| When the Cougars run: The Cardinal run defense has been accommodating all season, yielding an average of 188 yards a game. Now it’s lost starting nose tackle Ekom Udofia. Even with the injuries in the backfield, WSU should move the ball at will. EDGE: WSU |
| When the Cougars pass: Given the struggles the past few weeks, the Cardinal couldn’t be coming to Pullman at a better time. Stanford yields 7.9 yards per completion, worst in the Pac-10. Look for the Cougars’ receivers to have a big day. EDGE: WSU |
| When the Cardinal run: The Cougars’ defense usually gives up one big run a game, but can be stifling the rest of the time. Stanford has been decimated by injuries, but might get Anthony Kimble back this week. Still, the Stanford line could struggle to open holes for whoever is carrying the ball. EDGE: WSU |
| When the Cardinal pass: Though the Cougars’ secondary has improved as the season has worn on, it has yet to prove it can contain and control a mobile quarterback. Tavita Pritchard is mobile and his receivers are big. Expect Stanford to move the ball through the air. EDGE: Stanford |
| Coaching/intangibles: The Cardinal opened the season winning their first two road games, including the upset at USC. But both of those games were played in good weather. Now Stanford will have to deal with a raucous Dad’s Weekend crowd, and will probably be confronted by rain and cold. EDGE: WSU |
| Nobel laureates: For a place that calls itself the Harvard of the West, and is home to the prestigious conservative think tank the Hoover Institute, Stanford’s 23 Nobel laureates is not a surprising number. Washington State can lay claim to, well, less than that. EDGE: Stanford |
