With four combined losses between the two teams, this game may not have the luster of the matchups of previous years. But the style contrast and level of play in Stanford Cardinal vs. Oregon Ducks games are always worth a watch, with this year's matchup in Eugene being no exception.
How to watch Oregon vs. Stanford: Game guide, TV schedule, streaming, odds
Can Stanford play the foil again?
Cary Edmondson-USA TODAY Sports
The Ducks flew to a 4-0 start, defeating Michigan State by 19, but showing some signs for concern with a narrow seven-point victory over Washington State. The very next week they lost by a touchdown to Arizona (the second straight year they have lost to the Wildcats). Since then, they’ve won games against UCLA, Washington and Cal by multiple scores.
A win against the Cardinal would keep the ball rolling for Oregon, and would allow the team to shrug off Stanford after two years of the Pac-12 North foe giving them plenty of reasons to hate.
Stanford’s three losses have all come to opponents ranked at the time -- USC, Notre Dame and Arizona State. The Cardinal’s defensive identity still remains, possessing one of the nation’s stingiest units, but the team has yet to pull off a signature victory. The loss to the Sun Devils was the only one by more than three points though, and while the offense is struggling, this Stanford defense has been able to keep them in games.
How to watch, listen, and stream
Game time: 7:30 p.m. ET.
TV: FOX
Online streaming: Fox Sports GO.
Our blogs on these schools
The numbers
Rankings and records: Oregon is ranked No. 5 in the Playoff rankings, No. 6 in the AP Poll and No. 7 in the Coaches Poll. The Ducks are 7-1 with a 4-1 record in conference play, while the Cardinal are 5-3 with a 3-2 Pac-12 record and unranked in all three polls. Stanford holds a 46-30-1 lead in the all-time series.
Vegas: Oregon opened as a 12.5-point favorite. The line has since moved to 8. The over/under is 55.5, per Odds Shark.
Weather forecast: The evening has a low of 44 degrees with a chance of rain.
Two things at stake
Oregon would be in a very tough position Playoff-wise if they lost this one.
A win for Stanford grants bowl eligibility before a tough final month of the season.
One big matchup
Marcus Mariota vs. Stanford defense. The Heisman contender hasn't always had an easy time against the Cardinal, and this year is just as tough a task. Stanford is giving up just 12.5 points per game (second in the FBS), holding opposing quarterbacks to 4.9 yards per attempt with six touchdowns against five interceptions. Mariota has thrown for 24 touchdowns (running for five more and even catching one) with just one interception, and is averaging 10.5 yards per attempt.
Further reading
For more on Oregon, head over to Addicted to Quack. For Stanford coverage, check out Rule of Tree.
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