Previewing Stanford’s 2023 schedule – Sports Illustrated All Cardinal News, Analysis and More

New Games [email protected] 19 Jan , 2023 0

Following the close of the college football season there are a handful of days that give college football fans their fix.

There is of course early signing day, transfer portal craziness, and all of the NFL Draft buzz, but one thing that is commonly overlooked in terms of how much excitement it brings to the fans, is the releasing of the next season’s schedule. It allows people to plan what games they want to attend, and also leads to some predicting wins and losses without even knowing the finalized rosters.

Regardless of why it brings you joy, that day finally came as the Pac-12 schools all had their schedules announced on Wednesday. Let’s take a look at Stanford’s official 2023 schedule.

Week 1 (9/1) @ Hawai’i

Hawai'i quarterback Brayden Schager throws a pass during the NMSU football game against Hawai'i on Saturday, Sept. 24, 2022, at the Aggie Memorial Stadium. Nmsu V Hawaii — Meg Potter/Sun-News / USA TODAY NETWORK

The Cardinal get to start the season and Troy Taylor era in the Aloha State, where they will be facing a Hawai’i team that struggled mightily this season. This will mark the first time that we see all of the new starters, exciting new offensive scheme, and also marks a prime opportunity for Stanford to end their losing streak which is currently at five.

Week 2 (9/9) @ USC

Sep 10, 2022; Stanford, California, USA; USC Trojans quarterback Caleb Williams (13) throws the ball on the run during the third quarter against the Stanford Cardinal at Stanford Stadium. — Stan Szeto-USA TODAY Sports

This could very well be the final time that Stanford travels to the Coliseum in a while, considering USC is off to the Big Ten the following year. The Cardinal will have a quick turnaround after facing Hawai’i, with USC likely starting the season ranked in the top-5.

Week 3 (9/16) vs. Sacramento State

Berkeley, California, USA; Sacramento State Hornets quarterback Jake Dunniway (12) during the first quarter against the California Golden Bears at FTX Field at California Memorial Stadium. — Darren Yamashita-USA TODAY Sports

In a game that I am deeming the Troy Taylor bowl, Stanford’s first home game of the season comes against Taylor’s former school. This will be Cardinal fans first chance to watch the new era of Stanford football football.

Week 4 (9/23) vs. Arizona `

Arizona Wildcats wide receiver Jacob Cowing (2) scores a touchdown against the San Diego State Aztecs during the first half at Snapdragon Stadium — Orlando Ramirez-USA TODAY Sports

Stanford starts the season with two away games, but then get to play at the comfort of home for the next three. Arizona took a major step this past season, and likely will be a tough matchup for the Cardinal.

Week 5 (9/30) vs. Oregon

Oregon head coach Dan Lanning takes to the field with his team as the No. 9 Oregon Ducks take on the No. 21 Oregon State Beavers at Reser Stadium in Corvallis, Ore. Saturday, Nov. 26, 2022. Ncaa Football Uo Vs Osu Rivalry Game University Of Oregon At Oregon State — Ben Lonergan/The Register-Guard / USA TODAY NETWORK

The Cardinal will be facing off against yet another top-15 team if not higher, but this time they will be doing so at home. Oregon gave the Cardinal their most embarrassing loss this past season, so revenge will likely be on their mind.

(10/7) Bye

Stanford Cardinal players huddle before the start of the game against the California Golden Bears at Stanford Stadium. — Stan Szeto-USA TODAY Sports

A much later bye week next season for Stanford, who had a Week 2 bye this past season after beating up Colgate.

Week 7 (10/13) @ Colorado

Dec 4, 2022; Boulder, CO, USA; Colorado Buffaloes head coach Deion Sanders during a press conference at the Arrow Touchdown Club. — Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports

We don’t know for certain how good this Colorado team will be next season. They were the worst team in the Pac-12 this past season, but that was before Deion took the job and Sanders brought in one of the best transfer classes in the country.

Week 8 (10/21) vs. UCLA

UCLA Bruins head coach Chip Kelly in the first half against the Southern California Trojans at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. — Richard Mackson-USA TODAY Sports

Unlike this brutal past season, Stanford gets to host all of the top teams in the conference rather than being on the road. UCLA lost some key players, but have hit the portal hard and also snagged a top rated quarterback commit.

Week 9 (10/28) vs. Washington

Sep 3, 2022; Seattle, Washington, USA; Washington Huskies quarterback Michael Penix Jr. (9) passes against the Kent State Golden Flashes during the first quarter at Alaska Airlines Field at Husky Stadium — Joe Nicholson-USA TODAY Sports

Washington returns a ton of fire power and will probably be somewhere in the top-15 by the time this matchup rolls around. Unlike last season, Stanford will have the offensive scheme to at least make an effort to keep up should the Huskies be as electric as they were this past season.

Week 10 (11/4) @ Washington State

Washington State Cougars quarterback Cameron Ward (1) scrambles with the football under pressure from Wisconsin Badgers linebacker Nick Herbig (19) during the fourth quarter at Camp Randall Stadium. — Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports

By this point of the season this past year, Stanford was extremely depleted and was absolutely embarrassed by Washington State. The Cougars, should they improve, could be a ranked team next season. They ran all over the Cardinal, and were likely one of the finishing touches on the David Shaw era.

Week 11 (11/11) @ Oregon State

Stanford Cardinal running back Casey Filkins (2, center) scores a touchdown against Oregon State Beavers linebacker Easton Mascarenas-Arnold (55) during the first quarter at Stanford Stadium. — Darren Yamashita-USA TODAY Sports

Stanford lost in devastating fashion to the Beavers this past season, and while the Beavers ended up being the No. 15 team in the country, Stanford had that game won. In 2023, Oregon State is a sleeper team to win the conference and will be another tough test for the Cardinal.

Week 12 (11/18) vs. Cal

California Golden Bears head coach Justin Wilcox stands on the field with crutches before the game against the Sacramento State Hornets at FTX Field at California Memorial Stadium. — Darren Yamashita-USA TODAY Sports

Stanford plays their two biggest rivals in the final two weeks of the season, with The Big Game being at home this time around. This is also a reunion for Troy Taylor, who played quarterback at Cal.

Week 13 (11/25) vs. Notre Dame

Stanford defensive back Kyu Blu Kelly (17) and Stanford safety Patrick Fields (24) celebrate during the Notre Dame vs. Stanford NCAA football game Saturday, Oct. 15, 2022 at Notre Dame Stadium in South Bend — Michael Caterina / USA TODAY NETWORK

Stanford’s season finale of the first year under Troy Taylor will come up against Notre Dame, who from the outside looking in seem like they will be playing some extremely important football with playoff aspirations.

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