CardinalReport.com - Stanford vs. Arizona Matchup Analysis

October 16, 2009

Rick Jones
CardinalReport.com Publisher

The Stanford Cardinal travel to Tuscon for a key Pac-10 tilt. Stanford is looking to rebound from a tough loss to Oregon State, while the Wildcats are looking to put last week's improbable loss behind them. In our comprehensive pregame breakdown of the season, CardinalReport takes a detailed look at the key units of Saturday's game. We take a look at the offense, defense and special teams.

STANFORD CARDINAL	EDGE	ARIZONA WILDCATS
SECONDARY		PASSING ATTACK
Coach Harbaugh has promised changes in the Cardinal secondary and we could see any number of combinations on Saturday. Safety Delano Howell is nursing a sore quad. The Stanford defense has only three interceptions all year.		Arizona quarterback Nick Foles has been a great job in his first two starts, both on the road. He has distributed the ball to many receivers and the Wildcat coaches have done a good job of playing to his strengths. Foles threw for 384 yards last week.
LINEBACKERS		GROUND ATTACK
This is a much beleaguered unit for Stanford. Clinton Snyder remains a rock in the middle, but the unit as a whole has not made the impact needed. Shayne Skov played extensively in the second half versus OSU and could see his first start in place of dinged-up Chike Amajoyi.		A trio of RB's has powered the Wildcat running game. Nic Grigsby is slowed by a sore shoulder and only has six carries the last two weeks. Keola Antolin and Greg Nwoko have picked up the slack. Despite a season average of 194, Arizona has averaged 120 ypg in last three games.
DEFENSIVE LINE		OFFENSIVE LINE
The M.A.S.H. unit of the Cardinal defense with two starters, Lorig and Masifilo, out. Sione Fua and Ekom Udofia have played well, but depth will be an issue in the Arizona heat. Coaches may use Powers at DE and Keiser at DT for help.		The Wildcats offensive line likely represents the biggest group Stanford will face all year. The group boasts four lineman over 300 pounds, center Colin Baxter is the lightweight at 295. The unit has allowed only four sacks on the season.
PASSING ATTACK		SECONDARY
After an 0-5 start, including a sure TD drop, Andrew Luck rebounded to throw for 226 yards and two touchdowns last week. Chris Owusu has been quiet recently and the Cardinal have yet to develop a third wide receiver threat. But Luck has progressed each week.		Harbaugh believes the Arizona secondary is the best the Cardinal have faced in 2009. CB Trevin Wade has four interceptions and four passed defended. Fellow corner Devin Ross is second on the team in tackles with 32. AU allowed 5 passing TD in the last two games.
GROUND ATTACK		LINEBACKERS
Falling behind 21-0, Stanford was forced to the air last week. Gerhart finished with 97 yards and the Cardinal only rushed for 149 yards total. The Cardinal remain the 13th best rushing team in the nation. For the Cardinal to be victorious Gerhart will need 120 plus yards.		The Wildcat linebackers are led by middle linebacker Vuna Tuihalamaka, who leads the team with 35 tackles. Arizona has yielded an average of 117 yards rushing in their last three games and allowed six rushing touchdowns in the same span. Stanford will test this unit.
OFFENSIVE LINE		DEFENSIVE LINE
This unit remains the strength of the Cardinal football team. The lines newly found depth and 'Giant' formation will help combat the Arizona heat. Tackle Allen Smith looks to make his first start since September 2007.		The Wildcat defensive line is banged up. Defensive tackle Earl Mitchell (concussion) and ends Brooks Reed (ankle) and D'Aundre Reed (hand) are questionable. End Ricky Elmore has shined in 2009, with 22 tackles and 4.5 sacks for the year. Stanford will test this unit.
SPECIAL TEAMS		SPECIAL TEAMS
Stanford remains atop the conference in kick-off returns and is the leader in kick-off coverage as well. The Cardinal used dueling punters vs. OSU and may do the same this week. Richard Sherman's job as punt returner was on the line in practice and freshman Terrell will got a chance.		Arizona is 8th in the conference in kick-off coverage and Stanford will look to exploit that. Kicker Alex Zendejas is 9-for-11 on field goals with a long of only 37 yards. Arizona has only 3 punt returns for -1 yards in 2009.