Preview: #9 Stanford @ #4 Oregon

Chris Owusu carries two Ducks in Stanford's 51-42 win last season

ESPN's College Gameday will be in Eugene, Oregon this week for a PAC 10 Clash between #9 Stanford and #4 Oregon. Stanford comes off an emotional 37-14 romping of rival Notre Dame. Stanford (4-0, 1-0) snapped a seven game losing streak in South Bend, Ind. dating back to 1992. The Cardinal are off to their best start since 1984. The game was highlighted by Owen Marecic scoring an offensive and defensive touchdown only 11 seconds apart. Notre Dame put up lofty totals through the air, but the Cardinal defense came up with timely interceptions when it mattered the most.

Oregon is off to it's best start since Dennis Dixon had the Ducks in the National Championship picture a couple years back. Last weekend in Tempe, Arizona the Ducks had a tremendous 42-31 come back victory over the Sun Devils. Lemichael James tore it up on the ground, running for 140 yards. The Ducks have not missed a beat since Jermiah Masoli was kicked off the team earlier this year. Darron Thomas has filled in tremendously, and threw for 260 yards and two scores. The Oregon defense did look suspect at times, and that is something to watch for against the potent Stanford passing attack.

Autzen Stadium is a game changer for the Ducks

Keys To The Game

Stanford: Stanford must contain the speed of Oregon. Lemichael James will be a handful for the Stanford defense, which is tactically sound but does lack speed in the linebacking core. In addition the Stanford offense better be working on dealing with the sound of Autzen Stadium this week in practice because Autzen will be rocking Saturday night.

Oregon: As long as Oregon limits it's turnovers, and keeps the ball in James's hands they should be fine. The Ducks have more speed on the field, and if we have learned  anything from the SEC's success in the past couple years it's that speed wins ballgames. The Ducks defense must contain Stanford's passing game. They were exposed in  Tempe last weekend, giving up 387 yards through the air to Steven Threet, who is no Andrew Luck.

Prediction: Oregon 42 Stanford 38

The game will be close, but the Ducks will continue their 12 game winning streak at home. Tune in to ABC Saturday night if you enjoy offense!