Stanford Football: Winners, Losers from Cardinal's First Month

Through a month of football, both the offense and defense have shown flashes of brilliance.

The Cardinal rank No. 4 in the USA Today coaches poll, a spot they’ve held since jumping Boise State in Week 5.

Stanford’s offense has been on of the most consistent in the country behind the best quarterback in college football (Andrew Luck) and the ground attack of Stepfan Taylor.

The defense has been the best in the Pac-12, nationally ranking No. 24 in yards allowed per game (301.7), No. 1 in run defense (36.0) and No. 5 in points per game (9.0).

With such a balanced team, it’s easy to see why so many have the Stanford Cardinal winning the first ever Pac-12 title.

Winner: Andrew Luck

This one should be pretty obvious. Luck appears to be the consensus No. 1 player to enter the NFL draft (should he choose to) and the spotlight has been firmly on him all season long.

So far in 2011, Luck has continued to be absolutely unstoppable, completing 80 of 112 passes for 1,013 yards with 11 touchdowns to just one interception. Luck has also been decent on the ground, rushing for 58 yards and a score.

No. 12 at Stanford has been a highlight reel machine the past two seasons, but in the video provided, he’s added another tool to his arsenal.

Loser: Shayne Skov

The loss of Shayne Skov just might be the most devastating injury in all of college football. After an electric start to the regular season, Skov injured his knee on a freak play that will cost him the remainder of the season.

There’s no doubt losing his presence and leadership in the middle of the defense will be a big blow. Here’s to a speedy recovery; this guy will be making a big splash on Sundays.

Winner: Chase Thomas

I wanted to make sure Thomas found his way into this slideshow, especially following Skov.

Stanford’s other star linebacker, Chase Thomas, has been nothing short of inspirational stepping up on defense for the Cardinal.

In Skov’s departure, Thomas has taken to heading up the defense, helping with player placement and play calling.

The Cardinal are lucky to have had two great linebackers, especially with their 3-4 defensive scheme.

Loser: Pass Defense

With all the new faces on defense, particularly on the front seven, it seemed more than probable that there would be at least one area of concern. The Cardinal nationally rank No. 100 in pass defense, allowing 265.7 yards a game through the air.

Also, Stanford is one of only six teams yet to record an interception. With Washington State, Washington, USC and Oregon all still remaining on the schedule, the Cardinal better shore up the secondary or they will get picked apart.

Winner: Run Defense

With all the negativity about the pass defense out of the way, make sure you realize just how good the Cardinal's run defense is. Out of 120 total FBS programs, the Cardinal rank No. 1 in total run defense, allowing just 36.0 yards per game on the ground.

Stanford has only faced one decent running team, so it is a bit unproven. I have a feeling this team will continue its strong play upfront and be the top front seven in the Pac-12.

Loser: Stepfan Taylor

Before I get a hundred angry comments, I am not criticizing the play of Stepfan Taylor. In fact, I am so impressed with how well Taylor has played that I would put him at the third-best running back in the Pac-12 behind LaMichael James (Oregon) and Chris Polk (Washington).

Taylor has had an outstanding 2011 season, carrying the ball 71 times for 401 yards and four touchdowns on the ground. The reason Taylor is on here is because he gets so overshadowed by his teammate Andrew Luck.

It’s time football fans to starting giving this man the respect he’s earned.