Stanford vs. Oregon: Victory Will Bring Heisman and Title Berth to Cardinal

Every week is a must-win game for every team in the entire nation in college football, but aside from LSU vs. Alabama, this week's Pac-12 North clash between Oregon and Stanford is the most important game of the season.

Stanford has the upper hand, and upon taking down the Ducks, Andrew Luck will lock down the Heisman, and nothing will stand between the Cardinal and a BCS Title berth.

No. 4 Stanford still has No. 1 LSU, one-loss Alabama and undefeated Oklahoma State ranked ahead of them, but a win over Oregon would launch them above the Crimson Tide and Oklahoma State still has the Sooners on their schedule.

Boise State doesn't play anyone who would allow them to obtain the sort of quality win that would justify putting them over Stanford, and of all the undefeated teams not named LSU remaining at the end of the season, it's safe to say Stanford will be the only one who plays in a major conference.

As for the Heisman race, Luck is the front-runner as it is. With 2,424 yards and an absurd 26 touchdown to five interception ratio, Luck has the numbers to win, and his team's elite standing will force voters to ignore Houston quarterback Case Keenum's absurd numbers.

So what makes Stanford a lock to win this game?

This game is going to be an offensive shootout. It's Oregon's speed against Luck and the passing game. Darron Thomas hasn't produced over 200 passing yards since September 17th, which means this game is on the shoulders of LaMichael James.

James sustained a dislocated elbow that knocked him out of the Heisman race, but he's still capable of breaking for over 200 yards rushing in any given game, as he has three times this season.

James broke for over 250 yards against Stanford last season but don't expect a repeat performance. This game isn't in Eugene, where Oregon is invincible. It's on the road, and if James isn't able to completely take over this game, there is no way they are going to be able to keep up with the ridiculous pace Stanford sets.

Both teams put forth a top-five offense, but Stanford allowing 16.6 PPG (including a 56-48 triple overtime extravaganza against USC) only adds to the notion that Luck will outshine James.

With a Heisman, national championship and his college football legacy riding on this game, there is no way the future No. 1 overall pick is going to let his team down.