STANFORD TO SYRACUSE
Recordings: Stanford (1-1, 0-0 ACC); Syracuse (2-0, 1-0 ACC)
To start up: 4:30 p.m., Friday, at the JMA Wireless Dome
TV: ESPN
Radio: KNBR1050
Series History: First meeting
Stanford Scenarios: This will be the Cardinals’ first conference game as a member of the ACC. Stanford won its season opener against Cal Poly two weeks ago, winning 41-7 at home. Receiver Elic Ayomanor will continue to play a key role in the offense, as he is averaging 73.5 receiving yards and five receptions per game to start the season. Defensively, Stanford will need to take a big step forward after a bye week. A strong start from Stanford on offense could bode well, as the Orange have given up an average of 25 points per game this season. Syracuse quarterback Kyle McCord already played in big games as the starter for Ohio State last season and is off to a great start this season. Expect Stanford’s defensive secondary to be tested early against Syracuse’s pass-heavy offense.
Syracuse Scenarios: Another Syracuse win could put the upstate New York school in the running for one of the conference’s top teams early in the season. The Orange upset 24th-ranked Georgia Tech two weeks ago, just before their bye week. Syracuse has had success through the air, and that doesn’t appear to be changing Friday. McCord has already thrown for 735 yards and eight touchdowns in two games this season. Tight end Oronde Gadsden II is McCord’s favorite target, with 13 receptions for 201 yards and three touchdowns in Syracuse’s two wins.
The statistics that matter: Syracuse is averaging 497.5 yards of offense per game and is the 15th-best offense in the FBS so far this season. … Stanford’s rushing defense ranks 10th in the NCAA and first in the ACC after two games. The Cardinals are allowing 64 rushing yards per game and opponents have seen the end zone just twice on the ground. … Stanford’s last road game won was at Washington State in November of last season.
– Nathan Canilao
