Stanford’s offense has been bad enough with Ty Montgomery on the field. Without him? That’s far from optimal, yet that’s the position the Cardinal will find itself this weekend.
Tuesday afternoon, David Shaw confirmed that the all-purpose wide receiver will not play in Friday’s regular-season finale against UCLA. Montgomery sustained an injury to his right shoulder very early on in last weekend’s win over Cal.
It’s the same shoulder that nearly kept him out of the opener after undergoing surgery earlier in the offseason. Shaw did say there’s a “distinct possibility” he’ll be healthy enough to play in a bowl game.
Montgomery leads the Cardinal in receptions (61) and receiving yards (604), and is tied for the team lead in receiving touchdowns (three). Montgomery’s absence will also hurt the Cardinal on special teams as he’s their leading kickoff (25.2 yards per return) and punt returner (19.8 ypr). He’s returned two punts for touchdowns this season.
The Hornung Award finalist being unavailable could also impact the Pac-12 South race.
If UCLA wins Saturday, they claim the division title and the spot opposite Oregon in the Pac-12 championship game. If UCLA loses, the winner of the Arizona-Arizona State game earns the berth.