PLAYERS TO WATCH
–RB Bryce Love is trying to come back after missing the last game because of a troublesome ankle injury. He hasn’t been the same back as he was last season, as he has missed two games and carried 76 times for 327 yards and three touchdowns. Not only does a healthy Love make an impact with his big runs and consistency, he helps free up the passing game for QB K.J. Costello and receivers like J.J. Arcega-Whiteside.
–J.J. Arcega-Whiteside has grabbed eight of Stanford’s 12 touchdown receptions this season (tight end Colby Parkinson has three). Arcega-Whiteside has been a staple of this offense in the past three seasons, and his 6-foot-3, 225-pound frame makes him an ideal red zone target. Arizona State’s secondary has managed three interceptions this season and will need to quiet Arcega-Whiteside.
–TE Kaden Smith had a breakout game against Utah with a team-high eight catches for 120 yards. While he is without a touchdown in 2018, he does have five in his Stanford career.
–LB Gabe Reid, a sophomore, was a nice surprise against Utah. He’s in a veteran linebacker corps with Joey Alfieri, Bobby Okereke and Sean Barton, so usually underclassmen aren’t heard from. But Reid had a sack and a quarterback hurry against Utah. Stanford’s pass rush hasn’t been as formidable as in previous years, so any boost in that area is a plus.
SERIES HISTORY: Arizona State leads the series 17-14, but Stanford won 34-24 last season.
QUOTE TO NOTE: “It’s up to me to make sure this football team is playing our best football. Usually by now, we are, and we are not.” — Stanford coach David Shaw.
