UCLA Bruins (3-0) vs. Stanford Cardinal (3-1)
Saturday, October 3, 12:30 PM PST
Las Vegas Favorite: Stanford -5.5

Sam’s Take (22 – 10):

While the USC-CAL game will get all the publicity, a second game in the Bay Area may be just as important in the Pac-10 race. Saturday’s match up in Palo Alto will feature the conference’s current first place team (Stanford, 3-1, 2-0) and the league’s only undefeated team (UCLA, 3-0, 0-0).

While there is a lot to like about both the Bruins and Cardinal, I see a discrepancy at the quarterback position. Stanford QB Andrew Luck is not being asked to do much because of RB Toby Gerhart’s phenomenal production, but the redshirt freshman has been very impressive nonetheless. Luck has delivered the ball on time and accurately so far in ’09, and his athleticism makes him a threat to run at any time. UCLA’s outstanding defense will be his stiffest test of the season, but I believe Luck’s poise will continue to shine in this game.

UCLA will counter with experienced (and much maligned) QB Kevin Craft. Many were hoping to see a battle of highly regarded freshmen QBs this Saturday (Kevin Prince vs. Andrew Luck), but instead the Bruins will rely on last year’s starter once again. Craft played a solid game against K-State and he actually played one of his better games from ’08 against the Cardinal. Now, he will have to prove that he can win a big game on the road.

I expect both defense to play well, but I think Stanford will generate a few turnovers and then turn towards Gerhart and Luck to do the rest.

Prediction: Stanford 28 – UCLA 23

UCLA Player to Keep an Eye On: LB Reggie Carter - Carter will be the key to stopping Gerhart, and this has the potential to be the most exciting one-on-one match up in the conference this season.

Stanford Player to Keep an Eye On: WR Chris Owusu - What more needs to be said about this guy? Kick to him at your own risk Rick Neuheisel, because he already has 3 TD returns, and his electric speed can change the course of a game.

Dave’s Take (25 – 7):

With a win this week, Stanford can keep their sole possession of first place in the Pac-10; a win for UCLA would keep their undefeated streak alive.

The Bruins defense is extremely tough, and will keep them in just about every game they play. That said, they haven’t faced an offense as good as Stanford’s yet; even Tennessee’s offense leaves plenty to be desired with Jonathan Crompton at the helm. Toby Gerhart is an outstanding back, Andrew Luck is a great game manager that can beat you with his arms and legs, and Ryan Whalen and Chris Owusu are both extremely dangerous on the outside.

With Kevin Craft under center, I just don’t trust UCLA to be mistake free and versatile on offense. Stanford’s defense is pretty strong, as made clear last week in shutting down the powerful Jake Locker/Chris Polk tandem. Perhaps I’m too hard on the guy, but I can’t be the only one; are UCLA fans really excited about Kevin Craft on the road?

I just think this is a bad matchup for UCLA. They’ve got a great defense, but Stanford isn’t really the type of team that shoots themselves in the foot on offense; they run the ball well and Andrew Luck has proven to be very smart with the football. Even if the defense has a nice day, I still think UCLA will have to make plays through the air without turning the ball over in order to win; something I don’t think Kevin Craft will be able to do.

Prediction: Stanford 24 – UCLA 13