Stanford hosts NC State Friday night chasing .500 behind Micah Ford

Stanford (3-4, 1-3 ACC) hosts NC State (3-3, 1-2 ACC) tonight, Friday, Oct. 23, at 7:30 p.m. PT on ESPN.

Why it matters: A win would get Stanford back to .500 in coach Tavita Pritchard's first season, ahead of road trips to Louisville and Virginia Tech. The Cardinal haven't played in a bowl game since 2018.

The Ford factor

• Micah Ford ran for 179 yards and 4 TDs against Elon, tying the school record, and was named ACC Running Back of the Week.
• He has 8 rushing TDs this season and is listed as probable.
• NC State allows 133 rushing yards a game.

Defense

Stanford held Elon to 52 passing yards. Linebacker Sam Mattingly said the team is focused on Wolfpack QB CJ Bailey. NC State is coming off a bye after losing to Wake Forest.

Also this weekend: Cal at No. 23 SMU.