PLAYERS TO WATCH
–QB Justin Herbert has yet to win a signature game in his 20 chances as a starting quarterback. He’ll have that opportunity on Saturday night when he faces a Stanford defense that has been one of the best in the country. To win, Herbert must continue spreading the ball around to all of his receivers and limit the turnovers.
–RB Tony Brooks-James must show up and keep Oregon’s running game a threat. A lot of the offensive success will come on the arm of Justin Herbert, but it’s Brooks-James who must keep Stanford from dropping seven into coverage every time. He does so by staying patient and picking up 4 to 5 yards per carry, continuously pressuring the Cardinal until they break.
–NT Jordon Scott is the key to Oregon’s run defense. Jalen Jelks, Justin Hollins and Troy Dye might get the headlines and the stats, but Scott makes it all possible. The 329-pound sophomore does a great job of dominating the center by occupying multiple linemen and both “A” gaps, freeing up the others to make the play. If Scott proves immoveable against the Cardinal line, it will make life miserable for Stanford running back Bryce Love.
–S Ugochukwu Amadi is having one of the best starts to a season of his career. But to continue this hot start, he’s going to have to play the best he’s ever played. Oregon’s pass defense is its weak link and Stanford comes in with three big receiving threats in JJ Arcega-Whiteside, Trent Irwin and Kaden Smith. It will be up to Amadi to not only defend one of those players, it will be on his shoulders to make sure the Oregon defensive backs are on the same page and communicating.
SERIES HISTORY: Stanford leads 48-32-1. Oregon and Stanford have split the series 5-5 in the past 10 years, but the Cardinal has won the past two games in dominating fashion. Last year’s 49-7 loss was Oregon’s worst defeat in the series; Bryce Love ran for 147 yards and two scores and JJ Arcega-Whiteside had 112 receiving yards and two scores.
QUOTE TO NOTE: “I think you acknowledge it as one of the reasons you come to Oregon. To be on the biggest stage, on the national spotlight. Recognize the ultimate honor, but at the same it is still about playing the game.” — Oregon head coach Mario Cristobal, on College GameDay being at the game. The Ducks are 7-2 when College GameDay comes to Eugene.
