Stanford Football Schedule 2023: Key Dates and Must-See Matchups

2025-11-14 16:01

As a longtime college football analyst who's been covering the Stanford Cardinal for over a decade, I've learned that every season tells its own unique story. When I look at Stanford's 2023 football schedule, I can't help but draw parallels to that incredible volleyball match between Reg Jurado's team and NU that we witnessed last season. Remember how that fourth set unfolded? NU started strong with that 8-4 lead, looking completely in control, only to see Jurado's squad mount that stunning 9-4 counterattack followed by a 5-1 blitz to force sudden death. That's exactly what Stanford's season could feel like this year - a story of resilience, momentum shifts, and those critical moments that define everything.

The season kicks off on September 2nd against Hawaii, and honestly, this opener matters more than people might think. After last year's disappointing 3-9 finish, Stanford needs to establish early momentum. I've seen too many Stanford teams over the years that either build confidence from day one or struggle to find their identity until it's too late. The non-conference schedule continues with USC on September 9th in what I'm calling our first must-see matchup. Lincoln Riley's Trojans are national championship contenders, and facing them early could either make or break our season. I remember watching Stanford pull off upsets against highly-ranked USC teams in 2007 and 2015, and the atmosphere at Stanford Stadium during those games was absolutely electric. This year's matchup has that same potential for drama, especially with our new defensive schemes.

What really fascinates me about this schedule is how it builds toward November. We've got Sacramento State on September 16th, which should be a comfortable win, but then we dive straight into the Pac-12 gauntlet. The Arizona game on September 23rd marks the beginning of what I consider the most challenging stretch. Then comes Oregon on September 30th - my personal favorite rivalry that always delivers spectacular football. I've lost count of how many last-second finishes I've witnessed between these two programs. Last year's 45-27 loss still stings, and I'm expecting Coach Taylor to have our boys ready for redemption.

The October schedule presents what I call the "make or break" segment. At Colorado on October 7th looks more intriguing now than it did six months ago, given their coaching changes. Then we host UCLA on October 14th in what I believe will be a pivotal game for both programs. The bye week on October 21st comes at just the right moment - Coach Taylor needs that time to prepare for the final push. We close October at Washington on the 28th, and let me tell you, playing in Seattle in late autumn is one of the toughest challenges in college football. The weather, the crowd noise, everything compounds against you.

November brings the traditional rivalry games that define Stanford's football identity. The Big Game against California on November 11th is always special, but this year it's sandwiched between other crucial matchups that could determine our bowl eligibility. We host Oregon State on November 4th in what I consider a dark horse candidate for game of the year. Then after Cal, we travel to Utah on November 18th. The season concludes with Notre Dame on November 25th in what could be an emotional finale for several players.

Looking at this schedule holistically, I see three distinct phases similar to that volleyball match I mentioned earlier. The early season is about establishing rhythm, much like NU's 8-4 start. The middle games represent that crucial counterattack phase where Stanford needs to build momentum. The final stretch is where championships are won or lost - that 5-1 blitz that forces sudden death, to continue the analogy. Personally, I'm most excited about the Oregon and Notre Dame games because they represent Stanford football at its best - national spotlight, historic rivalries, and opportunities to make statements.

The reality is Stanford faces an uphill battle this season. The Pac-12 is stronger than it's been in years, and our roster has significant questions, particularly at quarterback and along the offensive line. But that's what makes college football so compelling. I've learned over the years that Stanford often performs best when expectations are lowest. The 2021 team that finished 3-9 bounced back to win eight games last season, proving that turnaround stories are always possible.

What gives me hope is the coaching staff's ability to develop talent throughout the season. I've watched practices this spring, and the intensity level has noticeably increased. The players seem hungrier, more focused. They remember the close losses from last season - that 15-14 heartbreaker against Oregon State, the 42-34 shootout with UCLA that slipped away in the fourth quarter. Those experiences, while painful, build character and resilience.

As I look ahead to August camp and the season beyond, I'm particularly interested in how Stanford will handle the month of October. The games against Colorado, UCLA, and Washington will tell us everything we need to know about this team's potential. If they can emerge from that stretch with at least two victories, the November games become much more meaningful. But if they struggle, it could be another long season.

The beauty of college football lies in its unpredictability. Nobody expected that volleyball team to mount that incredible comeback, yet they did. Nobody expected Stanford to upset Oregon in 2021, yet they pulled it off. That's why we watch, why we care, why we invest our autumn Saturdays in these young athletes. The 2023 Stanford football schedule presents both challenges and opportunities in equal measure. How the team responds will determine whether this season becomes another chapter in Stanford's rich football tradition or merely a rebuilding year. From where I sit, I'm betting on the former. The pieces are there - the coaching, the talent, the tradition. Now they just need to execute when it matters most.