One of Oregon’s main concerns entering its matchup with Stanford was finding a way to stop superstar all-purpose back Christian McCaffrey. So far, the Ducks have yet to find a solution.
McCaffrey broke loose for a 61-yard rushing touchdown less than three minutes into the game, and since then Oregon has been at the mercy of the Cardinal offense. Stanford scored on four consecutive drives following McCaffrey’s touchdown.
Key Plays:
— Stanford lined up in its jumbo package on its second possession, and McCaffrey ran around the right side on the second play of the drive and went 61 yards untouched to give the Cardinal a 7-0 lead.
— After forcing on Oregon punt, the Cardinal went to work on their next drive and covered 47 yards on five plays before McCaffrey punched in a 5-yard touchdown, his second of the game, to give Stanford a 14-0 lead.
— Stanford took to the air on the following possession. Sophomore wideout J.J. Arcega-Whiteside broke free down the right sideline, and Stanford quarterback Keller Chryst found him over the top for a 61-yard score to give Stanford a 21-0 lead.
— Oregon finally answered back near the end of the first quarter when Justin Herbert found Johnny Mundt on a 10-yard curl route, and Mundt broke a tackle and rumbled for a 41-yard score. The tight end’s fourth touchdown of the year cut the Stanford deficit to 21-6 after Oregon failed to convert the ensuing two-point attempt.
— With five minutes left in the half, Royce Freeman broke off a 37-yard run down the right sideline, and scored on the following play to cut the deficit to 31-13. At that point, Stanford was averaging 8.7 yards per rush, compared to Oregon’s 4.8.
Stats:
Oregon passing
Justin Herbert: 13-for-18, 190 yards, 1 touchdown, 1 interception
Stanford Passing
Keller Chryst: 13-for-16, 189 yards, 2 touchdowns
Oregon rushing
Royce Freeman: 89 yards on 15 carries, 1 touchdown
Stanford rushing
Christian McCaffrey: 131 yards, 3 touchdowns on 14 attempts
Oregon receiving
Pharaoh Brown: 78 yards on five catches with a long of 27
Stanford receiving
JJ Arcega-Whiteside: 106 yards on four catches, 1 touchdown
Follow Jarrid Denney on Twitter @jarrid_denney
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