Oregon @ Stanford preview

Last Meeting ( Oct 2, 2010 ) Stanford 31, Oregon 52

THE STORY: Last week’s LSU-Alabama showdown was offensively challenged, but that likely won’t be an issue Saturday when No. 6 Oregon visits No. 2 Stanford. The Ducks and Cardinal both average more than 45 points and both teams rank among the top 10 nationally in most offensive categories. Stanford, off to its first 9-0 start since 1951, is aiming to extend the nation’s longest winning streak to 18 games. The Cardinal, who are No. 4 in the BCS behind LSU, Oklahona State and one-loss Alabama, are also looking to make a statement and move up in the standings. Oregon has won 18 straight conference games since a 51-42 loss at Stanford in 2009.

TV: ABC. LINE: Stanford -3.5.

ABOUT OREGON (8-1, 6-0 Pac-12 North): LaMichael James, who ranks first in the nation with 151.6 yards rushing per game, had 156 rushing yards last week at Washington for his 22nd 100-yard rushing game. Oregon’s no-huddle offense leads to quick scores, which helps explain why the Ducks rank 51st in the nation in time of possession at only 23:52 per game. Oregon leads the Pac-12 with 29 sacks, while Stanford has allowed only four. Young cornerbacks Troy Hill, Terrance Mitchell and Ifo Ekpre-Olomu will be tested against Stanford, but the Ducks’ pass defense has been solid all season.

ABOUT STANFORD (9-0, 7-0): The injuries keep piling up for Stanford, which could be without wide receiver Chris Owusu, tight end Zach Ertz, linebacker Shayne Skov, kicker Jordan Williamson and offensive tackle Cameron Fleming. Heisman Trophy favorite Andrew Luck ranks fifth in the nation in passing efficiency while completing 71 percent of his throws with 26 touchdowns and five interceptions. Stanford ranks fourth in the nation in third-down conversions. Linebacker Chase Thomas leads the conference in sacks (6.5) and tackles for loss (12.5).

EXTRA POINTS:

1. Stanford offensive tackle Jonathan Martin is one of four finalists for the Lombardi Award. The winner will be announced Dec. 7 in Houston.

2. The Cardinal are the only team in the nation to score on every red zone opportunity (52-for-52, 41 touchdowns).

3. The Ducks have won eight of the last nine meetings between the schools, but Stanford leads the all-time series 44-29-1.

PREDICTION: Stanford 45, Oregon 38 - The Cardinal keep their national title hopes alive in dramatic fashion. Look for the powerful Stanford run game, led by Stepfan Taylor, to be the difference.