As I sit down to analyze Stanford's 2023 football schedule, I can't help but recall that poignant quote from a recent interview: "As much as I hate it, I think it's the same story every time. We just need a little bit of help." That sentiment perfectly captures the cautious optimism surrounding Stanford football this season. Having followed this program for over a decade, I've seen both the glorious Rose Bowl runs and the frustrating seasons where potential never quite translated into consistent performance. This year's schedule presents both familiar challenges and new opportunities that could define the trajectory of the program under coach David Shaw's leadership.
The Cardinal kicks off their season on September 2nd against Hawaii at Stanford Stadium, what I consider to be one of the most picturesque venues in college football. Personally, I love these early non-conference games because they give us a chance to see new players in action before the brutal Pac-12 schedule begins. Last year's opener drew about 34,500 fans, but I'm hoping we see that number climb significantly this season. The following week brings USC to town on September 9th, and let me tell you, this is the game that could set the tone for Stanford's entire season. Facing the Trojans early is both a blessing and a curse - a strong showing could build tremendous momentum, while a poor performance might deflate the team's confidence.
Looking at the schedule, I've circled October 14th on my calendar when Stanford hosts UCLA in what I believe will be a pivotal matchup. The Bruins have had our number recently, winning three of the last four meetings, but something about this year feels different. Stanford returns 16 starters, including what I consider to be one of the most underrated quarterbacks in the conference. The middle portion of the schedule includes back-to-back road games at Oregon State and Washington, which historically have been challenging environments for visiting teams. I remember attending the 2021 game in Corvallis where Stanford barely escaped with a 31-24 victory despite being outgained in total yards.
What really stands out to me about this year's schedule is the distribution of bye weeks. Stanford gets its first break after just three games, which seems early, but could provide crucial preparation time before the heart of conference play. The second bye comes in November, perfectly positioned before the final push against Cal and Notre Dame. Speaking of the Notre Dame game on November 25th, this rivalry means everything to longtime Stanford supporters like myself. The Irish have won four of the last five meetings, but last year's 16-14 thriller proved Stanford can compete with anyone when the offense finds its rhythm.
The quote about needing "a little bit of help" resonates particularly when examining Stanford's road schedule. Traveling to face Utah on October 7th presents what I consider the toughest test of the season. The Utes have built one of the most physical programs in the conference, and Stanford's offensive line will need to be at their absolute best. I'm especially concerned about protecting against their pass rush, which recorded 38 sacks last season. Then there's the November 11th matchup at Oregon State, where Stanford hasn't won since 2019. These road games will determine whether Stanford can improve upon last year's 3-9 record.
From my perspective, the success of this season hinges on three critical factors: quarterback development, defensive consistency, and fan support. The comment about hoping "more people show up" speaks directly to the home field advantage Stanford needs to reclaim. Last season's average attendance of 36,742 represented a 12% decrease from pre-pandemic numbers, and that energy deficit was noticeable during close games. I've attended every home game for the past eight seasons, and I can attest to how much difference a packed stadium makes when the team needs that extra push in the fourth quarter.
The final stretch of games includes what I'm calling the "prove-it" portion of the schedule. Facing Cal in the Big Game on November 18th followed by Notre Dame provides Stanford with national spotlight opportunities. These rivalry games often bring out unexpected performances, and I wouldn't be surprised to see Stanford pull off an upset that changes the narrative around the program. The coaching staff has emphasized finishing strong after last season's disappointing November, where Stanford dropped three consecutive games by an average margin of 17 points.
As I reflect on the complete schedule, I'm cautiously optimistic that this could be a turnaround season. The pieces are there - experienced leadership, promising young talent, and what appears to be a more favorable schedule than recent years. But as that opening quote suggests, Stanford needs everything to come together consistently. They need that "little bit of help" from improved health, timely plays, and yes, from us fans showing up and creating the kind of atmosphere that makes Stanford Stadium a formidable place for opponents. Having witnessed both the highs and lows of Stanford football, I believe this schedule sets up nicely for a return to competitiveness, provided the team can find the scoring consistency that eluded them last season. The journey begins in September, but the foundation for success is being built right now through summer workouts and preparation.