Records: Virginia Tech 2-3, 0-1 ACC. Stanford 2-2, 1-1 ACC
Kickoff: 12:30 p.m. Saturday at Stanford Stadium
TV: ACC Network
Radio: KNBR 1050 AM
Series history: The only previous meeting between the Cardinal and the Hokies came in the 2011 Orange Bowl, which the Cardinal won 40-12 behind four TD passes from Andrew Luck in Jim Harbaugh’s final game as Stanford coach.
Stanford storylines: The Cardinal must bounce back from a 40-14 loss at Clemson while dealing with the uncertain status of QB Ashton Daniels, who needed assistance to leave the field last week. Stanford No. 1 receiver Elic Ayomanor will face off against Hokies CB Mansoor Delane, who has two interceptions and has limited opposing receivers to four receptions on 18 targets since Week 2. But freshman receiver Emmett Mosley V made his first start in his first collegiate appearance last week and had a team-high seven catches. The Cardinal is bringing out the stars for its first-ever ACC conference game – the Cardinal will honor Toby Gerhart prior to his upcoming induction into the NFF Hall of Fame, as well as the 2009 Sun Bowl and 2010 Orange Bowl teams and several 2024 Paris Olympians.
Virginia Tech storylines: The Hokies may have a losing record but all three defeats were close – an overtime loss at Vanderbilt, a 3-point loss to Rutgers, and a 4-point loss to Miami when its Hail Mary throw on the last play was overturned after review. Now it makes the 2,700-mile trek to Stanford for its first-ever regular-season game in California. Stanford’s eighth-ranked run defense (76.3 yards per game) will be challenged by Virginia Tech RB Bhayshul Tuten, who has rushed for over 100 yards in four straight games and has scored a touchdown in seven straight games.
Stats that matter: Both teams have dependable kickers. John Love of Virginia Tech made field goals of 57 and 52 yards last week against Miami. Emmet Kenney of Stanford is 8-for-8 on field goals this season with a long of 51. … In 2024, 68 of Stanford’s 145 rushing attempts are by quarterbacks. Freshman running back Micah Ford has the most carries by a running back with 36. … Tech’s only previous game in the Golden State was the 2002 Diamond Walnut San Francisco Bowl, a 20-13 victory over Air Force.
— HAROLD GUTMANN
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