What to know before Stanford kicks off at No. 9 Miami
STANFORD AT NO. 9 MIAMI
Records: Stanford (3-4, 2-2 ACC); Miami (5-1, 1-1 ACC)
Kickoff: 4 p.m. at Hard Rock Stadium, Miami Gardens
TV: ESPN
Radio: KNBR 1050 AM
Series history: This is the first meeting between the schools. Stanford won the 2011 Orange Bowl over Virginia Tech at Hard Rock Stadium. Saturday is the first time Stanford has played in a current NFL stadium since the 2021 season opener against Kansas State at AT&T Stadium.
Stanford storylines: Stanford has already matched its win total in each of the past four seasons, but has yet to win on the road or against a ranked team – it previously lost 27-3 at No. 11 BYU and 48-20 at No. 16 Virginia. … QB Ben Gulbranson is probable after injuring his knee last week, but Micah Ford (425 rushing yards, most by a Stanford running back since 2020) is definitely out.
Miami storylines: Miami was ranked No. 2 entering last week after wins against Notre Dame and South Florida, but is coming off its first loss of the season, a 24-21 defeat at home to Louisville in which Carson Beck threw four interceptions. … The Hurricanes were led by freshman WR Malachi Toney, who had nine catches for a team-high 135 yards, a 12-yard touchdown run and also threw a 2-point conversion pass.
Stats that matter: Beck led Georgia to the College Football Playoff last season and is 29-4 as a starter. … Stanford’s offense is averaging 391 yards and 26.7 points at home, compared to just 280.3 yards and 13.3 points on the road. … Led by projected Top 10 draft pick Rueben Bane on the line, Miami’s defense ranks 13th nationally in points allowed (15.3) and 15th in yards allowed (291.5). … Stanford has lost its last nine road games against AP Top 25 opponents.
— HAROLD GUTMANN
