WHAT TO KNOW

What’s at stake

Stanford seeking seventh consecutive win to retain control of Pac-12 North race and remain in contention for College Football Playoff. Washington State looking to become bowl eligible and close the gap on Stanford in the Pac-12 North. Stanford and WSU are only Pac-12 North teams with one or fewer conference losses.

Key matchup

Stanford defense against Washington State’s Air Raid offense, which averages 506 yards and 36 points per game. Washington State defense against versatile Stanford RB Christian McCaffrey, who rushed for 109 yards, caught five passes for 112 yards and returned kicks for 79 yards last weekend against Washington. He leads nation with 259 all-purpose yards per game.

Players to watch

Stanford: QB Kevin Hogan leads the Pac-12 with pass efficiency rating of 174.0, and has completed 66.7 percent of passes. TE Austin Hooper has caught four touchdown passes. McCaffrey can provide virtually anything else the Cardinal need.

Washington State: QB Luke Falk has thrown for 2,885 yards, with 26 TDs and just 4 INTs. WR Gabe Marks leads the Pac-12 with 57 catches for 717 yards, and caught four TD passes in last weekend’s win at Arizona.

Facts & figures

Stanford has allowed just nine passing TDs this season, while Washington State averages nearly four per game ... Stanford has won seven straight against WSU ... Stanford outscores opponents 84-31 in the third quarter, while WSU is outscored 51-28 in the third ... Washington State has scored more than 40 points in its last 3 games ... Washington State has produced 638 rushing yards and six rushing TDs this season, despite throwing on the majority of downs ... WSU has not beaten a Top 10 opponent since No. 5 Texas in the 2003 Holiday Bowl.

Betting line

Stanford by 12