Notebook: Washington StateNotebook: Washington State
David Bernal/ISIPhotos.com
Football

Notebook: Washington State


STANFORD, Calif. – Trenton Irwin isn't flashy and doesn't possess blazing speed. But the senior wide receiver gets open with precision route running, inhales passes like a vacuum cleaner, and is clutch on third down.

The 6-4, 204-pounder from Valencia has caught at least one pass in 35 consecutive contests, the eighth-longest streak in the country. Irwin has seven third-down conversions this year, the most of any Cardinal receiver. Eighteen of his 34 catches have resulted in first downs.

Last week at Arizona State, Irwin matched his career-high with seven receptions and was selected Stanford's Offensive Player of the Game.

"I think Trent has been phenomenal," said David Shaw, the Bradford M. Freeman Director of Football. "He's been awesome on third downs, he's made big plays downfield, he's made game-changing plays, both with the fumble recovery against San Diego State and a key block in this last game. He's given us everything he's got."

Prior to fall camp, Irwin vowed to set a season-long tone for the team with his work ethic, emotion and production.

"That was my goal," he said Tuesday. "I've been trying to maintain that."

With his long hair and easy-going manner, Irwin comes across as a Southern California surfer dude. Growing up, he followed in the footsteps of his mother and father by appearing in television commercials. From age 8 until about 14, Irwin earned paychecks promoting everything from cheese to cars.

"Football got more important," he said, when asked why he stopped. "I had to show up for practice every day. Commercials are usually from 2-6 (p.m.) and I had practice at 4 and they were always in Santa Monica, about an hour-and-a-half away. I missed once because I got a job my freshman year and coach held me out first quarter, so that was not an option anymore."

Irwin collects jerseys – mostly football – and has more than 120.

"Some don't fit anymore," he said. "My first was a reversible Deion Sanders. My little sister (Ava) has one of my favorite jerseys – the (Pittsburgh) Steelers' Antonio Brown – the bumble bee version with the stripes. She's talking about getting that for me for Christmas."

On the field, Irwin is tough, smart and reliable. In addition to his great hands, he returns punts and has pinned several opponents downing balls on the punt coverage unit.

Irwin arrived on The Farm with lofty credentials, He set California high school records for career receptions (285) and receiving yards (5,268), and scored 61 touchdowns, 57 via the pass.

Irwin takes great pride in his route running and contributing any way he can.

"The thing I like about third down is my team needs me to keep the drive going," he said. "I see it as helping my team out. If I make this play, we're able to keep going and we're able to score. To me, it's an honor that they want to pass it to me in those downs because I'm helping everyone." 

Irwin's contributions are often overshadowed by senior teammate JJ Arcega-Whiteside, whose nine scoring catches this season rank No. 3 nationally. Both appear headed for NFL careers.

"He's (Irwin) really put some stuff on film that's going to give him a chance to play at that next level," said Shaw.

Costello blossoming: Junior quarterback K.J. Costello continues to grow and is refining his craft mentally and physically.

"It was one of his most efficient games," Shaw said of his performance against Arizona State. "He took care of the football, scrambled for positive yards, checked down a couple times, and was seeing the defense very well. This was a big step for him from an efficiency standpoint and he still was able to make those big throws down the field."

Costello extended three drives with his legs.

"I have no issues with him (running) when he feels the pocket collapsing and sees a gap to push up," Shaw said. "We do these drills called 'Go or Throw,' where he pushes up and he's looking for one guy. If that man is open, he gives him the ball. If the defensive guy stays on him, then he gets positive yardage."
 
A team captain, Costello is a fiery, take-charge guy who has earned confidence and respect from his teammates.

"He's become a leader," said Irwin. "He's always talking to us and expressing himself, which we needed from the quarterback position. He's a baller. He's scrambling, too. I love to see that. I told him if he gets over 100, I'll buy him a steak."
 


Depth chart: Senior running back Bryce Love is day-to-day and could play against Washington State. Junior offensive guard Nate Herbig could return after missing the Arizona State game, while fifth-year outside linebacker Joey Alfieri is out. Junior Jordan Fox and sophomore Gabe Reid will share time during Alfieri's absence.

Making strides: The offensive line is getting healthier and stronger. Shaw said fifth-year senior guard Brandon Fanaika is playing his best football, while junior Devery Hamilton is the healthiest he has been all season. The versatile Hamilton lined up at guard, tackle and tight end against the Sun Devils.

Shaw also praised the play of sophomore Drew Dalman, who started the first two games this season at center and has also seen action at guard.

"He's very smart and savvy," said Shaw. "He still has a ton to learn and he's going to be so much better a year from now. He's tenacious and he's a fighter. Periodically, he's going to get out weight-roomed. But he's blocked a lot of guys a lot bigger and stronger than he is, just because he out-fights them."



Having fun: Senior Mustafa Branch has made key contributions at inside linebacker and on special teams. Although he doesn't start, Shaw considers Branch a first-teamer and he is tied for fourth on the squad in tackles with 30.

"He's having the best year of his career," Shaw said. "He's one of those guys that if you don't know what his number is (No. 31) or what his name is, and you see him on the field, you go, 'Who's that guy?' He just seems to be quicker and more explosive than the guys around him."

Branch is often the first player down on punt and kickoff coverage. Last week, he dropped Brandon Aiyuk for a 2-yard loss on Arizona State's first punt return, at his own 15.

"We have a lot of guys on the team who can make plays and I feel like I'm one of those guys," Branch said of his role. "I don't think about it selfishly, wondering why I'm not on the field. We all make a difference. When I'm in, I want to make plays and help the team."

The defense forced three turnovers against the Sun Devils and persevered the victory with a late stand in the red zone.

"One thing I really noticed was that guys were having a lot of fun out there," said Branch. "That's the result of us playing better, but I also think when we were making plays, guys were celebrating with each other. We just looked like we had more fun playing defense."

No. 24 Stanford (5-2, 3-1 Pac-12) will need more of the same Saturday at 4 p.m. against No. 14 Washington State (6-1, 3-1), who averages 40.7 points per game – No. 13 nationally and leads the country in passing yards per game (400.7). Quarterback Gardner Minshew II, a graduate transfer from East Carolina, ranks second nationally with 2,745 yards passing and has thrown 23 touchdowns.

"They throw the ball how other teams run the ball," Branch said. "We have to switch our brain to Washington State-mode and get ready to play and predict pass concepts.

"You have to play a lot more confident. They already know what they're looking for when the ball is snapped. If you're behind, you're already too late."
 


Air Raid: Shaw said Minshew II is more mobile than Luke Falk, who set Pac-12 career records for passing yards (14,481) and scoring passes (119).

"This kid has active feet, scrambles more and moves to buy time, which makes it really difficult," said Shaw. "I think it's a perfect fit to what Coach (Mike) Leach does. He's a very quick decision-maker, has great vision and throws the ball accurately."

Speaking of Leach, Shaw thinks he deserves more credit for his innovation and play-calling.

"He's very undersold nationally," said Shaw. "I'm not just saying that because we're playing them this week. The variety that he gives you between quick passing, down-the-field passing, all the crossing routes, mixing in a draw, mixing in a running-back screen, mixing in a receiver screen, mixing in funky formations … and he started shifting. He's doing a lot of things to keep you off-balance."

Quick and disruptive: The Cougars top the conference in sacks with 21. While they aren't big up front, players are fast, move around constantly, and shoot gaps to avoid blocks and create havoc. Twelve players have at least one sack for the nation's No. 19 defense.

Title chase: Stanford, Washington State and Washington share the Pac-12 North Division lead with 3-1 records.

"We have the ability to beat everyone on our schedule, and everybody on our schedule has the ability to beat us," Shaw said. "It comes down to game day execution and planning."

Last year, Stanford and Washington shared first place with 7-2 conference marks. Asked about the likelihood of a school claiming the crown with two losses this season, Shaw said, "I have no idea what anybody else's record is. We have one loss in the conference and typically, whoever wins our conference, has one loss. If we win the rest of our games, we will be in the Pac-12 Championship Game."

--

Fun fact: Costello is a scratch golfer and carries a bucket list in his wallet of courses he hopes to play.

Friendships renewed: Saturday is Reunion Homecoming. Class parties will be held Friday for the classes of '58, '63, '68, '73, '78, '83, '88, '93, '98, '03, '08 and '13. Class tailgates and mini-reunions will take place Saturday. For information, please call (650) 723-9373.

The game is also Scout Day. Troops and packs will receive special Scout Day patches.

In addition, Stanford will receive its 24th consecutive Learfield Directors' Cup for producing the nation's top combined men's and women's athletic program in the country in 2017-18.

--

Extra points … Shaw singled out junior running back Trevor Speights for making two key catches against Arizona State in the two-minute drill on check downs by Costello … The Cardinal upped its practice tempo on Tuesday to prepare for Washington State, which averages 75 plays a game … During the bye week, Shaw changed contact drills, pitting the first-team offense against the first-team defense instead of one versus two. He noticed a positive difference in his team's play against the Sun Devils and will continue it this week … Stanford has won eight of the last 11 meetings against Washington State … In last year's game in Pullman, it snowed.

Quotable
"I'd like teams to take the ball out because it's fun to cover kickoffs. I'm not going to ask Jake (Bailey) not to kick it out of the back of the end zone." - Mustafa Branch