In a Pac-12 clash certain to impact the conference's final standings, a surging No. 15 Stanford hosts cross-division opponent No. 18 UCLA in Palo Alto, California, as each program searches to improve its possible playoff chances. Fresh off a bye week, the Cardinal return to Stanford Stadium undefeated in league play and confident following the 55-17 rout of Arizona two weeks prior.
Oppositely, UCLA (4-1, 1-1 Pac-12) suffered through its off week after having fallen 38-23 to Arizona State at home. The Bruins, formerly a Top 10 squad and national contender for a playoff position, dropped dramatically in the rankings following the loss but aim to return to prominence with a statement victory against the North Division leader.