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What happens when a team that just set the NCAA record for passing yards in a game faces the best defense in the country? That question will be answered when the Washington State Cougars visit the Stanford Cardinal on Friday night.
Stanford is coming off a tough loss to Notre Dame, one that in all likelihood ended its shot at the College Football Playoff. The Cardinal now have two losses, but little blame can be placed on the defense. Opponents are averaging just 8.6 points per game against Stanford, and the Cardinal are tops in Football Outsiders' defensive S&P+, a measure of successful plays and explosiveness.
Washington State is also coming off a disappointing result, a 60-59 loss to Cal that saw quarterback Connor Halliday throw for 734 yards and six touchdowns. It's a safe bet those numbers won't be duplicated against the Cardinal, who haven't allowed more than 17 points to any team this season.
The Cardinal whipped WSU, 55-17, at Seattle's CenturyLink Field one year ago.
Game time: 6 p.m. PT
TV: ESPN
Stream: WatchESPN
Radio: Washington State IMG Network on TuneIn
Line: Stanford favored by 16.5