Elon vs Stanford Picks and Predictions for Saturday, October 17, 2026
The Elon Phoenix (4-3, 2-2 CAA) visit the Stanford Cardinal (2-4, 1-3 ACC) on Saturday at Stanford Stadium in Stanford, California. Kickoff is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. ET on ACC Network Extra. Elon sits fifth in the CAA after losing 16-0 to Wofford, while Stanford ranks 15th in the ACC following a 58-7 defeat against Notre Dame. Both teams enter Saturday on two-game losing streaks, with Stanford returning home after consecutive road defeats. For more college football betting predictions, check out our free NCAAF picks.
Elon Phoenix Depend on Their Rushing Attack
Elon has lost two consecutive games, falling 30-23 against New Hampshire before suffering a 16-0 shutout against Wofford. The Phoenix previously defeated Maine 43-17 and Sacred Heart 24-21, demonstrating stronger offensive production earlier in the season. Quarterback Elijah Guttman has completed 42.4% of his passes for 519 yards, two touchdowns, and five interceptions. TJ Crews IV has contributed 452 passing yards and four touchdowns, while Brady Stober has added 352 yards. Elon has thrown 11 interceptions as a team, making turnovers a significant concern.
Running back Kamerin McDowell-Moore leads Elon with 916 rushing yards and six touchdowns on 137 carries, averaging 6.7 yards per attempt. The Phoenix have 1,186 rushing yards and 14 touchdowns, averaging 4.4 yards per carry. Kenaz McMillian leads the receiving group with 263 yards, while Jaedon Alford has contributed 246 yards and two touchdowns. Defensively, Brodie Carroll leads with 66 tackles and two sacks, followed by Tony Hart III and Derek Hite with 40 tackles each. Elon has recorded 13 sacks but just one interception through seven games.
Stanford Cardinal Look to Recover From Heavy Defeats
Stanford has struggled throughout the season, losing four of its last five games, including a 58-7 defeat against Notre Dame and a 57-3 loss to Wake Forest. The Cardinal defeated Georgia Tech 34-27 on September 26 but have scored just 10 combined points in their last two games. Quarterback Davis Warren has completed 58.5% of his passes for 1,351 yards, six touchdowns, and two interceptions. Warren has averaged 6.9 yards per passing attempt while being sacked 11 times. Stanford has 1,383 passing yards through six games.
The Cardinal have struggled on the ground, rushing for just 502 yards and four touchdowns while averaging 2.9 yards per carry. Micah Ford leads with 350 rushing yards and four touchdowns on 95 attempts. Caden High leads the receiving group with 330 yards and three touchdowns, while Benji Blackburn has contributed 186 yards and one score. Defensively, Matt Rose and Jay Green share the team lead with 38 tackles each. Gabe Kaminski leads the pass rush with two sacks, while Stanford has recorded just four sacks and three interceptions this season.
Key to the Game
Elon's rushing attack against Stanford's defense will be the central matchup. McDowell-Moore has 916 rushing yards and six touchdowns, providing the Phoenix with a consistent offensive option. Stanford has allowed 115 points across its last two games, raising concerns about its ability to stop another productive running game. However, Elon has thrown 11 interceptions, creating opportunities for Stanford to gain favorable field position. The Cardinal also need better offensive production after scoring just 10 combined points against Wake Forest and Notre Dame.
Elon vs Stanford Game Pick
- Stanford
Stanford enters Saturday with a significant advantage in overall talent against an FCS opponent, despite struggling throughout the season. The Cardinal have lost four of their last five games but defeated Georgia Tech 34-27 earlier this month. Elon has lost two consecutive contests and struggled offensively against Wofford, failing to score in a 16-0 defeat. The Phoenix rely heavily on McDowell-Moore, while their passing attack has produced 11 interceptions. Warren will give Stanford the stronger passing option, and the Cardinal will secure the home victory.
Elon vs Stanford Over/Under Pick
- Under
Stanford has scored just 10 combined points in its last two games, while Elon was shut out 16-0 by Wofford last Saturday. The Cardinal have struggled to establish their rushing attack, averaging only 2.9 yards per carry, while Warren has been sacked 11 times. Elon relies heavily on McDowell-Moore, whose 916 rushing yards account for most of the Phoenix's ground production. Both teams enter Saturday with offensive concerns, and Elon's rushing approach keeps the clock moving. The matchup will cash under the closing total.