This is an archived article that was published on sltrib.com in 2015, and information in the article may be outdated. It is provided only for personal research purposes and may not be reprinted.
(This is the fourth in a series of spring updates about Pac-12 football programs) Stanford coach David Shaw directed his disgust at himself, and he solved the problem. Shaw's frustration with his own direction of the Cardinal offense reached a tipping point in November 2014. Stanford scored only seven points in regulation in a 20-17 overtime loss to Utah, and Shaw took the blame. What followed was a recovery that included wins of 38-17 over California, 31-10 at UCLA and 45-21 over Maryland in the Foster Farms Bowl. The strong finish enabled the Cardinal to end up 8-5 overall and 5-4 in the Pac-12. The season overall represented a downturn for Stanford, but the offensive resurgence left the Cardinal feeling better. During the Pac-12 coaches teleconference at the end of spring practice, Shaw said described the self-evaluation process he went through last season. "Let's look at what we really do well and let's focus on it," he said. Going into 2015, that formula involves continued growth from quarterback Kevin Hogan and more use of running back Christian McCaffrey. Shaw acknowledged taking "a lot of flak" for not utilizing McCaffrey more last season. For example, McCaffrey rushed for 77 yards on only eight carries against Utah. But Shaw is comfortable with how he enabled McCaffrey to succeed. Hogan, meanwhile , was "so awesome all spring" that the coaching staff limited his work, giving more opportunities to younger quarterbacks. Stanford must replace eight starters from its traditionally strong defense. The Cardinal open the season Sept. 5 at Northwestern. Their Pac-12 opener is Sept. 19 at USC. Stanford skips Utah in the Pac-12 scheduling rotation in 2015 and '16 (Utah substitutes Cal and Stanford every two years). – Kurt Kragthorpe