Three Keys To Stanford Upsetting No. 25 UCLA

Stanford ended their four-game losing streak in historic fashion against Deion Sanders and Colorado

Stanford is still riding high following last week's comeback victory over Deion Sanders' Colorado squad, coming back from down 29-0 at the half to win 46-43 in double overtime.

They have a chance to string together back-to-back wins for what would be the first time of the Troy Taylor era, but it won't be easy by any means. They are welcoming No. 25 UCLA to town for what will be their last meeting against one another as Pac-12 foes, something that Chip Kelly said he wished wasn't happening. 

For Stanford, this team has shown a ton of growth, but they still have a ways to go before they are back to competing at the highest level. However, that doesn't mean they won't have a chance against the Bruins.

Here are the three keys to Stanford pulling off a second-straight upset. 

Force Dante Moore To Turn The Ball Over

Soobum Im-USA TODAY Sports

UCLA clearly has a rising star at quarterback in five-star Dante Moore, but the youngster has had issues protecting the football in Pac-12 play. The Bruins are 1-2 in their last three games, and Moore has thrown seven interceptions between them with three of them going for a pick-six. It is unclear if Kelly will look to him again, turn back to Ethan Garbers who started the first game, or Kent State transfer Colin Schlee. Regardless, this quarterback room has a combined 11 touchdowns to 10 interceptions, and if Stanford's defense can give the offense extra chances or points while preventing UCLA from being able to run the ball as much, it could be a difference maker. 

Protect The Football

Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports

Stanford found their guy at quarterback in Ashton Daniels, who absolutely shredded Colorado. He was making the right decisions at all times, and also utilized his legs when needed. However, when defenses are able to get pressure on him he will force a throw or two. He was better about it against Colorado, but still made a couple of risky throws. As he did against USC and Sacramento State earlier in the year. UCLA not only is t-No. 7 in the country in turnovers forced, and also ranks the same in team sacks. So, the offensive line and whoever else is blocking need to stay strong in order to allow for Daniels to get confident. 

Feed Elic Ayomanor

Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports

Prior to the Colorado game, the one thing this offense was missing outside of consistent blocking from the offensive line was big plays. There were dropped passes, overthrows, and plenty of other missed opportunities prior to last week, but Elic Ayomanor flipped a switch. He is the big play threat on this offense now, and should open up star tight end Benjamin Yurosek. Ayomanor had a career-high 13 catches for 294 yards and three massive touchdowns this past week, with a lot of his damage coming after the catch. Getting him the ball as much as possible can only lead to good things, and may help build some confidence against one of the best defensive units in the country.