As I sit down to analyze Stanford's 2023 football schedule, I can't help but feel that familiar mix of anticipation and nervous energy that comes every preseason. Having followed Cardinal football for over a decade, I've learned that the schedule often tells a story before the first snap even happens. This year's lineup presents both tremendous opportunities and significant challenges that could define the team's trajectory for years to come.
Looking at the calendar, what immediately strikes me is the brutal opening stretch. Stanford kicks off against Hawaii on August 26th, which feels like both a blessing and a curse. On one hand, it's a relatively manageable opponent to work out early-season kinks. On the other, it gives the team less time to prepare for what comes next. Personally, I'd have preferred a later start given all the new faces on both sides of the ball. The following week brings us to what I consider the first real test: USC at home. Let's be honest here - facing the Trojans early is terrifying given their offensive firepower, but there's something to be said for catching them before they fully hit their stride. I've circled September 16th on my calendar - that's when we host Sacramento State, and while some might dismiss it as an easy win, I've seen too many FCS upset scares to take anything for granted.
The middle portion of the schedule is where things get particularly fascinating. Starting with Arizona on September 23rd begins a stretch of six conference games that will likely determine whether this season is successful or disappointing. What reminds me of that reference about momentum shifts in volleyball is how quickly fortunes can change during this critical period. Just like how Reg Jurado's team overturned an 8-4 deficit with a 9-4 counter and 5-1 blitz to force sudden death, football games - and seasons - can turn on a handful of plays. I've witnessed Stanford teams that looked dead in the water suddenly string together victories that nobody saw coming. The October 7th matchup at Oregon State stands out to me as a potential turning point - Reser Stadium has become one of the toughest venues in the conference, and how the Cardinal handles that environment will tell us a lot about this team's character.
November brings the traditional rivalry games that always get my blood pumping. The Big Game against Cal on November 18th is particularly intriguing this year because of where it falls in the schedule. By that point, both teams will have their identities firmly established, and rivalry games often defy logic anyway. I'll never forget watching that 2019 comeback where Stanford erased a 10-point fourth-quarter deficit - it's those moments that make college football special. The Notre Dame matchup on November 25th closes the regular season, and frankly, there's no better way to end than testing yourself against one of the nation's premier programs.
What really stands out to me about this schedule is the distribution of home versus away games. We get USC, UCLA, and Washington all at Stanford Stadium, which is huge. Having witnessed the impact of home-field advantage during night games, I'd argue this gives Stanford a legitimate chance in contests that might otherwise seem daunting. The road slate is challenging but manageable - trips to Oregon and Washington State will be tough, but I've seen this program win in more difficult circumstances.
From a strategic perspective, the bye weeks fall at reasonable points, particularly the one between Colorado and Washington. Coach Taylor will need that extra time to prepare for what might be the most physically demanding game on the schedule. If I'm being completely honest, I'd prefer another bye later in the season, but the calendar doesn't always cooperate. The sequencing of opponents creates natural momentum opportunities if the team can build early confidence. Starting with two of the first three at home provides a cushion before the tougher road tests.
Having followed Stanford football through multiple coaching transitions, what excites me most about this schedule is the opportunity to measure progress. The program has been in something of a rebuilding phase, and these games against established powers will show us exactly how far we've come. I'm particularly interested in seeing how the offensive line handles Oregon's defensive front on October 28th - that matchup could determine whether Stanford can establish the physical identity that characterized its most successful teams.
As the season approaches, I find myself most optimistic about the potential for surprise. College football thrives on unpredictability, and this schedule sets up nicely for a team that could exceed expectations. The home games are winnable, the road games challenging but not impossible, and the rivalry contests provide natural motivation. While I'm trying to temper my expectations, I can't help but feel that this could be one of those special seasons where everything clicks at the right moment. The schedule gives Stanford every opportunity to make some noise - now it's up to the players and coaches to seize it.