What to know before Stanford kicks off at BYU

"Stanford looks to pull a massive upset after losing on a last-second field goal at Hawaii two weeks ago. Interim coach Frank Reich stressed the importance of establishing the run, and the Cardinal were successful against the Rainbow Warriors in that phase. The Cardinal ran for 177 yards, Micah Ford had the first rushing TD by a Stanford running back in 20 games, and the Cardinal held the ball for 36:07, its most time of possession since 2019."

"The Cougars went 11-2 last season, but star QB Jake Retzlaff left the team in July rather than face a lengthy suspension. He was replaced by four-star true freshman Bear Bachmeier, who participated in spring camp with Stanford. Bachmeier became the first FBS player since Antwaan Randle El of Indiana in 1998 to have at least three passing touchdowns and two rushing touchdowns in his debut, but it came against FCS-level Portland State, so this will be his first game against an FBS opponent."

"STANFORD AT BYU Records: Stanford 0-1, 0-0 in ACC, BYU 1-0, 0-0 in Big 12. Kickoff: 7:15 p.m. (Pacific) Saturday at LaVell Edwards Stadium, Provo, Utah. TV: ESPN Radio: KNBR 1050 AM Series history: Stanford leads 2-1. The Cardinal won the first two meetings against BYU in 2003 and 2004 before losing the 2022 season finale 35-26 at Stanford Stadium in David Shaw's final game as Stanford coach."

Stanford is 0-1 and BYU is 1-0. Kickoff is 7:15 p.m. Pacific Saturday at LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo, with TV on ESPN and radio on KNBR 1050 AM. Stanford leads the series 2-1. Stanford seeks an upset after a last-second loss at Hawaii; interim coach Frank Reich emphasized the run, and Stanford totaled 177 rushing yards, with Micah Ford scoring the first Stanford running-back rushing touchdown in 20 games and 36:07 time of possession. Stanford's passing produced only 130 yards. BYU replaced Jake Retzlaff with true freshman Bear Bachmeier, who had three passing and two rushing TDs in his debut versus Portland State; this will be his first FBS opponent. The Cougars recorded a shutout in their opener. Matt Rose had 13 tackles for Stanford. Provo hosted 64,494, the largest crowd since 2009.

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