Stanford changes quarterbacks in lopsided loss to SMU, but sluggish offense still in need of kick start

STANFORD – Saturday may have been the start to the Elijah Brown era at Stanford. But breakdowns in the secondary and throughout the offense showed that the Cardinal will need more than a change at quarterback if it hopes to take advantage of a softer closing schedule.

Stanford’s depleted secondary gave up 205 yards passing and three long touchdowns – including an 87-yard pass on the first play from scrimmage – in the first quarter of the 40-10 loss to No. 21 SMU.

After Stanford (2-5...