In advance of Stanford's return to Pasadena to face UCLA, Cardinal coach David Shaw shows the Xs and Os of "Hawkeye," the trick play TD pass Stanford used to beat Iowa in the 2016 Rose Bowl. (1:37)

STANFORD, Calif. -- This is the part of Stanford's 2016 schedule that elicited concern when it was released. Having vanquished both Kansas State and USC by double digits, the Cardinal are in the thick of it now, with a two-game road trip to UCLA and Washington next on the docket.

No. 7 Stanford takes on the Bruins at the Rose Bowl Saturday (5 p.m. PT, ABC). It's a contest that gives the 2016 version of the Cardinal a chance prove two things: That they can win away from the comfortable confines of home, and that they're still the state's top dog.

"We want to be the kings of California," Christian McCaffrey said. "We have a lot of players from different parts of the state and different parts of LA, so that's very important to us."

In-state ownership has been a rallying cry for Stanford since 2009, when the graduating senior class put added emphasis on games against California, UCLA, and USC. The Cardinal made "Kings of California" T-shirts in 2010 following their first clean sweep through the state. The program has enjoyed eight consecutive victories over the Bruins and six straight over the Golden Bears, but USC beat Stanford twice in 2013 and 2014 -- so the moniker took a temporary hiatus.

Christian McCaffrey hopes to lead Stanford to a ninth consecutive victory over UCLA. John Hefti/Icon Sportswire

After the Cardinal restored order with two wins over the Trojans last season, former offensive lineman Kyle Murphy showed a combination of joy and relief that's rare for Stanford players who often insist that every victory holds equal weight.

"People can't talk crap anymore," Murphy, a southern California native, said while smiling. "I have a winning record against USC now, so I can show them [three Pac-12 championship] rings and my 3-2 record against them."

For similar reasons, this weekend's tilt with UCLA holds great psychological importance for Stanford. The Cardinal are coming off a methodical 27-10 triumph over USC, so this is an opportunity for them to maintain bragging rights over that city down south.

And, in the larger scheme of things, this is a chance for Stanford to show that it still holds the upper hand in the Pac-12. The Cardinal have looked like their usual selves in two home wins to open the season -- physical, disciplined, methodical, and explosive at critical junctures -- but coach David Shaw knows that taking the show on the road opens a whole new set of challenges.

"It's going to say a lot about our mentality, about our preparation and our maturity," Shaw said. "It'll be a different environment, a different locker room, a different pre-game setup, a different field, and a different sun location... Are we strong enough mentally and emotionally to come back and play our best when [UCLA] plays well there? We'll see."

Call it a litmus test for the defending Pac-12 champions -- one that they'll have to pass with a new man under center. Starting quarterback Ryan Burns is working on refining his silent counts this week. It's the first time in his career that he'll have to rely so heavily on nonverbal communication.

"On third down, it can get loud down there in the Rose Bowl," Shaw said.

The Cardinal, of course, have their usual trump card in McCaffrey, who racked up 369 all-purpose yards against UCLA last season. But the Bruins were missing lineman Eddie Vanderdoes in that meeting. If UCLA's recent performance on run defense against BYU is any indication -- it only allowed 23 yards on 25 carries -- then Stanford will be tested.

That's all part of the pressure escalation that the Cardinal faces as they enter the teeth of their schedule. It's time to find out if Stanford's latest product is ready for that stress. The program's throne atop California and the Pac-12 both depend on it.