San Jose State @ Stanford preview

Last Meeting ( Aug 31, 2012 ) San Jose State 17, Stanford 20

Stanford enters its season opener Saturday against visiting San Jose State as a heavy favorite, but the Spartans are very capable of making things interesting. San Jose State has won eight straight and 12 of its last 13 games, including a 24-0 win over Sacramento State in Week 1. The Spartans are unlikely to be overlooked by the fourth-ranked Cardinal, who won their fifth straight game in the series last season by a narrow 20-17 margin.

San Jose State’s upset hopes are fueled by senior quarterback David Fales, who is 12-2 as a starter and ended last season as the nation's most accurate passer. He’ll be tested by a Stanford defense that led the country in sacks last season and returns eight starters, including linebackers Shayne Skov and Trent Murphy. The Spartans’ running game could struggle without starting tailback Tyler Ervin, who hasn’t practiced since leaving last Thursday's game with a right foot injury.

TV: 11 p.m. ET, Pac-12 Network. LINE: Stanford -26.5.

ABOUT SAN JOSE STATE (1-0): Ervin’s injury has created an opportunity for senior running back Jason Simpson, who had 21 carries for a career-high 135 yards and a touchdown against Sacramento State. The Spartans’ defense has held three of its last four opponents under 100 yards rushing, but the Stanford offensive line ranks among the nation’s best. Senior linebacker Keith Smith needs a repeat performance from last week, when he recorded a game-high 18 tackles.

ABOUT STANFORD (2012: 12-2, 8-1 Pac-12): The Cardinal boast an inexperienced receiving corps, but every other unit appears ready to compete for a national championship. Junior quarterback Kevin Hogan is 5-0 as a starter, and running backs Anthony Wilkerson and Tyler Gaffney should find plenty of holes behind an offensive line led by Outland Trophy candidate David Yankey. Safeties Ed Reynolds and Jordan Richards could be the key players on defense against a Spartans team that relies heavily on its passing game.

EXTRA POINTS

1. Stanford is 10-3 in its last 13 season openers, including five straight victories.

2. San Jose State is seeking its first nine-game winning streak since 1986-87.

3. Stanford’s nine-game home winning streak is the longest in the Pac-12.

PREDICTION: Stanford 45, San Jose State 17