Andrew Luck has been earning some Heisman Trophy buzz by throwing 10 touchdown passes without an interception to spark Stanford's early rise, which featured a 68-24 win over Wake Forest last Saturday night.
The sophomore went 17 for 23 for 207 yards and four touchdowns, adding a 52-yard TD run in what coach Jim Harbaugh called a "flawless" performance as the Cardinal (3-0) posted their highest point total since 1968.
"We're coming along nicely," Luck said. "But I don't think anybody is satisfied. This program hasn't been on a high too long. Guys have been around here when it's not been on a high, me included. We know that tides can change like that."
A glance at Stanford's recent history should be humbling enough. No Cardinal team has begun a season with four wins since 1986, and Stanford's ranking is the school's highest at this point in a season since 1972.
Stanford must snap a seven-game losing streak in South Bend that dates to 1992.
With an offense that ranks third nationally with 51.7 points per game, the Cardinal may be well equipped. They rolled up 303 yards on 38 carries against Wake Forest, using eight rushers after losing Heisman runner-up Toby Gerhart to graduation last year.
"That Stanford team is very special," Demon Deacons coach Jim Grobe said. "It's a good football team, well coached. ... They have such a strong running game and a special quarterback who makes all the throws." :SIB
Stanford's big point totals have overshadowed the team's stingy defense, which shut out UCLA in its lone road game and has allowed an FBS-low 90.0 passing yards per game. :scared
The Irish have struggled defensively, allowing 443.7 yards per game to rank 102nd nationally.
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