Stanford Vs. USC: Sizing Up The Cardinal D

Before Stanford's 52-31 loss at Oregon, in which it allowed LaMichael James to rush for 257 yards and Darron Thomas to rack up yards with his arm (238 passing) and his legs (117 rushing), one of the most promising aspects of the Cardinal's 4-0 start was the emergence of what appeared to be a formidable defense.

While the competition wasn't exactly stiff, Stanford blanked UCLA in the Rose Bowl and kept Notre Dame out of the end zone until late in the fourth quarter. For a team that ranked ninth in the Pac-10 in total defense and 110th in the nation in pass defense last year, it was something for fans and players alike to be excited about.