LOOKING GOOD
Offensively, Stanford did pretty much what it wanted in its first game without Toby Gerhart. The Cardinal rolled up 529 total yards, and 213 of it came on the ground. Five players shared the tailback load, totaling 147 yards. Being able to produce a running threat is the key to the Cardinal's success this season. Stanford has a talented quarterback in Andrew Luck, but the Cardinal must keep the pressure off him by being able to run the ball. Stanford was able to do that in its opener, albeit against a lower division team.

STILL NEEDS WORK
Punt coverage. The Cardinal had to punt only twice against Sacramento State, but one resulted in a 70-yard return for a touchdown by the Hornets' Kyle Monson. It was the first time since 2003 that Stanford yielded a touchdown on a punt return. The Cardinal also needs to clean up its mistakes. It lost two fumbles and committed seven penalties. The Cardinal can't afford to turn the ball over twice against Pac-10 teams.

ROSTER REPORT

--WR Chris Owusu did not play against Sacramento State because of an undisclosed injury. Coach Jim Harbaugh said he expects Owusu to play against UCLA on Sept. 11, although Harbaugh has not been forthcoming about players' availability for games.

--ILB Shayne Skov did not play against Sacramento State because of an undisclosed injury. The sophomore is the cornerstone of the defense, and if he cannot play against UCLA it will be a significant blow. Harbaugh said he expects Skov to play against UCLA, but Harbaugh's proclamations about players' availability have not been reliable.

--Redshirt freshman Levin Toilolo started at tight end in the opener, but he injured his knee early in the game and did not return. His status for the UCLA game is uncertain.

--Starting TB Jeremy Stewart injured his ankle during the game against Sacramento State. He is expected to play against UCLA, but it is not a certainty.

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