What to know before Stanford Cardinal kick off against No. 21 SMU Mustangs
No. 21 SMU at Stanford
Records: SMU 5-1, 2-0 ACC. Stanford 2-4, 1-2.
Kickoff: 5 p.m. Saturday at Stanford Stadium.
TV: ACC Network
Radio: KNBR 1050 AM
Series history: The only other meeting between these programs came in the 1936 Rose Bowl Game. Stanford intercepted six passes and won 7-0. This is the beginning of the annual rivalry, with the teams alternating between Stanford and Dallas each season.
Stanford storylines: The Cardinal has been outscored 120-28 during its recent three-game losing streak and now faces a third ranked opponent in four games. After three games in the Eastern Time Zone in the last month, Stanford will at least end with five of its last six games in the Bay Area – three at Stanford Stadium, plus road games at Cal and San Jose State. … The team needs to jumpstart a passing game that is 122nd out of 133 teams in passing offense (165.8 yards a game).
SMU storylines: SMU looks to start 3-0 in its first season in the ACC. The Mustangs have averaged 47.3 points per game during the current three-game winning streak. That run started when Kevin Jennings was elevated to starting QB, but the defense is also contributing – the Mustangs are tied for first in the country with 15 turnovers gained, along with being first in defensive touchdowns with four.
Stats that matter: SMU goes for its eighth straight road win, while Stanford hasn’t beaten an FBS opponent at home under coach Troy Taylor. … Eleven different Cardinal players have made their first collegiate starts. That is tied for the 11th most in FBS and leads the ACC. … SMU RB Brashard Smith is seventh in the country with eight total TDs. … Stanford ranks third in the country in fourth down attempts (20), behind only Baylor and Air Force. It has been successful 10 times.
— HAROLD GUTMANN