Stanford won this match up by just 7 points at home last year while Washington State was 9 yards away from forcing over time. Stanford actually has a look ahead game hosting Washington the next week who beat them at home last year, but Washington State is no easy task. First of all they'll play the game at Century Link Field which if you pay attention to the NFL you know it's the most difficult place to play as a road team. Stanford's offense is balanced, but in now way is it dominant and it needs it's offensive line to play well, but in that type of environment it could be tough especially since this game will be on ESPN.
Washington State is big and strong up front and ranked 10th in total defense right now. This team is legit they played well at Auburn, but turned the ball over otherwise they would have won and they went on the road and beat USC and basically shut them out if it weren't for a turnover in their own territory I doubt USC would have scored that TD. Stanford had just 256 yards last year and Mike Bresko's defense is getting a lot of credit right now and rightfully so. The defense actually returns 9 of their 11 starters and is ranked 11th in third down defense where Stanford could have some issues. The biggest reason why Washington State will win or lose this game will be of course the play of QB Connor Holliday who comes in with a lot of confidence completing 75% of his passes over the last 2 games. He's thrown 8 interceptions on the season, but at home he's been much better 9TD to 3 INT's and a 169 QB rating. Stanford has also forced only 4 turnovers this year while Washington State has been much more opportunistic. Even if Stanford gets out to a dominant start Washington State has enough passing offense to come in for the backdoor cover.
