The game we would have been anticipating all week. With USC ineligible the South is an afterthought, making this the de facto Pac 12 title game. Stanford and Oregon now have a clear picture of what they’re playing for. Streaks collide as Stanford has won 17-straight (last loss to Oregon) and Oregon has won 18-straight in the Pac 12 (last loss to Stanford).

Both teams are looking for a marquee win. Stanford barely made it past USC. Oregon lost to LSU, hasn’t played anyone else. Would a 1-loss Oregon (LSU) with a road win over Stanford and a Pac-12 title deserve a BCS place ahead of a 1-loss Alabama or Oklahoma? Would an undefeated Stanford get in over a one-loss Alabama?

This should be an offensive battle. Stanford has its power running game with a little bit of Luck. Oregon has it’s lightning-paced speed option running game. Both are means to the same end, exhausting the opponents’ defense mentally and physically and pouring on points in the second half. Whatever defense performs better probably wins this. Stanford needs to prevent big plays on the ground, forcing Oregon to work the ball down the field methodically and maximizing opportunities for them to make a mistake. The Ducks need to get pressure up front, force Stanford into three and outs and get their offense back on the field.

Prediction: Gone back and forth on this one for a couple of days. I think this comes down to the final possession. I trust Andrew Luck more than Darron Thomas on that final possession. Stanford 38-34 Oregon.

Previously: College Football Week Eleven Preview

Previously: College Football Week Eleven Picks

[Photo via Getty]

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