Oregon Football: 5 Things to Look for as Ducks Take on Stanford

When the schedule for this season came out, both Oregon and Stanford fans circled this game on their schedule and knew that is how the North would be won. 

In all likelihood, the game this week between the Ducks and Cardinal will determine the winner of the Pac-12 North division and will also likely give that team home field advantage.

With the game less 48 hours away, here are five things to look for when these two teams go head-to-head.  

Oregon Blitzes

Last week, the Ducks defense stepped up and gave their best performance of the year. They blitzed early and often and kept the Huskies off balance. 

This week, Oregon knows that Stanford will be without Chris Owusu which means that Andrew Luck will not have his best deep threat. With that understanding, expect the Ducks to bring the pressure early and often. 

Constant Change of Speed

Last year when the Ducks played Stanford, Oregon was able to do a nice job of spreading out the defense and getting the Cardinal to go sideline to sideline. 

This year, the Ducks have three legitimate running backs that all have their unique speed and style. With the ability to roll LaMichael James, Kenjon Barner and DeAnthony Thomas out onto the field, look for Kelly to continue to keep all three involved and keep Stanford off balance. 

Fewer Adventures in the Kicking Game

Last week, the Ducks lined Alejandro Maldonado up for two field goals over 40 yards and he came up well short on both.

Kelly is a smart coach and will realize that he either needs to go for it or punt the ball away because giving Andrew Luck great field position is not an option that will benefit the Ducks. 

Ducks X Factor Is a Freshman

Going into this game, Andrew Luck gives Stanford an obvious strength on offense and has done an amazing job leading the Cardinal offense all year long.

On the other sideline, freshman DeAnthony Thomas has rebounded from his mistakes in the first game of the year to have a marvelous season. 

Thomas is weapon in the rushing and passing game and also is an outstanding return man.

If Thomas can continue make his presence known, the Ducks will be in good shape. 

Darron Thomas Holds the Keys to Victory

When these two teams met up last year, Darron Thomas paid Stanford pay for crashing down on the running back by taking off on his own. 

This year, Duck opponents have been forcing him to either hand the ball off or throw the ball. In order for the Ducks to keep pace in this matchup, Thomas must have his best game of the year or certainly his best game since tweaking his knee against Arizona State.