of which were touchdowns. He averages 96 yards per game.
Wilson is by far targeted the most, but Stanford, to no one’s shock, has a big tight end in 6-4, 242-pound Benjamin Yurosek from Bakersfield, Calif. He was an Honorable Mention in the Pac-12 last season.
McKee can do special things if Stanford can get its offensive line in order. The Cardinal almost always manages that feat. Five of the five linemen are over 300 pounds, with Hinton being the largest at 6-7 and 320 respectively. Should he not be able to go, he’ll be replaced by Connor McLaughlin who is “only” 6-7 and 300 pounds.
Washington was taking advantage of Hinton’s absence and staying away from the other side on the line where senior left tackle Walter Rouse resides at 6-6 and 318 pounds.
The Ducks will no doubt take a look at the game film and attempt to do something similar. McKee, like every quarterback, can’t do a lot of damage if he’s laying flat on his back.
from Salem – Salem Local News https://bit.ly/3SjEwx0
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