TODAY’S GAMES

STANFORD AT VANDERBILT Records:

Stanford (1-1, 1-0 Pac-12); Vanderbilt (1-1 0-0, SEC)

Kickoff: 5 p.m., Vanderbilt Stadium, Nashville

Radio: KNBR (1050 AM)

Television: ESPNU

Series history: Stanford has never played Vanderbilt. The schools announced a four-game series in 2015, with Stanford hosting games in 2024 and 2027 and visiting Nashville in 2021 and 2025.

Storylines: Stanford bounced back from a 24-7 loss to Kansas State with a 42-28 win over then-No. 14 USC, which led to the firing of Trojans coach Clay Helton. Vanderbilt had a similar trajectory, with a dispiriting opening-week loss at home (to FCS-level East Tennessee State) followed by a bounce-back road win, at Colorado State. Sure it’s an SEC road game, but this is as easy as the schedule gets for Stanford this season. Up next, a 14-day stretch in which the Cardinal face No. 13 UCLA, No. 4 Oregon and No. 19 Arizona State.

Matchup to watch: Stanford running game vs. Vanderbilt front seven. The Cardinal hasn’t been able to sustain its rushing offense through two games but should get plenty of opportunities against a Commodores’ rush defense that ranks 102nd out of 130 FBS teams.

Injuries: Stanford two-way player Tucker Fisk, a senior who starts at tight end and also plays as a backup defensive lineman, is questionable with an undisclosed injury. Projecting starting cornerback Ethan Bonner will also miss his second straight game.

Stats that matter: Sophomore quarterback Tanner McKee is the first Pac-12 player to beat a ranked opponent on the road in his first career start since Tavita Pritchard of Stanford defeated No. 2 USC in 2007. Former walk-on Brycen Tremayne leads the Cardinal with eight receptions for 111 yards and two touchdowns. Stanford CB Kyu Blu Kelly has two interceptions and three pass breakups. His five passes defended are tied for third-most nationally.