Four takeaways from Stanford's Stunning Loss To Sacramento State

Troy Taylor and Stanford suffered a devastating loss to Sacramento State

Troy Taylor and Stanford had a rough go at it in facing his former program, as Stanford had a chance to blow Sacramento State out of the water in the first half and ended up losing the game.

The loss was one that while many fans are upset about it, was very likely when you consider the circumstances that both programs are in. The Hornets program that Taylor led to three FCS Playoff appearances came in as the No. 6 team in the recent FCS Coaches Poll, while Stanford is fielding the most inexperienced roster in the Power 5. 

Sergio Estrada-USA TODAY Sports

While the loss was not only painful and preventable, there are still things that can be learned from it as the program moves forward. Here are my four biggest takeaways from Stanford's loss to Sacramento State, which was their first loss to an FCS program since 2005. 

---

Sergio Estrada-USA TODAY Sports

The Offensive Line Is The Weak Link 

There have been frustrations with the quarterbacks, running game, and the play calling already but the biggest issue this team has is the offensive line. Both Ashton Daniels and Justin Lamson were running for their lives, as the line gave up four sacks and eight quarterback hits. It felt as if the quarterbacks had one second before they were under duress, and this is of course due to the fact the unit is so inexperienced. A lot of the issues this team has, stems from the fact that the majority of them haven't played and it shows. Sacramento State was living in the backfield. 

---

 

Matt Cashore-USA TODAY Sports

Joshua Karty is still their most reliable offensive weapon 

Last season Stanford's kicker Joshua Karty was the most consistent offense the team had and due to the fact that the offensive line has been the cause of a ton of drive-killing moments, that remains true. Karty was 3-of-3 and put Stanford in a position to tie and win the game. He was their only source of points in the second half, and the theory of getting the ball past midfield to set him up is still accurate; it will lead to points. The most reliable should be tight end Benjamin Yurosek, but the issues with the line and quarterbacks make that difficult. He had no catches in the loss. 

---

Sergio Estrada-USA TODAY Sports

Dual-threat quarterbacks terrorize this defense 

When it comes to stopping quarterbacks who are able to elongate plays with their feet, this defense immediately folds. USC's Caleb Williams didn't take off and run a lot because he typically looks to throw it down field, but he still showed just how many issues this defense has when pursuing mobile quarterbacks. After recording five sacks against Hawaii, Stanford's defense has had 0 sacks in their last two games. Against Sacramento State alone, they only registered one quarterback hit. Kaiden Bennet feasted with his legs, racking up 100 yards and a touchdown for the Hornets and constantly extending plays like the one that ended in what was the dagger touchdown. Whether it is spying on the quarterback more, or improving efforts when it comes to contain the pocket something needs to change. Stanford has Jaden de Laura, Bo Nix, and Sheduer Sanders up next and all three can extend plays. 

---

Sergio Estrada-USA TODAY Sports

A change at quarterback feels necessary 

Ashton Daniels looked great against Hawaii, as he was pushing the ball downfield and making all of the right reads. However, over the past two games, his night has ended prematurely with Taylor turning to Justin Lamson. Granted Daniels was hurt against USC, but he appeared to be playing his way to the bench regardless. In the two losses, he is 6-of-15 with one touchdown and two interceptions with eight carries for 29 yards. His interception in the first half up 14-3 really changed the trajectory of the game as he forced a pass into the end zone and gave Sacramento State life.

When Lamson comes in, he has more instances of moving the ball downfield and is more of a playmaker with his legs. Granted he did overthrow Bryce Farrell on what would have been a clutch touchdown and followed it up with an interception, but he seems more equipped to play given the circumstances with the line. In his two showings, he has completed 15-of-35 passes for 259 yards and a pick. The line failed him miserably in the second half of this game as he was sacked five times, but still made plays with his feet. He has 25 carries for 39 yards and a score. If he can start hitting on more of his deep throws, Stanford would be in much better shape. It may also be worth seeing Ari Patu who has been relegated to holding a clipboard during the game, but realistically Daniels' time as the starter may be done.