Stanford head coach David Shaw argues a call during the second half of an NCAA college football game against San Jose State in Stanford, Calif., Friday, Aug. 31, 2012. Stanford won, 20-17.
Stanford head coach David Shaw argues a call during the second half of an NCAA college football game against San Jose State in Stanford, Calif., Friday, Aug. 31, 2012. Stanford won, 20-17. Marcio Jose Sanchez, Associated Press
By Associated Press

STANFORD, Calif. — Shayne Skov felt helpless at home watching Stanford stumble to a season-opening 20-17 win over San Jose State while he served a one-game suspension for a DUI arrest.

Couple that with a left knee injury in the third game at Arizona that sidelined Skov for the rest of last season, and the middle linebacker and unquestioned leader of the Cardinal defense has seen enough.

The team's leading tackler from the 2010 season finally returns when No. 25 Stanford (1-0) hosts Duke (1-0) on Saturday night. Skov's presence will be much needed after a dismal defensive effort and with a matchup against No. 2 Southern California looming next week.

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