4 plays showing why Bryce Love could be scary in 2018
Bryce Love - the captivating Stanford running back and Heisman Trophy runner-up - is returning for his senior season.
Fast, forceful and quick-thinking, Love is incredibly talented and showed off his stunning skills during the 2017 season. He finished second in the nation with 2,118 yards, fourth with his 8.1 yards per carry average and in a four-way tie for fifth in rushing touchdowns with 19.
But what's most impressive about Love is that he racked up many of these stats after spraining his ankle in October. He only missed one game, but he wasn't perfectly healthy when he returned.
Before the Cardinal's game against Notre Dame in November, Cameron Scarlett, Love's backup and roommate, said it best:
"Doing what he's doing at about 75 percent is crazy, because with 100 percent, these rushing numbers would be through the roof. It's incredible."
If Love stays healthy for his final season with Stanford, his stats will most likely be outrageous. So here are four jaw-dropping plays from Love after he was injured this season that should scare every Cardinal opponent in 2018.
1. His 69-yard breakaway vs. TCU in the Alamo Bowl
This one is pure speed, proving that once Love gets going, he's pretty much unstoppable. Stanford came up short, 39-37, while Love walked away with 145 yards and two touchdowns on 26 carries.
2. His stunning 57-yard touchdown run vs. Cal
This was his only touchdown of the game, but it was a great one. As Stanford continued trying to balance how much to play him, Love finished with just 14 carries and 101 yards, thanks to this jaw-dropper.
3. His juking 31-yard run vs. Notre Dame
Look at that spin move. It clearly takes more than a little contact to bring Love down, and he had 20 carries for 125 yards in this one.
4. His 52-yard run vs. USC in the Pac-12 title game
Stanford ultimately lost, 31-28, but Love ran for 125 yards and one touchdown off 22 carries with this huge run as his best play of the game.
Love had these four plays among so many more following his ankle injury. So just imagine how much damage he could do if he's healthy all season long.
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