Washington State (2-5, 0-4 Pac-12) at No. 19 Stanford (5-2, 3-1), 6:15 p.m. (Pac-12 Network)
Line: Stanford by 24 ½.
Series Record: Stanford leads 36-25-1.
WHAT'S AT STAKE
Stanford is trying to stay on the heels of Oregon and Oregon State and stay in control of Pac-12 North Division title hopes. Washington State is still searching for its first conference victory under new coach Mike Leach.
KEY MATCHUP
Stanford offensive line vs. Washington State defensive line. The Cardinal racked up 252 yards rushing in a 21-3 win at rival California last week behind a blossoming young offensive line blocking for senior Stepfan Taylor, who ran for a career-high 189 yards and a touchdown. The Cougars rank second-to-last in the conference in rushing defense, allowing 175.1 yards on the ground per game.
PLAYERS TO WATCH
Washington State LB Travis Long. The senior has been one of the few consistent bright spots for the Cougars this season. He has 10 tackles for loss and his 7 ½ sacks are third-best in the Pac-12 and tied for eighth nationally.
Stanford backup QB Kevin Hogan. The redshirt freshman has led a surprising change-of-pace package to Stanford's typical power game. His role running mostly options and read-options has increased each week, and he tossed his first collegiate pass against Cal for a 9-yard touchdown to tight end Levine Toilolo last Saturday.
FACTS & FIGURES
Stanford has won four straight over the Cougars with an average margin of victory of 31 points. ... Taylor (3,616 yards) is 417 yards shy of breaking Darrin Nelson's Stanford career record. ... Washington State has lost four straight games. ... Leach has never faced Stanford. ... A Stanford tight end has led the team in yards receiving in six straight games. ... Stanford has won six straight at home and 17 of its last 18, with the lone loss coming against Oregon last season.
Receive your weekly recap of all the happenings around the world of sports.