Stanford looks to avoid 0-2 start when the Cardinal host FCS-level Cal Poly
Stanford Cardinal wide receiver Elic Ayomanor (13) reacts after losing to the Sacramento State Hornets after an NCAA football game, Sept. 16, 2023, in Stanford, Calif. Credit: AP/Lachlan Cunningham
Cal Poly (0-1) at Stanford (0-1), Saturday, 7 p.m. ET (ACC Network Extra)
BetMGM College Football Odds: No line.
Series record: First meeting.
WHAT’S AT STAKE?
Stanford coach Troy Taylor seeks his first home win in two seasons with the Cardinal when he faces FCS-level Cal Poly. Stanford is coming off a season-opening 34-27 loss to TCU. The Mustangs lost their opener 27-21 to San Diego and are looking to take advantage of a rare opportunity against an FBS-level opponent.
KEY MATCHUP
Cal Poly DBs vs Stanford WR Elic Ayomanor. The Mustangs don't see receivers like Ayomanor at the FCS level. Ayomanor uses his size to be a string downfield threat and should have opportunities for big plays this week. He had seven catches for 102 yards in the opener.
PLAYERS TO WATCH
Cal Poly: QB Bo Kelly had a rough opener, throwing two pick 6s and three INTs overall in the loss to San Diego. Kelly threw for 226 yards and a TD in his third career start.
Stanford: QB Ashton Daniels showed off his dual-threat abilities in the opener, rushing for a career-high 89 yards on 17 carries for the fifth most yards rushing in a game ever for a Cardinal QB. Daniels wasn't as efficient throwing the ball, going 17 for 35 for 163 yards, one TD and one INT.
FACTS & FIGURES
Cal Poly has lost 10 straight games against FBS-level teams since beating Wyoming 24-22 in 2012. ... The Mustangs have never beaten an FBS team from a major conference. ... Cal Poly had eight yards rushing in the opener. ... Stanford seeks to avoid starting 0-2 for just the second time in the past 18 seasons. The Cardinal lost their first two games in the COVID-shortened 2020 season when they only played conference foes. ... Stanford has lost only twice all-time to an FCS-level team: in 2005 against UC Davis and last season against Sacramento State. ... The Cardinal have lost 10 straight home games since beating Arizona State 15-14 on Oct. 22, 2022. ... Stanford QB Justin Lamson came in last week in short yardage situations and had a TD run and a TD pass.
