1. Can Stanford live up to the expectations and be a playoff team?

Despite losing its season opener last year, Stanford was the Pac-12 favorite for much of the season. Again, the Cardinal will be a conference favorite and a viable College Football Playoff contender.

Returning running back Christian McCaffrey and the program's traditionally stout defense will propel the Cardinal to be an elite-level team, but production at quarterback and replacing three offensive linemen could put a wrinkle in Stanford's success.