Stanford’s defense had been a bright spot this season, but it was exposed Saturday night at Virginia – a discouraging sign as the team hopes to improve on a recent run of 3-9 seasons.

The Cardinal (1-3, 1-1 ACC) allowed long touchdown drives on Virginia’s first four possessions and gave up 590 yards in the 48-20 loss.

Heading into the game, Stanford had been 16th in the NCAA in sacks (nine), 24th in opponents’ red zone touchdown percentage (35.7%) and was one of seven teams with multiple defensive touchdowns. As a result, it had allowed just 342 yards a game, which would have been its best full-season mark since 2018.

But against Virginia (3-1, 1-0), the Cardinal didn’t force any turnovers, barely touched quarterback Chandler Morris, and gave up touchdowns in six of seven red zone posse

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