Oregon vs. Stanford: TV Info, Spread, Injury Updates, Game Time and More

The Oregon Ducks face their toughest test of the season Thursday night when they travel to face the Stanford Cardinal in a classic Pac-12 battle that will help shape the top of the BCS Standings. 

Oregon enters the game with an undefeated record of 8-0, having already fended off a couple of tough teams this season. The Ducks had no problem handling Washington and UCLA earlier this year, beating the two teams by a combined score of 87-38. 

Stanford has one loss on its record and comes into the game in second place in the Pac-12. Since losing a stunner to Utah in mid-October, the Cardinal have won two games in a row against ranked conference rivals Oregon State and UCLA.

Both teams enter the game in the top five of the BCS Standings, but only one will maintain a spot at the top. Needless to say, the intensity will be ramped up for both teams, and this contest will feature a playoff atmosphere. 

When: Thursday, Nov. 7, at 9 p.m. ET

Where: Stanford Stadium, Stanford, Calif. 

Watch: ESPN

Live Stream: Watch ESPN

Betting Lines

• Over/Under: 65 pts.
• Spread: Stanford (+10.5)

Oregon Injury Report (via USA Today)

No injuries to report.

Stanford Injury Report (via USA Today)

Player	Pos.	Status/Updated
Devon Cajuste	WR	Ques Nov 7 - Knee - 10/27/13
Jordan Williamson	K	Ques Nov 7 - Leg - 10/27/13
Ben Gardner	DE	Out for season - Pectoral - 10/29/13
Henry Anderson	DE	Late Nov - Knee - 10/16/13

Oregon's Offense or Stanford's Defense?

Quarterback Marcus Mariota leads the second-highest scoring offense in the nation, as the Ducks average 55.6 points per game. With highly explosive weapons at every skill position on offense, Oregon can strike more quickly than any team in the country. 

The lowest scoring output by Oregon this season happened in the team's last game, against UCLA, when the Ducks put up 42 points. 

Meanwhile, Stanford has scored no more than 24 points in each of its last three games—one of which was the team's only loss of the season. 

However, the Cardinal feature one of the nation's more impressive defensive units. UCLA had the No. 7-ranked scoring offense in the country before facing this team, scoring over 45 points per game, and Stanford was able to hold the Bruins to just 10 points. 

It's a classic strength-versus-strength matchup, and it's one Stanford won when the two teams met up last year. Remember, Oregon was on track for a trip to the national championship game before the Cardinal won 17-14 in overtime to shock the Ducks.

Prediction

Oregon should have won last year, but a few glaring mistakes led to a critical loss that kept this team from facing Alabama for the chance to win a national title. 

The Ducks feature an underrated defense that holds opposing rushing attacks to just 3.41 yards per carry, which will make life difficult for running back Tyler Gaffney, who leads Stanford's offense. 

The only way Stanford can win this game is if its defense plays a perfect game. Mariota is a dangerous quarterback, thanks to his ability to score using his arm or his legs, and he'll make the Cardinal pay for any mistakes. 

The home crowd will have a lot to cheer about in the first half, as Stanford will utilize its defense to keep the game close, but Oregon will break away in the second half to win by a couple of touchdowns. 

Final Score

Oregon wins 35-21.

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