California @ Stanford preview

Last Meeting ( Nov 20, 2010 ) Stanford 48, California 14

THE STORY: Stanford has fallen out of the national championship picture after being exposed by Oregon last week and attempts to take out its frustration on rival California in the annual “Big Game.” The task for the No. 9 Cardinal is recovering from the big loss - 53-30 to Oregon - that snapped a nation-high 17-game winning streak. Stanford’s only hope of making the Pac-12 title game is by beating the Golden Bears and having Oregon lose its final two conference games against USC and Oregon State. The Golden Bears can improve their bowl prospects and make their season with a victory in the 114th meeting between the schools.

TV: ESPN, ESPN3.com. LINE: Stanford -17.5.

ABOUT STANFORD (9-1, 7-1 Pac-12 North): The Cardinal committed five turnovers against Oregon after having only seven entering the game. Heisman Trophy candidate Andrew Luck had his first multi-interception contest of the campaign when he passed for 271 yards, three touchdowns and two interceptions. Overall, he has passed for 2,695 yards, 29 touchdowns and seven interceptions. Luck has 74 career touchdown passes, three behind the school mark held by John Elway (1979-82). Senior wideout Griff Whalen had nine receptions for 109 yards in the Oregon loss. Junior running back Stepfan Taylor is 10 yards away from his second consecutive 1,000-yard campaign. Senior linebacker Chase Thomas leads the Pac-12 with 14.5 tackles for loss.

ABOUT CALIFORNIA (6-4, 3-4): The Golden Bears have won seven of the last nine meetings with Stanford despite being routed 48-14 last season. Junior running back Isi Sofele ran for a career-best 190 yards against Oregon State last week and has 1,029 yards, including four 100-yard performances. Cal has averaged 294 rushing yards in the last two games. Sophomore receiver Keenan Allen has 78 catches for 1,103 yards despite a season-low three receptions against Oregon State. Junior quarterback Zach Maynard has passed for 2,285 yards and 14 touchdowns and has been intercepted 11 times. Senior defensive end Trevor Guyton has a team-best nine tackles for loss.

EXTRA POINTS:

1. Stanford leads the series 56-46-11.

2. Cal is 5-0 when scoring 30 or more points this season and 60-5 in such games in Jeff Tedford’s 10 seasons as coach.

3. Stanford has scored 30 or more points in 13 consecutive games.

PREDICTION: Stanford 48, California 20 - The Cardinal get back on their game and easily cruise past their Bay Area rival.