Oregon at Stanford: Game of the year of the century

Game of the week of the century: What are your Oregon-Stanford predictions? Can the Cardinal slow down the Ducks again, and if they can't, can they win a shootout?

David Piper, Addicted to Quack: Losing Ben Gardner was a huge blow for Stanford. This defense, for whatever reason, isn't playing at the high level they were last year, and the offense has been very lackluster and clearly misses Zach Ertz. I like Oregon, and I like Oregon somewhat comfortably.

Sean Reynolds, Block U: I think Oregon wins and it's probably not all that close. So, Ducks 42, Stanford 21.

Adam Butler, PacHoops: Revenge is a cold dish and I have the feeling the Ducks have been cooking for awhile now. The Cardinal no doubt want this one to keep their title hopes alive. But Oregon feels like the team that's been so close for so long. This game is one in which they can seal a pretty significant deal in getting that coveted title.

Jack Follman, Pacific Takes: I think the Cardinal can slow the Ducks down more than anyone else has this season, but that won't be enough, especially since I think their offense has zero chance of competing in a shootout with a struggling Kevin Hogan, slower running backs and a lack of big-play receiving options.

Let's say you had to choose between a fast high-flying group of athletes like Oregon or a tough, physical brand of football like Stanford. Which would you choose to build your identity?

David Piper, Addicted to Quack: zzzzzzzzzzzzOh, I'm sorry. I read something about Stanford and dozed off.

Sean Reynolds, Block U: Utah has generally played the type of football we're used to seeing at Stanford (sans the years Urban Meyer was here). It's not entirely exciting most of the time and I fear it sets teams up for upsets (see Stanford @ Utah). Grind 'em out doesn't seem to have near the impact as it used to unless you've got the personnel. So, from my perspective, especially since this continues to be an offensive-dominated league, I'd rather have the high-flying group of athletes like Oregon. Not only does it seem to win a lot of games ... they look good doing it.

Adam Butler, PacHoops: I love points. I'm a basketball guy first-and-foremost so gimme those high-flying athletes who put up all sorts of my favorites.

Jack Follman, Pacific Takes: Oregon, as I think it is much more easy to be successful with that strategy than the Stanford brand at this time in college football. It's a lot easier to find speed than it is the big athletes that can dominate the line of scrimmage the way Stanford does, especially on the West Coast. Also, college football is turning very much into an arena football style where it's all about scoring and if you can't regularly rip off 40-50 points when you need to, I think you are going to have to really fight to win games with that old school style.