During their much-needed bye week, Stanford’s offense isn’t just resting: they’re “dominating the details” and letting the past be the past, said junior wide receiver Caden High.
The Cardinal (2-3, 1-1 ACC) have been winless on the road this season but look toward their game against Southern Methodist University (SMU) (3-2, 1-0 ACC) this weekend in anticipation rather than apprehension. A conference win — especially one on the road — would mean more than just another tally in the win column. With a second half of the season filled with conference matchups and tough opponents, a win against the Mustangs would mark real progress and bring renewed confidence after a string of disappointing performances.
High said staying in the moment is the key to success at this stage in the season.
“We’ve been talking about mountain climbing and just keep going up and not trying to have any setbacks,” High said. “So, we’re just focused on the next game ahead of us and not focused on last week or two weeks prior.”
Their most recent game against San Jose State University (SJSU) (2-3, 1-0 MW) was a breakout game for High, who had a career-high of 110 yards, including a 34-yard fourth-down conversion. High also set up the game-winning touchdown for the Cardinal.
“I just want Stanford fans to know that my last performance wasn’t a fluke, and I’m gonna keep doing the same thing,” High said.
The performance offered the offensive spark the team had been searching for.
The Cardinal offense’s optimism and mountain-climbing mindset is increasingly important entering this weekend’s contest against a defensively impressive team. Stanford’s offense is ranked seventh in the ACC in yards per play and holds a disappointing last-place ranking in third-down conversion rates. Those numbers show what Stanford hopes to change after the bye.
In their tense matchup against SJSU, after failing to convert a short fourth down inside the Spartans’ red zone, the offense acknowledged its faults in crucial third-down and red-zone plays. High said they used the bye to focus on “not letting the moment get too big, and just staying locked in and basically capitalizing on your plays when the ball comes to you.”
The Mustangs pose a tough defensive challenge, ranking in the top half of the ACC in pass defense. As Stanford’s offense looks toward this intimidating matchup, High is sure the team will show no quit.
“As times get hard and as we get down in the games, we’re not quitters. We tend to battle back and not let plays that go against us hurt us,” High said.
That mentality, High said, defines their preparation this week. Especially amid a season without a road win, the Cardinal offense recognizes the stakes of this week’s game and used their time last week to “lock back in,” High said.
In a matchup between the ACC’s No. 5 and No. 9 seeded teams, the Cardinal is aiming for a win this week. High is optimistic that the team will improve to 2-1 in conference play.
“I think if we just go out there and do the small things right, it’ll end up in a win in the long run,” High said.