"Stanford storylines: Stanford is in the bottom 10 in the country in scoring offense, though it does much better at home (80 points in three wins) than on the road (60 points in five losses). Some of that has to do with the strength of its opponents the Cardinal has faced three losing teams at home and three AP Top 15 teams on the road. So this will be a test to see if Stanford's 3-0 home record is due to home-field advantage or a quirk of the schedule."
"Pittsburgh storylines: After a 2-2 start, the Panthers have caught fire since freshman QB Mason Heintschel became a starter, with four wins by a combined 80 points. Since Week 6, Heintschel ranks second nationally in passing yards (1,210) and first in the ACC in yards, touchdowns, and QB rating. After Saturday, the Panthers close against AP Top 12 teams Notre Dame, Georgia Tech and Miami."
"Stats that matter: The Cardinal's defense is top-50 in the country in rush defense, allowing just 127.5 yards per game on the ground, good for ninth in the ACC. That is on pace to be Stanford's best rushing defense since 2014 (104.5 yards per game). Pitt's defense is forcing its opponents' offense into 3-and-outs on 30.9 percent of defensive drives this season, most in the ACC and 11th most in the FBS. Stanford's defense ranks 14th in opponents' red zone touchdown percentage (46.3%)."
Stanford enters at 3-5 (2-3 ACC) with a bottom-10 scoring offense that performs far better at home (80 points in three wins) than on the road (60 points in five losses). The Cardinal has faced three losing teams at home and three AP Top 15 teams on the road, making the home record a point of evaluation. Pittsburgh is 6-2 (4-1 ACC) and has risen since freshman Mason Heintschel became the starter, with four dominant wins and Heintschel ranking highly in national and ACC passing metrics. Stanford's run defense is strong, while Pitt forces a high rate of opponent 3-and-outs and finishes the season against several top teams.
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