10 Highest-Graded Players from Stanford's Loss to No. 5 Washington

Stanford was as close as they come to pulling off an upset of No. 5 Washington

On Saturday evening in Palo Alto, the Stanford Cardinal played host to the No. 5 Washington Huskies. 

Coming into the game as nearly 28-point underdogs, many were expecting the explosive Washington offense to be too much for Stanford but the Cardinal kept it close all game. After trailing by as many as 14 points, Stanford actually had an opportunity to drive down the field and take the lead late in the fourth quarter. 

Unfortunately, a crucial fourth-down drop ended their drive, and the Huskies were able to remain undefeated. However, Stanford did get some strong performances from players on both sides of the ball. 

Here are the 10 highest-graded individual players from Stanford's loss to Texas according to Pro Football Focus (minimum of 15 snaps played).

Collin Wright (DB)

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Grade: 60.1

Wright was matched up with Washington's elite receivers all night, and his grade would likely have been better had he not fallen and given up a 92-yard touchdown. He finished the day with six tackles.

Lance Keneley (LB)

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Grade 61.2 

Kenely didn't have the biggest amount of production by any means recording just two tackles, but he clearly had an impact beyond the statsheet.  

Zahran Manley (DB)

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Grade: 62.3

Manley finished the day with two tackles, but he also had a clutch interception in the end zone that set up a potential game-winning drive. Despite Washington's elite passing attack, he only allowed three catches on eight targets for 33 yards. 

Luke Baklenko (OG)

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Grade: 66.1

Getting the start, Luke Baklenko helped provide stability on the line for Stanford. 

Jake Maikkula (OT)

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Grade: 66.5

Getting the start, Jake Maikkula played quite well as he was in all game, and had the second-highest pass-blocking grade on the team. 

Tiger Bachmeier (WR)

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Grade: 66.8 

The freshman wideout has emerged as one of Ashton Daniels' top targets, and is continuing to shine despite. He was first on the team in catches with 10, racking up 95 yards and has proven to be a great at bringing in contested catches.   

Tevarua Tafiti (LB)

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Grade: 67.6

Tevarua Tafiti was second on the team in total tackles with six, but his brightest moment of the game was the fumble he forced in the red zone. 

Elic Ayomanor (WR)

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Grade: 70.9 

Despite going down with an injury, Ayomanor racked up nine catches for a team-high 146 yards and a score. 

Alaka'i Gilman (S)

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Grade: 72.2

The only player on the defense with a grade that exceeded 70, Gilman led the team with nine total tackles and also had a pass deflection. He allowed just one catch for 10 yards, and was credited with four stops.

Ashton Daniels (QB)

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Grade: 72.7 

Ashton Daniels continues to hit his stride in Troy Taylor's offense. He threw for 367 yards and a score, but also impressed with his legs rushing for a team-high 81 yards and two scores. When he is playing as freely as he was on Saturday, the Cardinal will always have a chance.