Stanford Cardinal aims to sustain momentum from historic comeback against Colorado, facing UCLA Bruins

Stanford is looking for its first home victory after an impressive comeback win against Colorado.

Stanford is gearing up for their first home victory of the season as they face off against UCLA on Saturday night. After a remarkable comeback win against Colorado, the Cardinal are looking to build on their momentum and secure consecutive wins. Despite their historic victory, coach Troy Taylor has noticed that the team has remained consistent in their approach and attitude during practice.

The Cardinal's ability to stay level-headed and focused allowed them to overcome a 29-0 halftime deficit, making it the fourth-largest comeback win in Pac-12 history. Taylor attributes their success to the team's unwavering mentality and their ability to keep playing without panicking or bickering on the sidelines. He believes that it's the little things and maintaining momentum that can make a significant difference in a game.

One standout player from the comeback win was redshirt freshman receiver Elic Ayomanor, who recorded a school-record 294 receiving yards, all in the second half. Ayomanor showcased his speed with two long touchdown runs and a game-winning catch in overtime. Despite dropping a pass in the first half, Ayomanor's confidence and perseverance allowed him to bounce back and make crucial plays in the game.

Now, Stanford is hoping to replicate their success at home, where they have struggled this season. They have lost to Oregon, Arizona, and Sacramento State on their home turf. UCLA, ranked 25th, has also faced challenges on the road, losing their last two games against tough opponents. The key for Stanford will be finding balance on offense, especially against UCLA's strong run defense, which has allowed the fewest rushing yards per attempt and touchdowns in the nation.

Stanford's running game has been inconsistent this season, and they have started three different running backs in search of a consistent threat. In their comeback win against Colorado, the Cardinal's running backs had limited opportunities and struggled to make an impact. The running game will be even more crucial if tight end Benjamin Yurosek is unable to play due to a shoulder injury. Additionally, wide receiver John Humphreys is still recovering from an injury sustained in the season opener, further limiting Stanford's offensive options.

Despite their momentum from the historic comeback, Stanford is considered the underdog in this matchup, with UCLA favored by 17 points. The Cardinal will need to rely on their resilience and the memories of their remarkable win to pull off another upset. The rivalry between UCLA and Stanford has a long history, but this could potentially be their last meeting for a while, as UCLA is set to join the Big Ten and Stanford will be in the ACC next season.

While the odds may be against them, coach Taylor and the Cardinal are focused on making the most of their remaining games. The comeback win against Colorado will be a memory that lasts a lifetime for Taylor, and he is proud to have achieved it with a group of players he admires and loves. The team is determined to continue fighting and proving themselves, regardless of the outcome of their upcoming games.

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