10 Highest-Graded Players from Stanford's Loss to No. 5 Washington

Stanford was as close as they come to pulling off an upset of No. 5 Washington

Author:
Kevin Borba
Publish date:
Oct 29, 2023 7:29 PM EDT

In this story:

On Saturday evening in Palo Alto, the Stanford Cardinal played host to the No. 5 Washington Huskies.

Coming into the game as nearly 28-point underdogs, many were expecting the explosive Washington offense to be too much for Stanford but the Cardinal kept it close all game. After trailing by as many as 14 points, Stanford actually had an opportunity to drive down the field and take the lead late in the fourth quarter.

Unfortunately, a crucial fourth-down drop ended their drive, and the Huskies were able to remain undefeated. However, Stanford did get some strong performances from players on both sides of the ball.

Here are the 10 highest-graded individual players from Stanford's loss to Texas according to Pro Football Focus (minimum of 15 snaps played).

Collin Wright (DB)

Oct 21, 2023; Stanford, California, USA; UCLA Bruins wide receiver Kyle Ford (19) bobbles a pass berfore completing the catch against Stanford Cardinal cornerback Collin Wright (6) during the fourth quarter at Stanford Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Darren Yamashita-USA TODAY Sports — Darren Yamashita-USA TODAY Sports

Grade: 60.1

Wright was matched up with Washington's elite receivers all night, and his grade would likely have been better had he not fallen and given up a 92-yard touchdown. He finished the day with six tackles.

Lance Keneley (LB)

Oct 22, 2022; Stanford, California, USA; Stanford Cardinal edge rusher Lance Keneley (left) and center Drake Metcalf (55) celebrate following their 15-14 victory over the Arizona State Sun Devils at Stanford Stadium. Mandatory Credit: D. Ross Cameron-USA TODAY Sports — D. Ross Cameron-USA TODAY Sports

Grade 61.2

Kenely didn't have the biggest amount of production by any means recording just two tackles, but he clearly had an impact beyond the statsheet.

Zahran Manley (DB)

Oct 28, 2023; Stanford, California, USA; Washington Huskies running back Dillon Johnson (7) is wrapped up by Stanford Cardinal cornerback Zahran Manley (4) and inside linebacker Gaethan Bernadel (0) on a run from scrimmage during the first quarter at Stanford Stadium. Mandatory Credit: D. Ross Cameron-USA TODAY Sports — D. Ross Cameron-USA TODAY Sports

Grade: 62.3

Manley finished the day with two tackles, but he also had a clutch interception in the end zone that set up a potential game-winning drive. Despite Washington's elite passing attack, he only allowed three catches on eight targets for 33 yards.

Luke Baklenko (OG)

ul 29, 2022; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Stanford Cardinal helmet during Pac-12 Media Day at Novo Theater. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports — Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

Grade: 66.1

Getting the start, Luke Baklenko helped provide stability on the line for Stanford.

Jake Maikkula (OT)

Nov 5, 2022; Stanford, California, USA; The Stanford Cardinal tree mascot performs on the field before the game against the Washington State Cougars at Stanford Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Darren Yamashita-USA TODAY Sports — Darren Yamashita-USA TODAY Sports

Grade: 66.5

Getting the start, Jake Maikkula played quite well as he was in all game, and had the second-highest pass-blocking grade on the team.

Tiger Bachmeier (WR)

Oct 28, 2023; Stanford, California, USA; Stanford Cardinal wide receiver Tiger Bachmeier (24) leaps to make the catch of a pass in front of Washington Huskies cornerback Jabbar Muhammad (1) during the second quarter at Stanford Stadium. Mandatory Credit: D. Ross Cameron-USA TODAY Sports — D. Ross Cameron-USA TODAY Sports

Grade: 66.8

The freshman wideout has emerged as one of Ashton Daniels' top targets, and is continuing to shine despite. He was first on the team in catches with 10, racking up 95 yards and has proven to be a great at bringing in contested catches.

Tevarua Tafiti (LB)

Nov 4, 2017; Pullman, WA, USA; Stanford Cardinal helmet sit on the sideline during a game against the Washington State Cougars at Martin Stadium. The Cougars won 24-21. Mandatory Credit: James Snook-USA TODAY Sports — James Snook-USA TODAY Sports

Grade: 67.6

Tevarua Tafiti was second on the team in total tackles with six, but his brightest moment of the game was the fumble he forced in the red zone.

Elic Ayomanor (WR)

Oct 13, 2023; Boulder, Colorado, USA; Stanford Cardinal wide receiver Elic Ayomanor (13) pulls in a touchdown behind the pack of Colorado Buffaloes cornerback Travis Hunter (12) in overtime at Folsom Field. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports — Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports

Grade: 70.9

Despite going down with an injury, Ayomanor racked up nine catches for a team-high 146 yards and a score.

Alaka'i Gilman (S)

Sep 23, 2023; Stanford, California, USA; Stanford Cardinal safety Alaka'i Gilman (33) Stanford Cardinal running back Kenaj Washington (33) reacts after a tackle against the Arizona Wildcats during the first quarter at Stanford Stadium. Mandatory Credit: John Hefti-USA TODAY Sports — John Hefti-USA TODAY Sports

Grade: 72.2

The only player on the defense with a grade that exceeded 70, Gilman led the team with nine total tackles and also had a pass deflection. He allowed just one catch for 10 yards, and was credited with four stops.

Ashton Daniels (QB)

Oct 28, 2023; Stanford, California, USA; Stanford Cardinal quarterback Ashton Daniels (14) scrambles out of the pocket against the Washington Huskies during the second quarter at Stanford Stadium. Mandatory Credit: D. Ross Cameron-USA TODAY Sports — D. Ross Cameron-USA TODAY Sports

Grade: 72.7

Ashton Daniels continues to hit his stride in Troy Taylor's offense. He threw for 367 yards and a score, but also impressed with his legs rushing for a team-high 81 yards and two scores. When he is playing as freely as he was on Saturday, the Cardinal will always have a chance.