San Jose State @ Stanford preview

Last Meeting ( Sep 19, 2009 ) San Jose State 17, Stanford 42

THE STORY: Jim Harbaugh has left for the NFL, but the biggest key to Stanford’s success is back for his senior season. Quarterback Andrew Luck begins his Heisman campaign against San Jose State, which was picked to finish seventh in the preseason Western Athletic Conference coaches’ poll. As soon as Luck announced he was returning, Stanford’s chances of winning the Pac-12 -- and perhaps the national title -- increased dramatically.

TV: CSNBA. LINE: Stanford -28

ABOUT SAN JOSE STATE (2010: 1-12, 0-8 WAC): There’s nowhere to go but up for the Spartans as coach Mike MacIntyre begins his second season. After the Spartans ranked 119th out of 120 FBS teams in rushing last year, MacIntyre will rotate four running backs this season. Fifth-year senior Matt Faulkner is set to make his first career FBS start against Stanford, but the Spartans will likely rely on their defense to keep them in the game. They return all three starting linebackers, including last year’s WAC Freshman of the Year, Keith Smith.

ABOUT STANFORD (2010: 12-1, 8-1 Pac-10): While most of the focus is on Luck this season, he has an excellent supporting cast led by running back Stepfan Taylor, who rushed for 1,137 yards last season. Stanford is loaded at tight end, but there are questions at wide receiver and on the offensive line, where the Cardinal are replacing their top three linemen. Stanford lost three players from its front seven on defense, but most of its secondary returns.

EXTRA POINTS

1. Over the past two years, Luck has led Stanford to the two highest-scoring seasons in its history and a 20-5 record.

2. Stanford’s defense ranked 10th nationally in scoring defense and 21st in total defense last season.

3. Former Michigan quarterback Tate Forcier has transferred to San Jose State; he’ll sit out this season before likely starting next year.

PREDICTION: Stanford 45, San Jose State 12 – The score would be even more lopsided, but new Stanford coach David Shaw will likely pull his starters early in the second half.