With things not going anywhere close according to plan this season, Stanford head coach David Shaw is in need of a change. This week that change will come at quarterback, where Keller Chryst will get a chance to start his first game with the Cardinal. Chryst will replace Ryan Burns, who has been picked off seven times this season.
''I hate to get to this point,’' Shaw said. ''But it’s the best thing for this offense. We need more production at that position. It’s our challenge to support Keller.’'
Chryst has attempted 18 passes this season, completing seven for 63 yards with one interception. He has also rushed 11 times for 11 yards.
Stanford’s offensive woes are not to rest squarely on the shoulders of Burns, but one of the biggest ways to spark a struggling offense is to change the quarterback. Shaw hopes this change will turn things around before things get too much worse this season. Stanford’s offensive numbers are down much more than anyone would have expected this season. The Cardinal are averaging just 17.0 points per game and 299.1 yards per game. Stanford has reached the end zone on offense just 10 times. Oklahoma and Texas Tech combined for 17 touchdowns on Saturday.
''I’ve been working with both all year and they’re both great people,’' Stanford wide receiver Trent Irwin said. ''Sometimes you just need a change. We’ll see where it goes and have fun with it.’'
Stanford takes on Arizona in Tucson this Saturday night.