Stanford vs Oregon: Andrew Luck Will Cement Heisman Trophy vs. Ducks

Tonight, the Oregon Ducks will visit the Stanford Cardinal in a game that will likely decide the Pac-12 North. Actually, if Stanford wins, it will seal the Pac-12 North. Either of these teams are much better than any Pac-12 South team, so this is likely going to decide the Pac-12.

The overall appeal of this game doesn't quite match LSU vs. Alabama from a week ago, but this is pretty exciting. 

For one, the winner of this game, especially if it's Stanford, may well end up in the national championship game. 

But even more intriguing than that is that Heisman front runner and likely No. 1 pick in the NFL Draft, Andrew Luck, will take center stage against the toughest opponent he will face this year.

So, how will he do?

While Stanford is the higher ranked team with the better record, Oregon has far more weapons to work with. What Oregon doesn't have is Andrew Luck. That will make the difference.

Here's a general rule when predicting a game. If the home team and the team with the better quarterback are one in the same, then go with the home team. 

No, that's not 100 percent. Nothing is. But that's a general guideline that won't get you into much trouble if you're trying to make predictions.

In front of the national spotlight, the best quarterback and probably best player in the country will show himself to be so.

In the process, he will take his team to a victory against a good, explosive opponent. Remember, Oregon is only a year removed from the national championship game. They were the last team to beat Stanford.

But the last Pac-12 team to beat Oregon was Stanford. They did that two years ago, at Stanford. 

Home teams will continue to dominate tonight. In the process, the best quarterback in the country will be more responsible than anyone for his team's victory. When you are already a Heisman front runner, a big win is all you need to seal the deal.

Luck will earn that tonight.