Stanford Cardinal +14, 54.5 O/U (5-4) 5-3 ATS, 6-3 O/U at Oregon Ducks -14, 54.5 O/U (6-3) 4-5 ATS, 4-5 O/U Saturday, November 8 Autzen Stadium (54,000) Eugene, Oregon3:30 p.m. EST
by Wilson of Predictem.com
The Stanford Cardinal are just one win away from becoming eligible for a bowl game this season. However they must earn that win by defeating either Oregon this weekend or California in Berkeley or USC at home. I think the Cardinals best chance to grab that 6th win will be this weekend at Oregon given the recent and impressive play of Cal and USC. Oregon has shown signs of weakness as of late even though they played in horrible weather conditions last week which surely hampered their performance, but still, they have had trouble putting it all together.
Stanford is boasting with confidence after destroying the Washington State Cougars last week 58-0. QB Loukas simply handed the ball to running back Toby Gerhart, who carried the ball 22 times for 132 yards and 4 touchdowns. Gerhart tied a school record for most touchdowns in a game. Also, running back Anthony Kimble had 5 carries for 92 yards and 1 touchdown. It was Stanfords most lopsided game in more than 59 years.
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The Cardinal are averaging 27.6 points per game and 343 total yards per game. They favor the passing game as they put up 209 yards through the air. Stanfords defense allows 23.6 points per game to their opponents. They give up 260 passing yards per game as well.
The Oregon Ducks have had a roller coaster of a season as they crack the top 25 and then falter, and then crack it again, and then falter. They fell last week against the California Bears 26-16.
Oregon running back Jeremiah Johnson rushed for 116 yards and 1 touchdown but it was not enough as they still came up 10 points shy. The Ducks tandem QB system of Jeremiah Masoli, who was 7-of-21 for 44 yards and 2 INTs, and Justin Roper, who was 4-of-11 for 40 yards simply played less than par. The Ducks could not take advantage of several opportunities and it cost them the game.
Oregon only had a total of 84 yards passing which is not enough in PAC-10 play to compete much less at any level. They did put up decent rushing numbers at 206 yards but they needed a balanced attack to open up the offense. Oregon had been averaging 38.7 points per game while giving up 25. Their offense definitely struggled as they only scored half of what they normally produce.
In the players defense, there was a nasty rain storm and conditions were miserable as the Ducks turned the ball over 3 times, but California turned the ball over 5 times and still found a way to win by 10 points.
Oregon is always tough at Autzen Stadium in Eugene, and they will be looking to bounce back after a weak, deflating effort in California. Oregon head coach, Mike Bellotti will make sure his Ducks are dry, fluffed, and ready to quack all over the Cardinal this Saturday! I dont see Oregon going away as they historically play their best football in the last couple of weeks leading up to bowl season. Stanford will likely not be used to the outstanding athletes of Oregon after playing the JV team, in Washington State, last week. Oregon comes out flying around the field and ready to glide into the holiday season.
Wilsons Pick: The Ducks always rally at home after a loss the week before; theyre just too athletic and well coached to fall again. I like the Ducks to win at home, but Stanford stays within the 14 and covers.
