UCLA Football: Key Players from Stanford's Offense, Defense and Special Team

UCLA Bruins vs. No. 6 Stanford Cardinal

Kickoff time: 7:30 PM PST

Palo Alto, CA

The matchup between the Stanford Cardinal and the UCLA Bruins this Saturday will feature two teams in first place in their respective conference divisions.

UCLA is 2-2 (1-0) and is tied for first place in the Pac-12 South division while the undefeated Stanford Cardinal are tied for first place in the North division.

UCLA fans, here are nine players from the Cardinal that you should know before kickoff.

Stanford’s Offense

Andrew Luck: Quarterback

If you don’t know who Andrew Luck is, then it’s time to start paying more attention to college football. Luck is the top candidate for the Heisman trophy, and he’s put up gaudy numbers so far in 2011 (57-of-85 for 786 yards and eight touchdowns with just one interception).

Stephen Taylor: Running Back

Taylor is probably the most underrated running back in the Pac-12. Besides LaMichael James (Oregon) and Chris Polk (Washington), Taylor is right in there with the best of the best in the conference. Taylor has rushed for 289 yards and two touchdowns.

Chris Owusu: Wide Receiver

Stanford lost two stud receivers from last season’s team in Doug Baldwin and Ryan Whalen, but they do keep on of the top receivers in Chris Owusu. So far in 2011, Owusu has brought 16 passes for 227 yards and a touchdown.

Stanford’s Defense

Ben Gardner: Defensive End

One of the most underrated defensive ends in the country, Gardner is an absolute terror for opposing tackles to cover. Gardner has eight tackles, 5.5 tackles for loss, 2.5 sacks, a fumble recovery and a safety. Because Gardner is listed at a very small 263 pounds, he uses speed, not strength, to get around offensive linemen.

Matthew Masifilo: Defensive End

Masifilo might be the least talked about ends in the Pac-12. In Stanford’s 3-4 defense, dominant defensive linemen are key to holding up with big offensive lines. Masifilo does that and much more.

Chase Thomas: Linebacker

With the devastating loss of Shayne Skov, Chase Thomas has had to step up as the leader of the Cardinal defense. In the young 2011 season, Thomas has 12 tackles, five tackles for loss, 3.5 sacks and two forced fumbles. UCLA’s O-line will need to make sure they pick up Thomas on the rush.

Stanford’s Special Teams

Jordan Williamson: Kicker

Williamson has been one of the most consistent kickers in the Pac-12 thus far. Williamson has made all six of his field goal attempts with a long of 45 yards.

David Green: Punter

Green is a phenomenal punter with all-conference talent. In Green’s eight punts in 2011, three have been downed inside the 20-yard line, and two have been more than 50 yards.

Drew Terrell: Returner

Besides Owusu, Stanford doesn’t have a huge a major threat in the return game. Terrell has returned six punts for an average of 15.7 yards per return with a long of 42. UCLA can’t sleep on coverage though, Stanford will make you pay for poor execution.