WHAT TO KNOW

What’s at stake

The lopsided status of this California rivalry probably angers Bruins fans as much as any aspect of coach Jim Mora’s largely successful tenure. The Cardinal have won eight consecutive meetings with the Bruins, and Mora has never beaten Stanford counterpart David Shaw. UCLA’s shaky performances to start the season do little to suggest the rivalry will change course this season, and Mora has downplayed the notion of anything special about his repeated losses to the Cardinal powerhouse.

Key matchup

do-it-all star demolished the Bruins last season with a school-record 243 yards rushing and four touchdowns. He had a 70-yard run for a score, and he returned a kick 96 yards while racking up 369 all-purpose yards. UCLA doesn’t stand a chance without some success against the best player on the field.

Players to watch

Stanford: S Zach Hoffpauir. The former pro baseball player is the Cardinal’s leading tackler, and the improved Stanford defense will be tested after yielding 506 yards to the Bruins in last season’s victory.

UCLA: QB Josh Rosen. The gifted sophomore is still looking for a signature team win in an otherwise successful career. He is coming off his eighth 300-yard passing game against BYU, leaving him just three shy of Cade McNown’s school record.

Facts & figures

The eight-game winning streak is Stanford’s longest against any opponent and the longest in the series . ... The schools have met every season since 1925, except during World War II . ... UCLA has won an impressive seven of its last eight games against ranked opponents, losing only to Stanford last season . ... The Rose Bowl is a second home for Stanford lately, with the Cardinal appearing there seven times in just over six years. Stanford demolished Iowa at the Rose Bowl on Jan. 1, playing in the Granddaddy of Them All for the third time in four seasons. ... UCLA is 34-1 when leading at halftime under Mora.

Betting line

Stanford by 3