#21 SMU at Stanford
Records: SMU 5-1, 2-0 ACC. Stanford 2-4, 1-2.
Start: Saturday, 5 p.m. at Stanford Stadium.
TV: ACC Network
Radio: KNBR 1050 AM
Series history: The only other meeting between these programs occurred on the 1936 Rose Bowl Game. Stanford intercepted six passes and won 7-0. This is the beginning of the annual rivalry, with teams alternating between Stanford and Dallas each season.
Stanford storylines: The Cardinal have been outscored 120-28 of their recent three-game losing streak and can now face a third-ranked opponent in 4 games. After playing three games within the Eastern Time Zone last month, Stanford will play not less than five of its final six games within the Bay Area – three at Stanford Stadium and road games at Cal and San Jose State. … The team needs to spice up a passing game that ranks 122nd out of 133 teams in passing offense (165.8 yards per game).
SMU storylines: SMU hopes to start out its first season within the ACC 3-0. The Mustangs have averaged 47.3 points per game during their current three-game winning streak. This run began when Kevin Jennings was named the starting QB, but defense can also be contributing – the Mustangs rank first within the country with 15 turnovers and are first in defense with 4 touchdowns.
Key stats: SMU is on the lookout for its eighth straight road win, while Stanford has yet to beat an FBS opponent at home under coach Troy Taylor. … Eleven different Cardinal players made their first collegiate starts. This is eleventh within the FBS standings and leads the ACC standings. … SMU RB Brashard Smith ranks seventh within the country with eight total touchdowns. … Stanford ranks third within the country in fourth down attempts (20), trailing only Baylor and Air Force. It was successful 10 times.
– HAROLD GUTMANN
image credit : www.mercurynews.com