Stanford @ Washington State preview

Last Meeting ( Oct 23, 2010 ) Washington State 28, Stanford 38

THE STORY: Most everything has gone according to plan for No. 5 Stanford, which aims to extend the nation’s longest win streak to 14 games Saturday against host Washington State. Quarterback Andrew Luck has thrown for 1,383 yards, 14 touchdowns and two interceptions, and the Stanford defense is allowing a league-low 10.6 points per game. However, Luck insists there is room for improvement. Washington State team has blown fourth-quarter leads in each of its two losses. The Cougars’ offense ranks 15th in the nation, but they haven’t faced any defense close to Stanford's caliber.

TV: Versus. LINE: Stanford - 21

ABOUT STANFORD (5-0, 3-0 Pac-12): Luck, the Heisman Trophy favorite, is completing 73.2 percent of his passes and leading an incredibly balanced attack. Luck has completed 44 percent of his passes to wide receivers, 31 percent to tight ends and 24 percent to running backs. Stepfan Taylor paces the ground attack with 459 yards and five touchdowns, while top receiver Chris Owusu has 25 catches for two touchdowns. Taylor rushed for 142 yards and two touchdowns in Stanford’s 38-28 win over Washington State last year. Stanford ranks seventh nationally in scoring, averaging 46 points. The team's run defense is among the nation's best, but Stanford has just one interception through five games.

ABOUT WASHINGTON STATE (3-2, 1-1 Pac-12): Quarterback Jeff Tuel was medically cleared Wednesday, but Marshall Lobbestael will get the start against Stanford. Tuel, who broke his collarbone in the season opener against Idaho State, is unlikely to play until next week. Lobbestael has been impressive in Tuel’s absence, throwing 15 touchdowns and four interceptions. The Cougars used a balanced attack last week against UCLA, but they’ll likely rely on the pass against Stanford. Top receiver Marquess Wilson has 31 catches for five touchdowns. Linebacker Alex Hoffman-Ellis leads the Cougars’ defense, which ranks third in the Pac-12.

EXTRA POINTS

1. Stanford leads the all-time series 35-25-1 and has won three straight meetings.

2. Washington State is playing at home for the first time since Sept. 10. The 34-day span between home games is the Cougars’ longest since 2005.

3. The Cougars have lost 15 straight games to Top 25 opponents since beating 16th-ranked Oregon in 2006.

PREDICTION: Stanford 44, Washington State 17 -- The Cougars are averaging 41 points, but that number figures to drop against a stellar Stanford defense. The Cardinal should improve to 6-0 for the first time since 1951.