UCLA @ Stanford preview

Last Meeting ( Sep 11, 2010 ) Stanford 35, UCLA 0

THE STORY: It wasn’t long ago when UCLA would be the prohibitive favorite in its annual battle against Stanford. The Bruins had won five straight in the series until Andrew Luck appeared on the Palo Alto campus two years ago. The pendulum has changed under Luck’s direction as the Heisman Trophy favorite brings the nation’s longest active winning streak into the Pac-12 game Saturday night. No. 4 Stanford has won 11 straight games and has not scored less than 37 points

TV: FSN. LINE: Stanford -20.5

ABOUT UCLA (2-2, 1-1 Pac-12): UCLA passed its first conference road test last week with a 27-19 victory over Oregon State. The Bruins used Richard Brehaut exclusively at quarterback in place of the injured Kevin Prince. While Brehaut was efficient connecting on 7-of-11 passes, UCLA’s running game amassed 211 yards. The Bruins simply have to keep the ball out of Luck’s hands to compete with the Cardinal and pounding away on the ground with Johnathan Franklin (303 yards, three touchdowns) and Derrick Coleman (299, four) is their best hope. Prince returned to practice Wednesday and could play.

ABOUT STANFORD (3-0, 1-0): While the Cardinal has plenty of firepower, its defense took a big hit in its last game when linebacker Shayne Skov suffered a season-ending knee injury. Skov was the team’s leading tackler and a high NFL prospect. Stanford running back Chris Owusu (shoulder) and leading receiver Coby Fleener (concussion) are questionable Saturday. Both are integral members of the offense, but Luck is Stanford’s catalyst. He not only is healthy, but also playing at the highest level in nation. Stanford has won seven straight games at home and is 18-2 in its last 20 at Stanford Stadium. Its defense has not been scored upon in either the first or third quarters this season.

EXTRA POINTS

1. Luck is 57-of-85 for 786 yards with eight touchdowns and one interception this season.

2. Stanford humbled UCLA 38-0 last season at the Rose Bowl.

3. While UCLA has a potent rushing offense, Stanford is ranked No. 1 against the run defensively.

PREDICTION: Stanford 45, UCLA 17 - This is a matchup of two teams going in opposite directions. While Stanford has national title aspirations, UCLA coach Rick Neuheisel is just trying to save his job.