The Stanford Cardinal may just be the hottest team in NCAA right now. A week after blowing out the Oregon Ducks at home, the Cardinal went to USC and throttled the Trojans 55-21 in a result that no one in the college football world could have seen coming.

This week Stanford hosts the Golden Bears as the Cardinal can earn a Rose Bowl bid by beating California at home and getting losses by Oregon, Oregon State and Arizona down the stretch.

NCAA odds makers like their chances to do their part as they are listed as more than a touchdown home favorite. The spread in Vegas is sitting at, Stanford -7.5 with the total in the game at 61.

At 7-3 overall and 6-2 in the Pac 10, Stanford is having quite a season. The Cardinal are turning out a huge turnaround engineered by coach Jim Harbaugh. A big difference from a 1-11 season under Walt Harris to now has been nothing short of remarkable.

The Cardinal have moved up to No. 14 in the latest Associated Press poll and find themselves 17th in the BCS Standings.

Cal will again be short-handed for the game as star tailback Jahvid Best recovers from a concussion. California coach Jeff Tedford said there is "no chance" Best would play against the Cardinal. Best sustained his second concussion in an eight-day period against Oregon State.

Stanford and what they can do on the ground will be the difference in this game. Running back Toby Gerhart and his 19 touchdowns have got him in the Heisman Trophy discussion. In the last two week against Oregon and USC, Gerhart has rushed for over 400 yards and 6 touchdowns.

I just don't see Cal being able to handle the running of Gerhart.

Take the Cardinal and give the 7.5 points at home.