WHEN STANFORD HAS THE BALL

• Injuries to running backs have been so pervasive for the Cardinal that Mitch Leigber is listed as the only one on this week’s depth chart — and until recently, Leigber was a backup safety. “I still believe at some point in time, he’s going to be a starting safety for us,” head coach David Shaw said. “But right now, he’s doing a heck of a job and he’s going to be better this week than he was last week at running back.” Leigber carried 11 times for 23 yards against WSU.

• The injuries at running back make it likely Stanford will rely even more on McKee and the passing game. “The connection between our quarterbacks and receivers has been just a little bit off the entire season,” Shaw said. “Our production has been solid, but not what we’re capable of. We’re capable of much more.” McKee has thrown only one TD pass in the past four games as Stanford has not scored more than 16 points in any of those games.

• Heading into the weekend, Stanford had committed the most turnovers (19) in the Pac-12 and Utah had forced the most (also 19). Cornerback Clark Phillips III leads the conference in interceptions with five, including three in a win over Oregon State.