STANFORD VS. DUKE

RECORDS: Stanford 1-0, Duke 1-0

KICKOFF: 7:30 p.m. at Stanford Stadium

TV: Pac-12 Networks/Bay Area (Comcast channels 433 and 823)

RADIO: 1050-AM

SERIES HISTORY: Stanford leads 2-1, including a 44-14 victory last year in Durham.

STANFORD STORYLINE: The Cardinal is a two-touchdown favorite against one of the worst programs in the mediocre Atlantic Coast Conference. ... This is Stanford's last chance to correct its communication and execution problems before opening league play next week against No. 1 USC. ... Inside linebacker Shayne Skov returns for the first time since suffering a major knee injury early last season. The heart and soul of Stanford's defense, Skov is expected to start but won't play every snap. ... Stanford's pass defense, which struggled against San Jose State, will face a veteran quarterback in Duke's Sean Renfree. ... The Cardinal is ranked in the Associated Press poll (albeit barely: No. 25) for the 33rd consecutive week.

INJURY UPDATE: Stanford -- FB Geoff Meinken (knee) is out; FB Ryan Hewitt (ankle) is doubtful. Duke -- S Jordon Byas (knee), DL Jamal Bruce (foot), LB Kelby Brown (knee), WR Blair Holliday (head) and TE Braxton Deaver (knee) are out.

MATCHUP TO WATCH: Stanford outside linebackers Chase Thomas and Trent Murphy against Duke's pass protection. Thomas dominated the Blue Devils in the 2011 meeting with 21/2 sacks

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and a forced fumble, but the heralded senior was unusually quiet against San Jose State last week. If Stanford gives Renfree time to throw, Duke will move the ball -- as it did against the Cardinal a year ago (305 passing yards).

STAT THAT MATTERS: Stanford converted 53 percent of its third-down opportunities in 2011 but was a paltry 2 of 13 in the victory over San Jose State.

-- Jon Wilner