5 Stanford Cardinal Betting Predictions for 2016

5 Stanford Cardinal Betting Predictions for 2016

Written by on August 18, 2016

If you want to know all about the Stanford Cardinal as they get set for the start of the quickly approaching 2016 college football regular season, then you’ve come to the right place! Thanks to the five fearless predictions you’re about the get on the Cardinals, you’re going to have a great idea of just what to expect out of the Pac-12 title hopefuls. Okay, let’s get started with this college football betting prediction.

Let’s Take a Look at these 5 Stanford Cardinal Betting Predictions for 2016


Who’s the New Starting Quarterback?

With the graduation of longtime starting quarterback Kevin Hogan, head coach David Shaw will have to choose between junior Keller Chryst and senior Ryan Burns. While David Shaw isn’t prepared to name his starting quarterback right now, I’ll be completely shocked if it isn’t Keller Chryst.

Chryst is younger and probably has a bigger upside at this point in his career than Burns and would give Shaw a two-year window while Burns will be done after the upcoming 2016 campaign.

Chryst has plenty of poise for a young quarterback and an elite running back that he can lean on early and often while easing his transition to starter. Ryan Burns has looked good this spring, but just not good enough to lay claim to the starting spot over a younger player with more potential. Keller Chryst wins Stanford’s quarterback battle!

Christian McCaffery for the Heisman

Will gifted hybrid running back/wide receiver/kick returner Christian McCaffrey win the Heisman Trophy in 2016 after finishing second a year ago? My answer is an unequivocal ‘yes’!

I believe McCaffery is the best all-around football player in college football today and his 2015 season backs that claim up despite the fact that former Alabama running back Derek Henry won last season’s Heisman.

The son of former NFL star Ed McCaffery set the NCAA single-season all-purpose record last season with 3,864 total yards, including a school-record 2,109 rushing yards. If McCaffery doesn’t win the Heisman this coming season…I’ll be stunned!

All-American defender?

With McCaffery on offense, the question is, do the Cardinal have an All-American candidate on defense? Yes, they do! Defensive lineman Solomon Thomas had 10.5 tackles for a loss last season, but that’s not important to me. What is important is the fact that the 6-3, 256-pound defensive end is an absolute monster that can’t be blocked by one player. Thomas was an All-Pac- 12 honorable mention s a sophomore last season after recording 39 tackles, 3.5 sacks and two fumble recoveries.

Top 10 Defense?

Stanford finished 43rd in total defense last season (368.2 ypg) and 32nd in points allowed (22.5 ppg) and those re figures I’m expecting the Cardinal to finish close to in 2016. The Cardinal won’t be a Top 10 defensive monster like I expect out of Alabama, Iowa and Northwestern, but a top 50 finish sounds about right!

ATS Success?

Stanford recorded a stellar 10-4 ATS record in 2015 and have compiled a robust 38-18 ATS mark in their last 56 home games overall. With the Cardinal going boosting 49-24- 1 ATS in their last 74 games overall, I think another bankroll-boosting campaign is in order for the Cardinal in 2016.