Tempo can cause issues for defense: For much of the first half, the Washington offense struggled to find any rhythm. That changed on its last drive when it took its already fast tempo to another speed. The break-neck pace led to an easy, three-minute, 22-second touchdown drive, and there was more of the same in the second half. Washington's three second-half touchdown drives all took less than 3:21 and two were in 90 seconds or less.
Power lacking?: RBs Tyler Gaffney and Anthony Wilkerson, along with QB Kevin Hogan, combined to average 3.8 yards a carry against Washington. The mediocrity didn't appear to be a result of poor running by that trio, either. There simply weren't many holes for the Stanford running game to take advantage of. Washington defensive coordinator Justin Wilcox lived up to his billing as one of the brightest defensive coaches in the country.
Hogan struggles, Stanford still wins: A year ago, QB Josh Nunes struggled in Stanford's loss to Washington, which didn't feature an offensive touchdown for the Cardinal. On Saturday, Stanford again got subpar play from its quarterback (Hogan finished 12-of-20 for 100 yards with a touchdown and a pick), but still managed to win. That wouldn't have happened last season, and that's the biggest difference between then and now.
