Predictions: Oregon Ducks vs Stanford Cardinal

By 750 THE GAME STAFF

Each week our staff at 750 The Game and fellow Pac-12 experts predict the score of every Oregon Ducks game. This week No. 9 Oregon (4-0) travels to The Farm to take on the Stanford Cardinal (1-3). The Vegas line is Oregon -27.

John Canzano:

Oregon has struggled at times at Stanford. A couple of seasons ago, in fact, an unbeaten UO team lost in a big upset on The Farm. But remember, before that debacle Oregon offensive coordinator Joe Moorhead went to the hospital. There was just so much that went wrong that day for the Ducks. I don’t see a repeat of that upset.

Oregon 42, Stanford 13

Jon Wilner:

Fresh off the blowout victory over Colorado, the Ducks must muster some degree of urgency to handle their next test. Yes, they have struggled against subpar Stanford teams in the past and lost in overtime two years ago when they were ranked third in the nation. But that Cardinal team had more talent than this version and better quarterback play. Unless Oregon commits a rash of turnovers, the game should be in hand with five minutes remaining. But the line is too high for our liking and provides a back door for the underdog once all the starters for both teams have been removed.
Pick: Stanford +27

Spencer McLaughlin:

The Cardinal have allowed a respectable 122 rushing yards per game through 4 contests this season. I expect that average to go up after Saturday. Oregon struggled running on the road against Texas Tech at just 113 yards on 3.6 yards per carry – but has thrived on the ground in every other matchup. Texas Tech has a much more formidable front seven than the Cardinal, who are yet to face a team with the running capabilities of the Ducks.

Oregon leads the Pac 12 so far in rushing at 232 yards a game. Oregon will be without RB Noah Whittington who was injured against Colorado. If the Ducks play the way they’re capable of, the starters shouldn’t need to play the whole game and can hopefully avoid any more injuries.

Oregon 52, Stanford 17

Steven Vaughan:

I can’t bet my hard earned money on Stanford even if they played well last week against Arizona. Oregon coach Dan Lanning has done a good job keeping the Ducks focused. While this is a look ahead spot with Washington the Ducks next opponent. There is a bye week in between it. I think because of that the Ducks will come out focused and can choose how many points they want to score. The Ducks defensively shouldn’t have any trouble with this Stanford team.

Oregon 38, Stanford 7

Judah Newby:

Time to rack up some stats if you’re Bo Nix. Heisman campaigns need big wins, yes, but they need big stats to come with it. Nix goes for 300 and 3 total touchdowns before being lifted in the fourth on The Farm. Ducks get to the bye week feeling good at 5-0.

Oregon 41, Stanford 10