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Stanford vs. UCLA preview: Stanford will try to stymie the Bruins' offense with their top-10 defense

The Cardinal will look to win their 10th game of the season against a Bruins team coming off the high of defeating the USC Trojans.

By Ronald Clark
Ezra Shaw

The Stanford Cardinal and UCLA Bruins will face off in an end of season Pac-12 clash between two teams who have seen many highs and a few lows this season, but overall, have been quite successful during their respective 9-2 campaigns.

The Bruins have won five straight games since being upset by the California Golden Bears. Their other loss came at the hands of the Oregon St. Beavers but the Bruins have wins over the USC Trojans, Nebraska Cornhuskers and Arizona Wildcats.

Meanwhile, the Cardinal have won five straight games as well after falling to the Notre Dame Fighting Irish, 20-13, in overtime. The Cardinal have knocked off the Trojans, Beavers and the Oregon Ducks this season. If not for a slip up against the Washington Huskies on Sept. 27, the Cardinal would be in the BCS Championship Game discussion.

This game will come down to the Bruins' offense against the Cardinal's defense. The Bruins are scoring 37.7 points while amassing 207.4 rushing yards and 281.2 passing yards per game. The Cardinal only give up 16.9 points per game, the 10th-best mark in the country. The unit that performs the best will put their team in the best position to win their 10th game of the season heading into their respective bowls.