Frank Reich looks ahead to Stanford’s road game at Virginia

On Monday, Staford interim head coach Frank Reich spoke to the media in advance of Saturday’s road game at Virginia. Below are some thoughts and takeaways. 

VIDEO: Stanford Football Weekly Press Conference | Virginia Week-Frank Reich 

On Virginia, Reich is well aware of the challenges that Virginia poses. A team that can put up a lot of points both through their running game and passing game. Combined with it being a road game on the East Coast, Reich knows it’s going to be a good challenge for his team. 

When asked about the pass rush that they’ve had this season, Reich really praised the depth that they have. He feels like the guys have been playing well. Even with Teva Tafiti missing the Boston College game, they were still able to put a lot of pressure on the quarterback. They did a great job getting off the line of scrimmage, being explosive, and using the right technique. He likes the ability they have across the board to get to the quarterback. 

Building on that, Reich made it sound like co-defensive coordinator Andy Thompson is the one calling the plays. I thought that was perhaps the most interesting takeaway from what Reich said during the presser. Reich feels like the whole defensive staff has done a great job, but at the end of the day, plays like Collin Wright’s pick six come down to players making plays. 

The biggest takeaway Reich had from the win was an increased confidence that the team has in one another. They didn’t allow that early hole to do them in. They stuck with the game plan and remained consistent offensively. He feels like that is something that they can carry with them going forward. 

Reich said the offensive line had their best grade of the year. He feels like they could have done better, but overall he was pleased with how the offensive line did. Fisher Anderson did a good job at center given that isn’t his natural position. He feels like Anderson and the interior linemen in particular shined. 

Going back to the defense, Reich said they’ve been rock solid all year. What they needed from them was forcing turnovers and they got that. Given how much Boston College throws the ball, they made that an even bigger emphasis and it paid off for them. Across the board, he likes how the defense is looking. All about stringing together four quarters. 

Regarding the quarterback play, Reich made it clear they want good balance between pass and run. He feels like Ben Gulbranson did a good job of doing what was expected and needed from him. He made his checks and threw the ball consistently. There was a confidence in Gulbranson that he feels they build on. He felt like he had a good week of practice and that culminated in a strong performance. 

The big thing they want to build on with the passing game is spreading the ball around. He likes the options they have at wide receiver, tight end, etc. All about getting as many guys involved as possible. Reich feels like if they can do that, they’ll be successful. 

When asked about Micah Ford being named ACC Running Back of the Week, Reich said it was well deserved. He said it was a team effort to make that happen and they have a deep running back room across the board. Ford has done a great job of emerging as the top back on the team. A guy who has a great feel for the game and so far has been durable. Ford embodies everything they are about as a program. 

On Bryce Farrell, Reich praised his IQ and work ethic. A guy who knows the game extremely well. When you combine that with his speed, you got somebody that is capable of making plays. He feels like Farrell’s prep has been outstanding. 

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