Stanford Football: 3 bold predictions against Oregon

1. Stanford beats Oregon by 3

The line in Vegas is around 10 points, but I’m going to say this is a 3 point game. Stanford has struggled to throw the football with either quarterback, and at least Oregon could throw when Justin Herbert was the passer for the Ducks. Burmesiter has to improve to make this prediction stick but I’m predicting he will. James Blackman improved from game one to game two and I think Burmesiter will as well. It’s all about protecting young quarterbacks and getting them going with confidence.

Willie Taggart wants to run the football and if the Ducks can get their three-headed backfield running he will get what he wants. The Oregon offensive line is still soft from the Mark Helfrich era, and that will take time in the off-season program and through recruiting to alter.

Next: 25 Bold Predictions for the Top 25 - Week 7

However, I think the pure power of Royce Freeman, when healthy, will take pressure off the Oregon Ducks offensive line and allow Burmesiter to get into rhythm. Quarterbacks like to pick up serious yards on first down and that will be the key to this ball game. We know Bryce Love picks up serious yards behind the Stanford Cardinal offensive line and tight end combinations- now it’s the Ducks’ turn to do the same.