Stanford Football: 5 Reason Why They're Much More Than Just Andrew Luck

The Stanford Cardinal are No. 7 in the AP Top 25 Poll heading into Week 7 in the college football season. Many people may think the Cardinal are a one man wrecking crew, but the team is much more than just quarterback Andrew Luck. The Cardinal take to the road this week and will face the Washington State Cougars.

Luck is said to be the consensus No. 1 pick in the upcoming 2012 NFL draft and is drawing comparisons to the NFL elite. He doesn't do it all by himself though, his teammates make him who he is. The team is 5-0 right now and looking like a National Championship contender.

It'll take an undefeated effort throughout the season and a little luck to have a chance at the National Championship trophy. The Cardinal have seven games remaining, two of which are against the Oregon Ducks and Notre Dame Fighting Irish at home near the end of the season. It'll take a flawless team effort if the Stanford Cardinal are to win it all and send Andrew Luck out with top honors.

No. 5: Head Coach David Shaw

Stanford head coach David Shaw is the first coach to begin his career with the school 5-0 since 1951.

Shaw was the right choice to succeed former head coach Jim Harbaugh after his departure last year for the NFL. The first year head coach was the offensive coordinator at Stanford under Harbaugh since 2007.

This means that Shaw has been with quarterback Andrew Luck since the beginning and the two have a common understanding of one another. Their relationship is one of many reasons for the team's success.

Shaw also graduated from Stanford which makes his devotion to his team even deeper.

No. 4: Tyler Gaffney

Junior running back Tyler Gaffney is a bulldozer in the backfield. His ability to produce positive results  is something that every team needs.

At 6'1", 216 pounds Gaffney averages 5.3 yards/carry through five games. Although he only touches the ball on average five times a game, he has a knack for the end zone. He has four touchdowns this season.

Stanford has the luxury of a power back in Gaffney and that's what every team desires. He gives the Cardinal the threat of a short yardage back.

No. 3: The Defense

The Stanford defense is better than advertised. They're only allowing 10.6 points/game through five games. Given, their opponents are a combined 10-19 through thus far, but the defense looks solid.

There are 14 players on defense with 10-plus tackles, including six players with 20-plus. A team effort is what they need and is what they get every week from their defense.

This week they'll be tested in Pullman against Washington State quarterback Marshall Lobbestael, who's 119-of-182 for 1570 yards and 15 touchdowns through five games. Compared to Stanford quarterback Andrew Luck, who's 106-of-145 with 14 touchdowns, Lobbestael doesn't look that bad. One difference is that he has been sacked 12 times compared to Luck's two.

Look for Stanford's pressure on defense on Lobbestael to be too much for the Washington State.

No. 2: Stanford's Receiving Corps Runs Deep

Led by senior wide receiver Chris Owusu, quarterback Andrew Luck has a fleet of options to choose from. Owusu has 309 yards and two touchdowns on 25 receptions this season.

Along with Owusu, the team has four other receivers with 10-plus receptions. This includes tight end Coby Fleener, who averages 21.2 yards/catch and has five touchdowns.

The fact that Luck can hit any receiver on the field at any time sure does remind fans of a few great quarterbacks of the NFL variety. His teammates have a sense that their playing with greatness and don't want to let Luck down.

No. 1: Stepfan Taylor

Junior running back Stepfan Taylor is a stud. He has 459 yards on 84 carries so far this season. Combined with Tyler Gaffney in the Stanford backfield, the team has what they need in order to keep opposing defenses honest in their attempt to stop quarterback Andrew Luck.

Taylor has five touchdowns on the season and is well on his way to double-digits in the category. With teammates like Taylor, Luck is that much more dangerous.

Andrew Luck isn't just a one man army—Stanford is a well-rounded team with everything in place and has a legitimate shot to make history.