Cardinal vs. Huskies: 4 Halftime Adjustments Stanford Needs to Make

In a high-octane battle of two of the Pac-12’s best, the Cardinal is leading the Huskies 38-14 heading into the half. While Andrew Luck and company have lived up to their reputation thus far, there are a few things they can tweak for the second half. 

1. Beware of Chris Polk

Keith Price has a lot of legitimate wide receiver and tight end options, but Chris Polk is easily the Huskies’ most dangerous weapon outside of their star quarterback. The Cardinal did a good job stuffing the Pac-12’s second best running back before Polk broke out for a two huge TD runs. If that trend continues, more opportunities will open up for Price and his dangerous downfield targets.

 2. Keep going to Gaffney

Stepfan Taylor has had great games the past few weeks, but the emergence of back-up Tyler Gaffney cannot be ignored. After two 20-plus yard rushes, Brian Shaw needs to continue mixing up the ground game with a Taylor-Gaffney combo. It doesn’t hurt to give Andrew Luck a breather… once in awhile at least.

3. Find Fleener

Andrew Luck’s favorite target this season has a touchdown in the game, but that being his only reception (for only one yard) is a bit alarming. The Heisman favorite is spreading the ball around nicely, but should look to get Coby Fleener involved so he can rely on him if the game gets closer.

4. Stay away from the loft pass

What is Luck doing lofting the ball to Zach Ertz on third and short? There is no reason to go for a finesse move like that when the quarterback is finding his targets on almost every bullet pass. A quick handoff also would have worked.