Oregon-Stanford: Put These Predictions in Stone

It may only be Week 5, but the winner of the Oregon vs. Stanford game will be in the driver's seat for the Pac-10 championship.

Both teams enter this game 4-0, and many believe that the winner could even become a dark horse national championship contender.

Last year, the Ducks had a huge win over USC but then traveled to play Stanford and were handed their first conference loss of the year.

With the game a couple days away, here are some things you can count on seeing on Saturday.

Don't Blink

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EUGENE, OR - SEPTEMBER 04: Running back Kenjon Barner #24 of the Oregon Ducks breaks loose for a touchdown in the first quarter of the game against the New Mexico Lobos at Autzen Stadium on September 4, 2010 in Eugene, Oregon. Barner had 225 total yards

Last year, the Ducks and Cardinal almost put up 100 combined points. I don't expect much different this year.

Between the fast-paced Ducks offense and Andrew Luck leading the Stanford offense, look for these two teams to put up at least 80 total points.

Andrew Luck Gets Picked Twice

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SOUTH BEND, IN - SEPTEMBER 25: Andrew Luck #12 of the Stanford Cardinal looks for a receiver against the Notre Dame Fighting Irish at Notre Dame Stadium on September 25, 2010 in South Bend, Indiana. Stanford defeated Notre Dame 37-14. (Photo by Jonathan D

Andrew Luck has all the tools that NFL scouts are looking for and will certainly be a first-round pick when he comes out into the draft.

While Luck has had a lot of success already this year, the Ducks defense has also been very opportunistic.

Being on the road, Luck will try to force a play or two, leading to a couple of interceptions.

Darron Thomas Has Over 10 Carries

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EUGENE, OR - SEPTEMBER 18: Quarterback Darron Thomas #1 of the Oregon Ducks tries to get past safety Nathan Snow #22 of the Portland State Vikings in the second quarter of the game at Autzen Stadium on September 18, 2010 in Eugene, Oregon. (Photo by Stev

This should be music to Duck fans' ears. After last week, many fans are wondering if Thomas can make the correct reads on the option-read play and actually hold on to the ball and take off.

I believe that coach Chip Kelly has instructed Thomas to give the ball off on the option-read for the first few weeks of the season.

If Stanford commits to the running back the way that ASU did, Thomas will have plenty of opportunities to hold on to the ball and pick up yards.

Luck Throws More Touchdowns Than Thomas

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SOUTH BEND, IN - SEPTEMBER 25: Andrew Luck #12 of the Stanford Cardinal turns to hand-off against the Notre Dame Fighting Irish at Notre Dame Stadium on September 25, 2010 in South Bend, Indiana. Stanford defeated Notre Dame 37-14. (Photo by Jonathan Dani

While Luck may turn the ball over a couple times in this game, I do expect him to throw more touchdowns than Darron Thomas.

Luck has the better arm and accuracy, and the Ducks will be looking to run the ball with LaMichael James and Kenjon Barner.

Oregon Will Have More Penalty Yards

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EUGENE, OR - OCTOBER 31: Cornerback Talmadge Jackson III of the Oregon Ducks breaks up a pass in the end zone intended for wide receiver Ronald Johnson #8 Of the USC Trojans in the second quarter of the game at Autzen Stadium on October 31, 2009 in Eugen

After last week against ASU, teams should have learned that taking deep shots on Talmadge Jackson is a good idea.

A quarterback like Andrew Luck has undoubtedly noticed this trend and will take his shots deep.

LaMichael James Is Your Leading Rusher

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EUGENE, OR - SEPTEMBER 18: Running back LaMichael James #21of the Oregon Ducks heads to the end zone for a touchdown in the first quarter of the game against the Portland State Vikings at Autzen Stadium on September 18, 2010 in Eugene, Oregon. Oregon won

LaMichael James had a lot of success last year against Stanford and will put up over 100 yards on the ground this week.

Aside from a couple long runs last week, James was bottled up by ASU and will look to improve on that performance.