CAA Game Preview: Stanford Cardinal face Oregon Ducks in PAC-12 Win-or-Die Game

Date/Time: Sat, Nov 17 / 08:05:00 PM ET, Autzen Stadium, Eugene, Oregon

No. 13 Stanford Cardinal (8-2) will try to do the unthinkable and put a dent on Oregon’s perfect season.  Stanford, which last posted its eight win of the season after beating No. 16 Oregon State Beavers 27-23, must now visit the No. 2 Oregon Ducks (10-0) at Autzen Stadium in what many bettors and bookies see as the biggest game of the week.

With only two games left in the regular season schedule, the game has a special meaning for both squads. Stanford trails the Ducks by one game in the Pac-12 North standings. While the victory seems highly improbable for a 20 point underdog, an upset at Auzen Stadium could get things even for the Cardinal and open the possibility to contend for the 2012 Pac-12 title game. But first, the team needs score a victory against the undefeated Ducks and best UCLA in the last week of college football action.

Over the last years, Stanford has been dominated by its PAC 12 foe. In 2010, the Cardinal ended the regular season 11–1, with their sole loss to conference champion Oregon (52-31). Stanford defeated Virginia Tech 40–12 in the Orange Bowl for the first BCS bowl victory in program history.

Last year, the Cardinal achieved an overall record of 11 wins and two losses (8–1 in Pac-12 play). The team tied with Oregon for first place in the PAC-12 North Division, but due to their regular season loss to Oregon (53-30), they lost their chance represent the division in the inaugural Pacific-12 Football Championship Game. Stanford was invited to play the Fiesta Bowl, their second consecutive BCS game, where they suffered a 37-41 overtime reverse against Oklahoma State.

For the unbeaten Ducks, there’s more than hope and gratification on the line. Top ranked Oregon needs only one victory to clinch the Pac-12 North and host the Pac-12 Championship Game against either USC or UCLA. A victory would also give Oregon the chance to jump over Kansas State for No. 1 in the BCS rankings and close the season as the best team in the NCAA football.  The Ducks scored a crucial 59-17 road victory vs. California last Saturday, and moved up to No. 2 in the BCS poll as a result of Alabama’s unexpected loss to Texas A&M.

A possible concern for the Ducks is the health of their defense. Last week, Oregon defeated California 59-17 without defensive linemen Isaac Remington (ankle), Wade Keliikipi and Ricky Heimuli (knee). Defensive tackle Taylor Hart was forced to leave the game early due to an injury. Another casualty is free safety Avery Patterson, who sustained a knee injury in the second quarter of Oregon's victory at California. But despite the injuries, Oregon will look for its third straight win over Stanford regardless who they have on the field.

Game Odds:
Stanford Cardinal: +20.5-110
Oregon Ducks: -20.5-110
Game Total: 64.5, o/u: -110

Stanford leads the series between the two squads 44-30-1, however, Oregon has won back to back games in the series, and 9 of last 10 games (2002-11). The last time the Cardinal won at Oregon was in 2001, when they knocked off the undefeated, No.5 Oregon Ducks.

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