Keys to the Game: Stanford vs Oregon

Saturday, two of the nations top teams, the Stanford Cardinal and Oregon Ducks, will face off in Palo Alto, CA.

Stanford, ranked number 4 in the nation, will have to rely on Heisman candidate quarterback Andrew Luck to overcome the speedy Oregon squad, ranked number 7 in the nation.

Oregon's speed will pose a major challenge to the Stanford team on defense. The only way to defeat this high-flying Ducks team is to contain the running game which features LaMichael James and DeAnthony Thomas. If Stanford provides any gap or lane to run through, expect James or Thomas to be long gone, leaving Stanford defenders in their dust as they race to the end zone. How can the Oregon running game be contained? The answer is with linebackers. The Stanford linebackers need to be sharp and aware of where the Oregon running backs are trying to squeeze through. When the linebackers realize where the running lane is, they have to run to the lane and make sure to hit the running back. And by hit, I mean tackle him and bring them to the ground, which is no easy task. If James or Thomas isn't brought down, then just go Youtube "LaMichael James highlights". You'll see what that guy can do.

In addition, Stanford needs to be prepared for Oregon's no huddle offense. By running a no huddle offense, Oregon wastes no time between plays which makes it virtually impossible for a defense to make the necessary substitutes, call a play, change the play, and be in position. If Stanford cannot keep up with Oregon's pace, the Ducks will score every time they get the ball.

On offense, Stanford has to establish their own running game. Unlike Oregon, Stanford's running game is less about flash and outrunning the opponent. Stanford prefers to run right into the heart of the defense and completely overpower the defense. If the Cardinals gain decent yardage on the ground, future NFL quarterback Andrew Luck will have a much easier time passing the ball. Having a successful running game forces the defense to bring more players to stop the run. When this happens, Stanford can simply fake a run, confuse the defense, and complete a pass for potentially a big gain. If Stanford doesn't establish their running game, then Oregon can comfortably wait in pass coverage and make life miserable for Luck.

Prediction:
As much as my heart tells me to that Andrew Luck will make the Cardinals "Lucky" and beat the Ducks, my brain tells me otherwise. Look for Oregon to be too fast for Stanford and win 35-20.