Stanford Football: Cardinal face tall task against Oregon Ducks at home

Stanford football is in danger of losing a third consecutive game as the resurgent No.16 Oregon Ducks look to make a statement in capturing the Pac-12 North Division.

Coach David Shaw did not prepare the Stanford football team last weekend on the road against Central Florida. The game got out of hand from the start as K.J. Costello and the Cardinal offense could not find any rhythm.

Costello returned as the starting quarterback after missing the USC game due to a concussion sustained in the opener against Northwestern.

Defensively, the Cardinal could not make the stops in critical points, allowing the Knights to make big plays. In the last two games, the Cardinal defense has allowed 40-plus points to opponents after a strong performance in the opener.

As for the offense, Stanford suffered a significant setback on the offensive line with Walker Little out for the season. His presence was crucial in helping the Cardinal establish a rushing attack.

Cameron Scarlett appears to be the primary running back and even with his physicality, yards on the ground are going to be difficult.

Stanford benefits from boasting a “smash-mouth” brand of offense by wearing down defenses with the running game. Now, the identity appears to be in question without mainstay players from the past in Christian McCaffrey, Toby Gerhart, and Bryce Love.

Costello must forget about last weekend and perform better to have any chance of defeating Oregon at home. Oregon is only allowing 99 rush yards through three games and is looking to bring their dominance on the road. Coach Shaw must open the playbook and establish a passing game.

For Oregon, coach Mario Cristobal is forging a new identity with the Ducks. The goal for this game is playing a full 60 minutes and not suffer the pitfalls from last year against the Cardinal.

In a primetime matchup last season, Oregon dominated Stanford inside the noisy confines of Autzen Stadium in Eugene.

Unfortunately, the Ducks played 50 minutes as a couple of miscues gave the Cardinal a window of opportunity. Stanford took advantage, ultimately coming away as winners in overtime, breaking the hearts of many Oregon fans.

Oregon would rebound the following week with an incredible overtime victory against Washington, but would eventually lose steam, ending the year with a Red Box Bowl win against Michigan State.

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Justin Herbert leads the Ducks’ offense as the senior continues to build an impressive resume in his collegiate career. Herbert opted to return to Oregon instead of the NFL as the early Heisman candidate hopes to lead the Ducks to a potential College Football Playoff berth.

The question of finishing games will overshadow the Ducks on the field after last season and from the season-opening loss against Auburn in Texas. Oregon appeared set to make an early statement against an SEC team, only to let the game slip away in the final minutes.

Last season is undoubtedly on the minds of the current players from Oregon and wants to begin conference play on the right path. With Pac-12 play beginning, the Ducks must win out for a chance at the College Football Playoff.

Injuries hit the Ducks before the start of the season leaving Oregon thin at the wide receiver position. Johnny Johnson III and Jacob Breeland are the top performers through three games.

Juwan Johnson appears finally ready to see action after missing the first three games from an injury. The hope is for Johnson to be a difference-maker during conference play after losing tight end, Cam McCormick.

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On the ground, the Ducks will look to get the edge to run up the field. Travis Dye and C.J. Verdell look to carry the load on the ground. Oregon may be without Cyrus Habibi-Likio as the red zone specialist is dealing with a current injury.

Strong and physical at the line of scrimmage is a point of emphasis for Oregon’s defense as Cristobal and his staff are reloading through recruiting and the current players.

Troy Dye and Thomas Graham Jr. are just two players making impact plays defensively for Oregon. Highly touted prospect, Kayvon Thibodeaux, will likely see time in his first conference game.

Expectations undoubtedly took a hit for the Cardinal as the team is in danger of potentially not winning six games for bowl eligibility. With the team returning home, a spirited battle will likely ensue on the field.

In the past, an Oregon vs. Stanford football matchup has been a marquee game in the Pac-12 which ultimately decides the fate of the North Division. Expect Oregon to seize the moment and come away with the win to send Stanford to a third-straight defeat.

Stanford is in an unfamiliar situation as Oregon looks to be the top team in the conference. Unless the Cardinal can limit the potent attack of the Ducks, winning the meeting or a bowl berth becomes less likely.