ScoopDuck Predictions: Oregon vs Stanford
It’s a huge week for the Ducks as they travel to Palo Alto to battle the ‘Furd. Stanford won’t let them just walk in and take a ‘W’ just for showing up.
Even though we’ve seen Oregon play very physical against a tough team like Ohio State, they’ll have to do it again this weekend.
Coach Shaw has himself a very strong quarterback and knows how to coach with the best of them. Can the Ducks get it done and move onto a very impressive 5-0 mark?
Here are our thoughts on the matter.
Jarrid Denney: Oregon 31, Stanford 17
Stanford is facing some serious injury issues. The Cardinal were without their three best running backs last week and might be without them again against the Ducks. E.J. Smith is out again this week, and Austin Jones and Casey Filkins are questionable. They will also be without their starting right guard. That’s all good news for the Ducks.
Oregon has had its struggles stopping the run this season. But it is getting some major reinforcement with Kayvon Thibodeaux and Mase Funa making fully healthy returns this week. The Ducks’ defense will look rejuvenated and they will have no problem navigating their way through a trap game in Palo Alto.
Joel Gunderson: Stanford 28, Oregon 27
Perhaps I’m putting too much stock in Oregon’s overall performance this season, but let’s be honest: Outside of the four-quarter masterpiece in Ohio, the Ducks in 2021 have looked very average. Their elephant in the room is that quarterback Anthony Brown simply has not looked excellent, yet the coaching staff seems more than happy to keep putting him out there despite his woeful downfield capabilities.
This week on Twitter, QB11 said, “Oregon is headed for a Hurts/Tua situation, but will come after a win or loss?” I think he’s 100% correct, but unfortunately, I see it coming after a loss. Stanford is still an unknown team, but their size and power will prove to be too much for an Oregon team still seeking its identity.
Corpatty: Oregon 31, Stanford 27
This one is close most of the game and the Ducks get tested on the road by a solid Stanford team. But in the end Oregon has just enough answers to pull out a hard-fought, physical 4-point win moving the Ducks to 5-0 on the season.
Jhop: Oregon 34, Stanford 24
I think Mario Cristobal-led teams have had more success against physical teams than dual-threat quarterback teams. Stanford has an absolute dandy of a quarterback but he isn’t very mobile. I’m going to guess you’ll see a heavy dose of bend but don’t break defense from this Oregon team. The question is if they break in the red-zone or become opportunistic as they have been.
I think Oregon will get theirs. They’ll be able to move the ball down field and will likely manage the passing game as they have done so far.
More than likely, this game is close (R) at half. I think Oregon pulls away in the second half as the offense starts clicking and Stanford starts to force it coming from behind.
