Stanford Cardinal (1-0) vs. Wake Forest Demon Deacons (0-1)
Saturday, September 12, 9:00 AM PST
Las Vegas Favorite: Wake Forest -3.0

Sam’s Take (8 – 1):

It is becoming clear that teams are starting to use time zones to their advantage when playing their non-conference opponents, particularly when the ACC and Pac-10 get together. Last season, Maryland scheduled Cal as early as possible, and Cal returned the favor this year by scheduling the Terps as late as possible. The strategy worked for both teams. Now, Wake Forrest will attempt to do the same, as Stanford will have a noon kickoff (9 a.m. Pacific).

The Demon Deacons are coming off of a disappointing loss in their home opener against Baylor. The offense turned the ball over multiple times against the Bears, and that was surprising to me considering the unit is led by a very experienced and capable QB in Riley Skinner, who was responsible for three interceptions. I do not see very many playmakers on the Wake Forest offense, and the lack of explosion should allow for the Stanford D to focus their efforts squarely on flustering Skinner.

The Stanford offense will obviously need a great day out of RB Toby Gerhart, but the game management of QB Andrew Luck will be just as important. He was solid but not overly impressive against WSU, and he will probably need a much better effort against a good Wake defense. Sure, the Demon Deacons are without stud LB Aaron Curry and tremendous corner Alphonso Smith, but the unit is still solid enough to cause some trouble for a freshman QB like Luck (held Robert Griffin and Baylor to 24 points).

The difference in this game may be which coaching staff can make the right adjustments. While I greatly respect WF coach Jim Grobe, I think Stanford’s Jim Harbaugh and the rest of the Cardinal staff will have the right answers on Saturday.

Prediction: Stanford 27 – Wake Forest 21

Stanford Player to Keep an Eye On: WR Chris Owusu - He had a breakout game last week and looks like a legitimate home-run hitter at wideout (something that has been missing at Stanford for a while). He should help stretch the WF defense.

Wake Forest Player to Keep an Eye On: NG Boo Robinson - He is a big space-eater who can dominate at the point of attack. He will be a key to limiting the ultra-physical Gerhart.

Dave’s Take (8 – 1):

Stanford’s debut against Washington State was a good one, especially in the final score department; a 39-13 route.

The running game was completely dominant, and will be the focal point of the Cardinal offense all season. But improved or not, remember, this was the Cougars; the nation’s worst at defending against the run.

Even with a lot of new faces on defense, Wake Forest should be a big step up in competition, and might force Andrew Luck to leave his comfort zone a bit and make some plays to beat them. Is he ready for it?

Credit Washington State for a nice day, but they moved the ball a little too well on Stanford’s defense for my liking. Stanford stepped it up when they needed too, but Wake will be a little tougher not to break against. QB Riley Skinner is extremely accurate and runs a very safe and smart offense, and last week’s three INT effort was very out of character.

Both teams are better than what they showed last Saturday, and this one will likely just come down to who plays to their potential and puts together the better game.

On one side, a home team coming off of a tough loss in front of the home crowd that wants to make it up to their fans with a veteran quarterback coming off of a terrible day with a chip on his shoulder. On the other, a team with a redshirt freshman quarterback traveling across the country to play a game that translates to 9AM on their regular clocks.

Have to think Wake edges it out here.

Prediction: Wake Forest 24 – Stanford 21