Stanford Stadium at 4:30 p.m. pt on FOX
Cardinal to Watch: Senior RB Stepfan Taylor
Stanford does not have the athletes to compete with USC on the outside, so the Cardinal will likely pack it in with two tight ends and try to pound the Trojans undersized front seven with Taylor. If he can get into a rhythm, Stanford can shorten the game by controlling time of possession and keep the pressure off QB Josh Nunes in his first big start. Click the link to learn more about the Cardinal:
Stanford-Notes.pdf
3 Keys
3rd Down Defense
Andrew Luck's greatest strength in college was picking up third downs with short throws or his feet. Assuming David Shaw sticks with his methodical game plan, Nunes will find himself in a lot of 3rd-and-3 situations. Without many perimeter weapons to defend, USC's safeties and linebackers can press the Cardinal's tight ends and force Nunes into congested throws and deflections.
Fast Start
USC was blanked in the first quarter against Syracuse and started sluggishly in the game against Stanford last year. If the Trojans high-octane offense can run up the score early, the Cardinal will be forced out if its comfort zone. Assuming Matt Barkley gets protection, Robert Woods and Marqise Lee are too good for Stanford's secondary.
Redemption
The players are not focused on revenge, but beating Stanford makes the "unfinished business" checklist. Barkley's class experienced the "What's your deal?" blowout in 2009, the clock malfunction in 2010 and the 3OT heartbreaker in 2011. At the very least, Stanford should have the Trojans full attention Saturday.
