Stanford Cardinal Begin Season at Home Against the Denver Pioneers

10/14/2023

Pioneers vs. Cardinal

SALT LAKE CITY - The Stanford Cardinal will begin their 2023 season at home against the Denver Pioneers on Friday, August 25. The game will be played at Stanford Stadium and will start at 7:30 p.m. MT. The Cardinal are coming off a 9-4 season in 2022, which included a victory in the Sun Bowl over the Arizona Wildcats. Stanford returns several key players from last year's team, including quarterback Tanner McKee, running back E.J. Smith, and wide receiver Elijah Higgins. The Pioneers are coming off a 6-6 season in 2022. Denver returns several key players from last year's team, including quarterback Jack Plummer, running back Ethan Good, and wide receiver J.T. Shrout. The game between Stanford and Denver will be a rematch of last year's game, which Stanford won 31-28. The Cardinal have won the last two meetings between the two teams. The Cardinal are a 14-point favorite in the game.

Key Matchups

* Stanford's offense vs. Denver's defense: The Cardinal have one of the most experienced offenses in the country, led by McKee, Smith, and Higgins. The Pioneers defense will need to be able to generate pressure on McKee and force him into making mistakes. * Denver's offense vs. Stanford's defense: The Pioneers have a talented offense, led by Plummer, Good, and Shrout. The Cardinal defense will need to be able to stop the run and force Denver into passing situations. * Special teams: Both teams have experienced special teams units. The game could be decided by a big play on special teams.

Prediction

The Cardinal are the more experienced team and they have a better overall roster. They should be able to beat the Pioneers at home. **Stanford 31, Denver 24**