FOOTBALL

Game day basics: Notes for No. 13 Oregon Ducks vs. Stanford Cardinal night start at Autzen

Chris Hansen
Register-Guard

No. 13 Oregon vs. Stanford

About the opponent

That win against the Ducks was the last of the season for the Cardinal, who ended 2021 at 3-9. The Cardinal have just one win in their last 10 games — a 41-10 victory against Colgate in the season-opener on Sept. 3.

Stanford (1-2, 0-2) also has lost 41-28 to No. 6 Southern California and 40-22 at No. 15 Washington, making Saturday's game against Oregon the third straight top-25 opponent for Stanford.

The Stanford defense has struggled against the pass this season, allowing USC's Caleb Williams to throw for 341 yards and four touchdowns, and the Huskies' Michael Penix Jr. to throw for 309 yards and two TDs.

Oregon's Bo Nix is averaging 275 yards per game and has thrown 10 touchdown passes in his last three games.

Game preview:3 keys for the Ducks to avenge last year's disastrous loss to Stanford

DJ Johnson suspension upheld

Washington State Cougars quarterback Cameron Ward (1) is sacked by Oregon Ducks linebacker DJ Johnson (2) in the second half at Gesa Field at Martin Stadium in Pullman, Wash. Saturday, Sept. 24, 2022. Ducks won 44-41.

The senior edge rusher was ejected in the second half against Washington State for targeting on hit on Cougars' quarterback Cameron Ward, which comes with an automatic suspension for the first half of the following game, per NCAA rules.

Coach Dan Lanning said Oregon appealed the suspension earlier this week and were denied, meaning Johnson won't play until the second half against the Cardinal.

Johnson leads the Ducks with three sacks.

“We’re gonna miss DJ for sure but can’t to have him in the second half," defensive lineman Brandon Dorlus said.

And then there was one

Oregon Ducks quarterback Bo Nix (10) is chased out of the pocket by Washington State Cougars linebacker Francisco Mauigoa (51) in the first half at Gesa Field at Martin Stadium Saturday.

The Ducks came out of week four of the season as the only program left in the country who hasn't allowed a sack.

Quarterback Nix has stayed upright (with the exception of a knockdown here and there) on all 132 of his drop backs, as well as the 11 pass attempts by Ty Thompson, Jay Butterfield and Bucky Irving. Oregon's offensive line also leads the nation with a 94.2 pass-blocking grade by Pro Football Focus.

“That’s incredible through four games," Nix said. "It’s the leadership and the experience we have up front. We have a bunch of protection meetings and we’re all on the same page and I think that has a lot to do with it. But it’s kind of a pride thing up front. They believe in themselves.”

For subscribers:Ducks need to avoid falling into a Stanford Trojan horse trap, again

Injury updates

The Ducks are still waiting on the return of running back Byron Cardwell, who hasn't played the last two weeks with an undisclosed injury.

"When he's able to do everything in practice, and we feel comfortable about his health, then he'll definitely be a guy that I think can help us make contribute for us," Lanning said.

Stanford has injury issues of its own in the offensive backfield as coach David Shaw announced earlier this week that starting running back E.J. Smith would miss the rest of the season with an undisclosed injury that kept him out of last week's loss to Washington

His replacement against the Huskies was Casey Filkins, a former star at Lake Oswego High School, who ran for 100 yards on 20 carries.

Stanford running back Casey Filkins, center, reaches the end zone for a touchdown against Colgate linebacker Evan Jones (45) and defensive back Marquis Cooper (8) during the fourth quarter of an NCAA college football game in Stanford, Calif., Saturday, Sept. 3, 2022. (AP Photo/Josie Lepe)

The last time Ducks, Cardinal met

Oregon (3-1, 1-0 Pac-12) lost its first game of the 2021 season when Stanford rallied for a 31-24 overtime win at home in week five.

It was rough day for the third-ranked Ducks, as offensive coordinator Joe Moorhead had to have emergency surgery the morning of the game for ruptured diverticulitis, starting center Alex Forsyth and defensive back Bennett Williams missed the game with injuries, and star running back CJ Verdell broke his leg during the game and was lost for the season.

After falling behind 10-0, Oregon stormed back to lead 24-17, only to give up an 87-yard, 11-play drive in the final 1:59 as Stanford tied the score with no time on the clock then won it in OT.

Cardinal quarterback Tanner McKee was 20-for-36 passing for 230 yards and three TDs.

Since 2001, an Oregon team ranked in the top 5 has played Stanford six times and lost four of those games.

What they're wearing

Oregon Ducks uniform combination for Oct. 1, 2022 home game against Stanford

The Ducks uniform against Stanford is the classic combination of green and yellow.

Winning streak on the line

Oregon has won 21 straight at Autzen Stadium, which is the third-longest active winning streak in the nation and two wins shy of the school record of 23 set between 1997-2001. The Ducks have also won 15 straight home games against conference opponents.

Autzen Stadium policies

  • Fans may bring in one clear bag no larger than 12" x 6" x 12" or a 1-gallon plastic storage bag.
  • Fans are limited to one clear bag per person, along with a small clutch or purse for privacy.
  • The permitted seat cushion size is 17.5 inches wide by 13.5 inches deep with a seat back that does not exceed 19 inches. The cushion itself can be no more than four inches thick.
  • There is no reentry into the stadium once you leave.

Catch up on the Ducks' season