No. 14 Stanford is off to its best start in 40 years after a 38-28 victory over Washington State on Saturday in the Pac-10 Conference.

The Cardinal (6-1, 3-1 Pac-10) used a strong showing from running back Stepfan Taylor and an efficient performance from quarterback Andrew Luck to hand Washington State (1-7, 0-5) its 16th straight loss against Football Bowl Subdivision teams, and its 14th in a row in the Pac-10.

The Cardinal last started 6-1 in 1970, when quarterback Jim Plunkett led them to a Rose Bowl victory.

Two touchdowns from Taylor in the final six minutes of the second quarter turned a 10-7 Stanford lead into a comfortable 24-7 margin by halftime. He had 18 carries for 76 yards as the Cardinal ran 41 plays in the first half to Washington State's 23.

Taylor finished with 146 yards on 30 carries.

Stanford stretched the lead to 31-7 late in the third quarter when Luck connected with Doug Baldwin on a 17-yard score that capped another Taylor-dominated drive.

Luck finished 20 of 28 passing for 190 yards, three touchdowns and one interception. He has 19 touchdown passes this season.

Washington State outscored Stanford 21-7 in the fourth quarter, courtesy of three Jeff Tuel touchdown passes. The final score, a toss to Marquess Wilson, covered 74 yards with 59 seconds remaining.

Tuel was 21 of 29 for 293 yards, four touchdowns and two interceptions.

Stanford plays at Washington next week, while Washington State is back on the road at Arizona State.