SB Nation Bay Area - Andrew Luck, Stanford Cardinal Offense Pick Apart UCLA Bruins, Win 45-19https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/community_logos/48817/bayrea-fave.png2011-10-03T19:49:22-07:00http://bayarea.sbnation.com/rss/stream/22175622011-10-03T19:49:22-07:002011-10-03T19:49:22-07:00Stanford Leads Pac-12 In Total Defense And Scoring Defense
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<p>The <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/teams/stanford-cardinal">Stanford Cardinal</a> are known for <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/37738/andrew-luck">Andrew Luck</a> and their pass-happy offense. The recognition is rightfully deserved, but ultimately that is only one side of the ball: this season is beginning to prove that the team is a formidable defensive unit, too. According to an ESPN report, <a href="http://espn.go.com/blog/pac12/post/_/id/26882/wheres-the-defense">Stanford leads the Pac-12 in both total defense and scoring defense</a>.</p>
<p>The Cardinal rank 26<sup>th</sup> in the country in total defense, just a shade outside of the top 25 but still tops of the Pac-12. The Cal Golden Bears come in one position lower at 27<sup>th</sup> in the country, while two-thirds of the conference ranks 50<sup>th</sup> or worse.</p>
<p>Stanford begins to really set itself apart in scoring defense. The Cardinal rank sixth in the country in points allowed, well above the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/teams/utah-utes">Utah Utes</a> at 25<sup>th</sup> and every other Pac-12 team. Defense has been a low point for the conference this season as three-fourths of the Pac-12 has given up more than 24 points per game.</p>
<p>Stanford's defense has been a pleasant surprise this year and will serve as a major strength as the team pursues a national title. If the Cardinal defense can keep up their strong early showing, Luck and the offense will have an easier task ahead of them as they face strong opponents such as USC and Oregon later in the year. </p>
https://bayarea.sbnation.com/stanford-cardinal/2011/10/3/2467681/stanford-cardinal-defense-leads-andrew-luck-pac-12-defenseNikil Selvam2011-10-03T04:45:51-07:002011-10-03T04:45:51-07:00Stanford vs. UCLA: Andrew Luck Dominates Quietly
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<p><a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/37738/andrew-luck">Andrew Luck</a> had three touchdown passes and four incompletions in <a target="_blank" href="http://bayarea.sbnation.com/stanford-cardinal/2011/9/27/2453521/stanford-football-vs-ucla-andrew-luck-shayne-skov-injury-report-recap">Saturday's mauling by the Stanford Cardinal </a>of the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/teams/ucla-bruins">UCLA Bruins</a>, well on his way to an incredible 85% completion rate. Luck took three-step drops and found his receivers in the flats, on short routes, and nailed them on anything well within the intermediate. It was the closest thing you'll see to an offensive scrimmage in a college football game, as the UCLA defense could only crumble at Luck's might. (<a target="_blank" href="http://bayarea.sbnation.com/stanford-cardinal/2011/10/1/2463200/animated-andrew-luck-catch-video-stanford-vs-ucla">That catch probably took a lot out of them too</a>).</p>
<p>Luck threw only one real deep pattern, early in the third quarter on the tight end post pattern to Coby Fleener. Other than that, Luck kept everything short and manageable, exploiting mismatches and coverages well before Bruins defenders could recover. UCLA looked like they were determined to make Luck throw shallow and short and defend the deep ball, and Luck was up to the challenge. Everything was methodical and drive-sustaining, a slow death for a defense that was eventually worn down trying to prevent Luck.</p>
<p>If you're a football fan and enjoy process, nothing will please you more than these stats:</p>
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<li>15 play, 93 yard, 8 minute drive resulting in Stanford touchdown.</li>
<li>10 play, 60 yard, 5-and-a-half-plus minute drive resulting in Stanford field goal.</li>
<li>7 play, 90 yard, almost 3-and-a-half minute drive resulting in Stanford touchdown.</li>
<li>12 play, 59 yard, six-and-a-half-minute drive resulting in Stanford touchdown.</li>
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<p> </p>
<p>Luck has yet to face a real defense that can challenge his efficiency as a college football quarterback. It's uncertain if the Pac-12 will offer him any such challenge this season.</p>
<p><i><b>For more on Luck, <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ruleoftree.com">go to Rule of Tree</a>.</b></i></p>
https://bayarea.sbnation.com/stanford-cardinal/2011/10/3/2465667/stanford-vs-ucla-andrew-luckAvinash Kunnath2011-10-02T08:00:50-07:002011-10-02T08:00:50-07:00ANIMATED: Coby Fleener One-Handed TD Catch For Stanford Vs. UCLA
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<p><a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/37738/andrew-luck">Andrew Luck</a> wasn't the only <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/teams/stanford-cardinal">Stanford Cardinal</a> player <a target="_blank" href="http://bayarea.sbnation.com/stanford-cardinal/2011/10/1/2463200/animated-andrew-luck-catch-video-stanford-vs-ucla">making one-handed catches</a> on Saturday night in Palo Alto. Luck will get all the glory because "QBs don't make one handed catches. QBs don't even go out of the backfield durrr!!!", but his tight end <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/9395/coby-fleener">Coby Fleener</a> had his own personal highlight only a few plays later, and his pluck from the sky was potentially even better.</p>
<p>Check the animated photo out after the jump! If you're having trouble viewing, click the photo or check it out <a target="_blank" href="http://gif.mocksession.com/2011/10/fleener-catch/">by clicking here</a>.</p>
<p><a href="http://cdn1.sbnation.com/imported_assets/823148/FLEENER-CATCH.gif"><img alt="Fleener-catch_medium" class="photo" src="http://cdn2.sbnation.com/imported_assets/823148/FLEENER-CATCH_medium.gif"></a></p>
<p>(<a target="_blank" href="http://gif.mocksession.com/2011/10/fleener-catch/">Image courtesy of bubbaprog of Mocksession</a>)</p>
<p>Poor Dietrich Riley. He thought he was going to make a play on the ball and potentially have a shot at an interception. Instead he was left falling to the end zone as Fleener stood triumphant over him, draped in uncustomary Stanford black. Metaphors! Symbolism! Get your emails to your high school English teachers all set and ready to go!</p>
<p><i><b>For more on Stanford football,<a target="_blank" href="http://www.ruleoftree.com"> discuss the Cardinal at Rule of Tree</a>.</b></i></p>
https://bayarea.sbnation.com/stanford-cardinal/2011/10/2/2463440/animated-video-coby-fleener-catch-stanford-footballAvinash Kunnath2011-10-01T23:35:54-07:002011-10-01T23:35:54-07:00Stanford Cardinal Football Cruises To 45-19 Home Victory Over UCLA Bruins
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<p>The fourth-ranked <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/teams/stanford-cardinal">Stanford Cardinal</a> had to deal with some surprising spunk against the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/teams/ucla-bruins">UCLA Bruins</a>, but they eventually settled down and wore down the will of their opponents in the second half. Stanford scored four touchdowns on five of their second half drives and put down any faint hopes UCLA had of upset early in the fourth quarter.</p>
<p><a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/37738/andrew-luck">Andrew Luck</a> again was the key.<a target="_blank" href="http://bayarea.sbnation.com/stanford-cardinal/2011/10/1/2463200/animated-andrew-luck-catch-video-stanford-vs-ucla"> He had not only an impressive catch</a>, but threw three touchdowns and only FOUR incompletions (take that <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/35519/robert-griffin-iii">Robert Griffin III</a>!), racking up 225 passing yards on 23 completions. He spread the ball out to nine different receivers, with <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/9395/coby-fleener">Coby Fleener</a> his main target (four catches, 76 yards, two touchdowns). He also found <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/37757/chris-owusu">Chris Owusu</a> six times, plus a late touchdown score. <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/77863/stepfan-taylor">Stepfan Taylor</a> paced Stanford on the ground, racking up 112 rushing yards with only 17 carries. It was a fairly methodical offensive effort, as Stanford produced 441 yards and 27 first downs on offense.</p>
<p>The Stanford defense wasn't quite as solid in their efforts. giving up 343 yards to the Bruins and a fairly solid 5.5 yards per play. <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/77889/richard-brehaut">Richard Brehaut</a> had a solid enough performance for most of the game, piling up 202 passing yards and made two touchdown connections. He got solid support from the UCLA rushing attack, as <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/38186/johnathan-franklin">Johnathan Franklin</a> piled up 93 rushing yards on 13 carries. But the Bruins turned the ball over twice, setting up two crucial Stanford scores early, and that was the big difference.</p>
<p>Stanford now improves to 4-0 on the season. The <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/teams/colorado-buffaloes">Colorado Buffaloes</a> are next on the docket, as they come to Palo Alto next week.</p>
<p><i><b>To discuss the effort by the Stanford football team,<a target="_blank" href="http://www.ruleoftree.com"> check Rule of Tree</a>. To discuss the game with UCLA football fans, <a target="_blank" href="http://www.bruinsnation.com">go to Bruins Nation</a>. </b></i></p>
https://bayarea.sbnation.com/stanford-cardinal/2011/10/1/2463354/stanford-cardinal-football-vs-ucla-bruins-score-recapAvinash Kunnath2011-10-01T22:20:56-07:002011-10-01T22:20:56-07:00Stanford vs. UCLA Score Update: Cardinal Up 38-19 Behind Turnovers; Defense Can't Stop Bruins Offense
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<p>The <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/teams/stanford-cardinal">Stanford Cardinal</a> have to be happy that they've been gifted two turnovers. <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/77889/richard-brehaut">Richard Brehaut's</a> fumble set up an early Cardinal touchdown, and then <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/38223/taylor-embree">Taylor Embree</a> fumbled a punt at midfield to set up Stanford with an early second half scoring drive. Those have been the difference between decisive Stanford lead and close game with upset potential.</p>
<p><a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/37738/andrew-luck">Andrew Luck</a> started the third quarter by hooking up with <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/9395/coby-fleener">Coby Fleener</a> for his second touchdown on a 49 yard catch. <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/77859/tyler-gaffney">Tyler Gaffney</a> capitalized on the Embree fumble and took it up the gut for 16 yards to give Stanford a 31-13 lead.</p>
<p>The Stanford defense has had trouble stopping UCLA's offense though. Richard Brehaut marched the Bruins down the field twice on big scoring drives. UCLA has put up 8 play, 65 yard and 9 play, 56 yard drives on two methodical scoring drives to cut the lead down to 31-19 late in the first half (although <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/38214/jeff-locke">Jeff Locke</a> missed two extra points). But an unexpected UCLA onside kick set up Stanford with great field position, and the Cardinal punched it in for potentially decisive points with a <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/77863/stepfan-taylor">Stepfan Taylor</a> one yard rush. <i><b><br></b></i></p>
<p><i><b>For more on Stanford football, <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ruleoftree.com">check out Rule of Tree</a>. For more on UCLA football, <a target="_blank" href="http://www.bruinsnation.com">go to Bruins Nation</a>.</b></i></p>
https://bayarea.sbnation.com/stanford-cardinal/2011/10/1/2463315/stanford-vs-ucla-stepfan-taylor-tyler-gaffney-andrew-luck-coby-fleenerAvinash Kunnath2011-10-01T21:14:30-07:002011-10-01T21:14:30-07:00Stanford vs. UCLA Score Update: Cardinal Up 17-7 Over Bruins At Halftime
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<p>The <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/teams/stanford-cardinal">Stanford Cardinal</a> are surprisingly only up 10 points at halftime over the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/teams/ucla-bruins">UCLA Bruins</a>. <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/37738/andrew-luck">Andrew Luck</a> has thrown only two incompletions, starting the game 10 for 12 for 85 yards with<a target="_blank" href="http://bayarea.sbnation.com/stanford-cardinal/2011/10/1/2463169/stanford-vs-ucla-score-update-andrew-luck-coby-fleener-capitalize-on/in/2217562"> one touchdown throw on his first drive</a>. Fairly modest figures from the Heisman Trophy candidate, but super-efficient nonetheless. Oh, plus he's got a catch too--<a target="_blank" href="http://bayarea.sbnation.com/stanford-cardinal/2011/10/1/2463200/animated-andrew-luck-catch-video-stanford-vs-ucla">check that here</a>.</p>
<p>What should be concerning is that the Stanford defense is conceding a lot of yardage sans <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/77852/shayne-skov">Shayne Skov</a>. <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/77889/richard-brehaut">Richard Brehaut</a> has actually made some crucial throws to keep the Bruins in it, and is 9 for 14 on the game for 126 yards. He managed a crucial late first half drive and found <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/50249/joseph-fauria">Joseph Fauria</a> in the end zone to give UCLA their first touchdown of the game.</p>
<p>However, Brehaut fumbled the ball in UCLA territory on a <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/37760/chase-thomas">Chase Thomas</a> sack and recovery, and <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/77863/stepfan-taylor">Stepfan Taylor</a> eventually punched it in for Stanford's second touchdown of the game. Another big Taylor rush (now with 77 rushing yards on 11 carries) set up a <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/113790/jordan-williamson">Jordan Williamson</a> field goal to give Stanford an early 17-0 lead before UCLA eventually got their first score.</p>
<p><i><b>To discuss the game with Stanford fans,<a target="_blank" href="http://www.ruleoftree.com"> head to Rule of Tree</a>. To talk things over with UCLA fans, <a target="_blank" href="http://www.bruinsnation.com">see Bruins Nation</a>.</b></i></p>
https://bayarea.sbnation.com/stanford-cardinal/2011/10/1/2463248/stanford-vs-ucla-score-update-cardinal-up-17-7-over-bruins-at-halftimeAvinash Kunnath2011-10-01T20:43:53-07:002011-10-01T20:43:53-07:00ANIMATED: Andrew Luck One-Handed Catch For Stanford Vs. UCLA
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<p>I imagine an iteration of this conversation occurred before today's Stanford-UCLA game.</p>
<p><a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/37738/andrew-luck">Andrew Luck</a>: Hey Drew, why don't we design a play for me to catch the ball?</p>
<p><a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/77850/drew-terrell">Drew Terrell</a>: You think so?<br><br>Luck: Yeah, sure, it'll be fun! It's not like we're in danger if something goes wrong.</p>
<p>Terrell: Would coach get mad if we did something like that?</p>
<p>Luck: Take a look at who we're playing.</p>
<p>Terrell: Oh, yeah. Won't be a problem.</p>
<p>This is what resulted <b>(If having trouble viewing the image, click on it to view, <a target="_blank" href="http://gif.mocksession.com/2011/10/luck-catch/">or click here</a></b><b>).</b></p>
<p><a href="http://cdn0.sbnation.com/imported_assets/823028/LUCK-CATCH.gif"><img alt="Luck-catch_medium" class="photo" src="http://cdn1.sbnation.com/imported_assets/823028/LUCK-CATCH_medium.gif"> <br></a></p>
<p>(<a target="_blank" href="http://twitter.com/#!/bubbaprog/status/120337201631469568">HT Timothy Burke of Mocksession</a>)</p>
<p>Of course, Terrell nearly caused a national incident when he overthrew Luck, forcing the QB to stretch for the ball. If Luck was made of human elements like carbon, he'd probably have sprained something in his knee and the Cardinal's national title hopes would be buried somewhere deep. But for that bearded android who's pretty perfect at playing football, it wasn't a big deal at all.</p>
<p><i><b>For more on Stanford football, <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ruleoftree.com">head to Rule of Tree</a>.</b></i></p>
https://bayarea.sbnation.com/stanford-cardinal/2011/10/1/2463200/animated-andrew-luck-catch-video-stanford-vs-uclaAvinash Kunnath2011-10-01T20:21:55-07:002011-10-01T20:21:55-07:00Stanford vs. UCLA Score Update: Andrew Luck & Coby Fleener Capitalize On Goal-Line Stand, Cardinal Lead 7-0
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<p>The <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/teams/ucla-bruins">UCLA Bruins</a> actually came out and looked competent offensively on their opening drive. They managed to drive the ball down the field on their opening drive. <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/77889/richard-brehaut">Richard Brehaut</a> connected with Shaquelle Evans for 16 yards and 10 yards, then found <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/113870/jordon-james">Jordon James</a> for 21 yards and <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/38224/nelson-rosario">Nelson Rosario</a> for 13 yards to set up first and goal at the four. But UCLA could not punch it in, as James, <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/38186/johnathan-franklin">Johnathan Franklin</a>, <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/38203/derrick-coleman">Derrick Coleman</a> and Brehaut were all stuffed on successive downs.</p>
<p>Stanford took over from their own seven yard line, and then went to it. Luck connected with <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/77878/zach-ertz">Zach Ertz</a> for 17 yards, <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/37757/chris-owusu">Chris Owusu</a> for 13 and 8 yards, and <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/9395/coby-fleener">Coby Fleener</a> for 8 yards. Then Luck caught his own pass that you'll probably be seeing on SportsCenter. Add in a few <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/77863/stepfan-taylor">Stepfan Taylor</a> rushes, and Luck found Coby Fleener to give the Cardinal the early lead after one quarter.<i><b><br></b></i></p>
<p><i><b>For more on UCLA football, <a target="_blank" href="http://www.bruinsnation.com">head to Bruins Nation</a>. For more on Stanford football, <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ruleoftree.com">head to Rule of Tree</a>. </b></i></p>
https://bayarea.sbnation.com/stanford-cardinal/2011/10/1/2463169/stanford-vs-ucla-score-update-andrew-luck-coby-fleener-capitalize-onAvinash Kunnath