Stanford Football: Way-too-early game-by-game predictions for 2018

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This matchup could be a problem for the Cardinal. Although Oregon is going through a coaching change, Mario Cristobal, the Ducks’ offensive coordinator in 2017, has taken over and they won’t skip a beat in 2018. Heck, Oregon might be even better in 2018 than it was in 2017.

Willie Taggart left the team in good hands as Cristobal is considered one of the best recruiters in college football and the Ducks’ offense wasn’t too shabby in 2017. He has Justin Herbert coming back and fully healthy and he may present Stanford with some major problems. This could be the first game which the Cardinal are truly put to the test through the air.

Jim Leavitt also decided to remain with Oregon instead of follow Taggart to Florida State and the top-notch defensive coordinator will have the Ducks’ defense improving yet again. KJ Costello will struggle through the air and the Ducks will key on Bryce Love in the backfield.

Although Love will be the center of attention, he’ll still bust through with a big performance, keeping Stanford in the game. In the end, it’ll be the home-field advantage and Herbert’s strong arm that will put the Cardinal away.

Final Score: Stanford 27, Oregon 35 (3-1, 1-1 Pac-12)

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