If you recall, UCLA had an extra week to prepare for Stanford's Toby Gerhart last year. The Bruins knew exactly who he was, knew exactly what he would try to do.
Three straight wins to start the season, followed by a bye week, had UCLA optimistic about its trip to Palo Alto.
But as was the case with Kansas State's Daniel Thomas last week, Stanford's burly back reached the end zone three times, helping the Cardinal to a 24-16 win.
Hidden in an array of broken tackles and powerful stiff arms was Andrew Luck's emergence as Stanford's quarterback. When UCLA's defense had Stanford in trouble, Luck found his charm. He was 14 of 20 for 198 yards in just his fifth career start.
With Gerhart now taking handoffs for the Minnesota Vikings, Luck is the focal point of coach Jim Harbaugh's offense. UCLA cornerbacks Sheldon Price and Aaron Hester know who he is.
They also have an idea of what he'll try to do.