BCS Bowl Projections: Why Nothing Stands Between Oregon Ducks and Rose Bowl

The Oregon Ducks secured themselves a place in the Rose Bowl with their win over the Stanford Cardinal last night.

The Ducks came into the game ranked No. 7 in the nation, but trailed the No. 4 Cardinal. The two teams were tied atop the Pac-12 North standings at 6-0.

Stanford was expected to win a close game, and many experts were picking them to hang on to its BCS title game hopes with a win.

Even ESPN's Lee Corso picked Stanford to defend its home field, but they were unable to do so.

Heisman hopeful Andrew Luck threw for less than 300 yards and threw two picks, one of which went for a touchdown.

The Ducks came out early, scoring a touchdown in the first quarter and successfully attempting their usual two-point conversion. Then Stanford scored a touchdown, but missed an extra point and lost momentum.

The Ducks ran the ball well behind LaMichael James, who ran for 146 of their 232 yards and had three touchdowns. James kept his Heisman hopes alive, and the Ducks beat the Cardinal.

This impressive road win against a top-five team is huge for the Ducks. Not only do they give themselves a top-five ranking, but they also take the lead in the Pac-12 standings.

While there is a good chance the Ducks won't be able to make it to the BCS title game because LSU and Oklahoma State might win out, they will still make the Rose Bowl.

The leader of the Pac-12 always plays in the Rose Bowl against the leader of the Big Ten. Oregon will surely go undefeated in the Pac-12 and secure themselves a trip to Pasadena, Calif., for the Rose Bowl.

The Ducks only have to beat USC and Oregon State if they want to go undefeated in the conference. Both games are at home and neither opponent can even challenge the Ducks. 

These are going to be easy games for Oregon, and it will cruise into the Rose Bowl.

These two teams won't even challenge the Ducks, and they have leaped over their final hurdle.  Nothing can stop the Ducks from going to the Rose Bowl.