The pressure will be on UCLA quarterback Brett Hundley at Stanford on Saturday, from both the aggressive Cardinal defensive front and an offensive game plan that will almost certainly be without Bruins running back Jordon James for the second consecutive week.
James, who hurt his ankle at Utah and missed last week's win over California, has been in a walking boot, the Los Angeles Times reported. Head coach Jim Mora said James (463 rushing yards, five touchdowns, 6.3 yards per carry) is doubtful to play, which would likely see UCLA turn to Paul Perkins and Steven Manfro in the running game once again.
UCLA rushed for 78 yards on 13 carries against an injury-depleted Golden Bears' defense, with Perkins totaling 36 yards and one touchdown on 14 carries. The short passing game made up for the lack of success on the ground by using swing passes and screens to accomplish the same goals, as Hundley finished with a career-high 410 passing yards.
That was a formula that the Utes used to great success in their 27-21 upset win over Stanford , but they also had 111 rushing yards from running back Bubba Poole to keep the defense honest.
Without the threat of the run, Stanford can unleash its linebackers to disrupt the timing of Hundley and the UCLA spread offense. A.J. Tarpley and James Vaughters, the less-heralded members of the Stanford starting four, could make hay against true freshman right guard Alex Redmond and right tackle Caleb Benenoch.
Hundley will have to maintain his poise in the pocket and accuracy in trying circumstances. A few well-timed designed quarterback runs could also force Stanford to back off.
Hundley wanted the big stage. Now he will have it, all to himself.
Follow Dan Greenspan on Twitter @DanGreenspan.
