This is probably the game of the week even though I'm more partial to the LSU/Alabama match up. Revenge is a great thing in sports and that's what Oregon has on their side. How can they win this game after losing last year?
For me Marcus Mariota is the key to this game and he's much more polished than a year ago. The passing attack is far better than it was a year ago which seems to have opened up the running game even more. I think Stanford's physical defense will have issues tonight because Mariota has 20 TD and 0 INT's this year. Washington, Utah, and Arizona State all put up 27-28 points on Stanford's defense. 2 of those games Stanford was at home and Oregon should have no trouble putting up 30+ points on Stanford's defense while I don't think Stanford can put up more than 20.
For all the hype Oregon's offense gets their defense is just as good. Nick Aliotti gets no credit as the defensive coordinator, but Oregon's defense is ranked in the top 25 in many defensive categories including yards allowed per play (7th), 13th in red zone defense, 25th in rushing yards per carry, 20th in third down defense and more. In last year's game the Oregon front was banged up with 3 guys having serious injuries. This year they are healthy and according to Stanford head coach David Shaw, "They're bigger, longer, more physical, You can't hold the ball on a 3 man rush because they are getting to the QB."
Oregon is smaller than Stanford, but I think they can crowd the box and stop the run with Keith Hogan at QB and the talent they have in their secondary. The secondary is better than a year ago and they can concentrate their efforts on stopping the run and Keith Hogan is not going to be able to beat them. Many will be hoping for Stanford to pull off the same upset as a year ago, but in the end I just don't think it's possible. Oregon is destined for the national championship this year, because of Aliotti and the defense.
