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#14 Washington State vs. #24 Stanford: Stream, keys, and predictions

By Eric Robinson

LOS ANGELES, CA - SEPTEMBER 21: Dezmon Patmon #12 of the Washington State Cougars celebrates his touchdown with Davontavean Martin #1 and James Williams #32 to take a 24-14 lead over the USC Trojans during the second quarter at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum on September 21, 2018 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)
LOS ANGELES, CA - SEPTEMBER 21: Dezmon Patmon #12 of the Washington State Cougars celebrates his touchdown with Davontavean Martin #1 and James Williams #32 to take a 24-14 lead over the USC Trojans during the second quarter at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum on September 21, 2018 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images) /
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PALO ALTO, CA – NOVEMBER 18: Bryce Love #20 of the Stanford Cardinal in action against the California Golden Bears at Stanford Stadium on November 18, 2017 in Palo Alto, California. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)
PALO ALTO, CA – NOVEMBER 18: Bryce Love #20 of the Stanford Cardinal in action against the California Golden Bears at Stanford Stadium on November 18, 2017 in Palo Alto, California. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images) /

Stanford Keys To Victory

Big Plays To Their Big Receiver: He’s listed at 6’3 and 225 pounds but he definitely plays bigger than that. Senior receiver JJ Arcega-Whiteside has been a big play machine for Stanford this season as they have had to rely on the passing game a little more than usual. On the season, Arcega-Whiteside has averaged 20.3 yards per reception and 106.8 yards per game at home. In Stanford’s two losses on the season, he has averaged just 10 yards per catch. Getting Arcega-Whiteside involved heavily usually results in favorable outcomes for Stanford this season.

Crank Up The Run Game: Star running back Bryce Love has been banged up this season and when on the field, the run game for Stanford has seen next to nothing. Currently, Stanford is 127th in FBS in rushing offense. 127th out of 130th. Being that the team is 5-2 is a testament to how quarterback KJ Costello has played this season. Love may not be 100% in this contest but if he is on the field, Stanford must get this run game going to play ball control and keep Washington State’s offense on the sideline.

Turnovers On Defense: Simply put, the Stanford defense has to limit Washington State possessions. The best way to do that when you’re an average defense is to get your hands on the football. They did force three turnovers in last week’s game against Arizona State put the unit only has 11 turnovers in seven games this season. Meanwhile, Washington State is not a team that turns the ball over much but in order to have a legitimate shot against a dangerous offense, the Cardinal defense has to impact the game in this way.

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