Over the course of a 12-game schedule, the Oregon Ducks will see a variety of opposing offenses.
Even in college football where the hurry-up offense is prevalent, you’re not going to see that every single week.
But going from the ultra hurry up, spread you out, swing passes galore that Washington State showed the Ducks last Saturday to what Stanford is going to show them is a bit of a changeup.
The Oregon defenders say they’re ready for the challenge.
“We always say we want to stop the run and Stanford is usually a big, heavy run team,” said Duck linebacker Jeffrey Bassa. “Coach Shaw is a good coach and he wants to run the ball. That’s the first thing we’re focused on and then we will rally around the pass.”
Stanford (1-2) will come into the game short-handed in that run game, however, as tailback EJ Smith, the son of Emmitt Smith, was declared out for the season due to an undisclosed leg injury. He had surgery performed this week.
Despite that setback, Oregon expects the Cardinal to keep doing its thing, especially since they still have a huge offensive line.
“With Stanford, we know what they’re going to do,” Oregon defensive tackle Brandon Dorlus said. “I feel this is the test we’ve been waiting for. I’m excited for this opportunity.”
So far this season, stopping the run has been the Ducks’ bread and butter. Their opponents average just 86 yards per game on the ground. But Stanford will be a test. They average almost 160 yards rushing.
It’s the unstoppable force vs the immovable object.
“It feels good that all of our hard work this past spring and summer is finally showing up,” Dorlus said. “We listen to our coaches and play the fundamentals and not try to make all the plays, but trusting your teammate. That’s been a big part of our success.
“Stanford is going to come in here angry, so have to stay disciplined.”