A reality check, a rude awakening, an
inevitable performance.
Say what you want about Stanford’s
lackluster effort against Washington State last week, but the
same sort of endeavor this time around will result in a loss far
more embarrassing and discouraging for Tyrone and his young men.
The now battered-and-bruised Cardinal bring a precarious 3-1
record into Eugene Saturday for a very pivotal contest. While it
will be far from impossible, sneaking away with a win against the
#5-rated Oregon Ducks will be a tough chore for Stanford.
With 23-consecutive wins in Eugene, Oregon
now owns the nation’s longest active home winning streak. To
say Autzen Stadium has been kind to Mike Belotti and his Ducks
would be an understatement. In 1999 they broke Washington’s
Pac-10 record for most consecutive wins at home (14 games). Only Cal’s 26-game streak from 1919-1923 is
longer in entire history of the conference (PCC, AAWU, Pac-8
incarnations included). Autzen Stadium was also the scene of two
of the worst road defeats for the Cardinal in recent memory in
conference play: A 31-0 drubbing in the famous “Spot-the-Owl”
game in 1990, followed by an equally sound 63-28 loss in 1998. A
win against Stanford means Oregon will achieve its first 7-0
start since 1933.
The architect of all this is Belotti, a
coach who took over the reigns of the team the same year Tyrone
Willingham arrived at Stanford. While ‘Rone has gotten the
better of his counterpart in three of their four meetings,
Belotti has continued the momentum of Rich Brooks’ Rose Bowl
season of 1994 and has brought unprecedented success to Eugene.
The former Chico State head coach has compiled a 55-22 record in
just over six seasons. He is the third-all-time winningest coach
in school history, and his wins are an amazing 18% percent of the
program’s all-time victories. He’s also overseen a
dramatic rise in funding for the program, especially in the area
of new facilities. Even with their hideous new uniforms that
resemble Roller Derby garb, the Ducks are the envy of the
conference - from their raucous home crowds, to their three bowl
victories in the last four seasons.
“Broadway” Joey Harrington is
still trying to be the top quarterback in the conference, as he
has escaped the possible jinx of a huge billboard of his likeness
overseeing a large stretch of Manhattan. The senior took over the
starting job early in the 1999 season and hasn’t looked
back. In 2001 he’s completed just over 60% of his passes for
1407 yards, 13 touchdowns, and just three picks. A definite
“gamer,” Harrington has a knack for coming through in
crunch-time. Such was the case in September victories over
Wisconsin and U$C in which his late-game heroics rescued U of O
from potential disasters. The fact that he’s also a threat
to run (six touchdowns this season on the ground) is another
reason why he is considered one the five-best quarterbacks in the
nation and a definite pro prospect. Mel Kiper Jr. must already be
lining up cans of mousse in anticipation.
The Oregon ground game has been especially
key to its success of late. The Ducks rushed for over 200 yards
in each of their wins over Utah State, Arizona, and Cal. The backfield itself is experienced and
talented. Maurice Morris is a senior tailback with excellent
vision who has chalked up 528 yards and five touchdowns this
season, good for a 5.2 average. Equally impressive has been the
running of Tennessee-transfer Onterrio Smith. The junior has
averaged over six yard a rush and has over 430 yards in 2001. A
main reason for the success of the ground game is the equally
experienced offensive line. The duo of guards Jim Adams and Joey
Forster is outstanding, while center Ryan Schmid is among the
best at his position in the Pac-10.
The Duck receiving corps isn’t flashy
but still nets results. It is a mix of veterans and young players
who have been solid targets for Harrington thus far this season.
The senior leader of the group is Keenan Howry, a tall flanker
who is tied for the team lead in receptions with fellow starter
Jason Willis with 24 grabs. Another key is tight end Justin
Peelle, a certain 1st Team All-Pac selection when this
season finishes. The senior is averaging over 16 yards a
reception and leads the team with seven touchdown catches. The
deep-threat of the bunch is Sammy Parker, a speedy sophomore who
averages a Luke Powell-like 22 yards every time he catches the
ball.
Oregon’s defense as a whole isn’t
overpowering: On average this season they’ve given up about
four yards per-carry on the ground, over 290 yards per-game
passing, and have only nine sacks as a team. Their strength on
the other hand lies in causing turnovers. The Ducks own an
impressive +12 turnover ratio and have already intercepted 14
passes. Despite all the yards they’ve surrendered, the
secondary still has several of the best corners and safeties in
the conference. However they aren’t especially deep, and the
loss of the team’s starting safety and leading tackler Keith
Lewis to ankle injury gives the Stanford passing attack an extra
advantage. The unit does include though two very solid corners,
seniors Rashad Bauman and Steve Smith (4 interceptions).
The linebackers are especially fast and have
the ability to play the run as well as any unit in the Pac-10.
Kevin Mitchell (6.5 tackles-for-loss) and the aptly named Wesley
Mallard play the outside spots and also have decent
cover-ability. Middle linebacker David “Get me another”
Morretti has admirably filled the shoes of the departed Matt
Smith - to the tune of 33 tackles, five for loss. The weakest
area of the team is the undersized defensive line. Ends Seth
McEwan and Quinn Dorsey are quick, but tackles Zack Freiter and
Chris Tetterton should be able to be contained by Stanford’s
O-Line. Look for Stanford to try to establish a running game
early to try to quiet the intimidating Autzen.
The kicking game is solid. Jason Siegel is
4-of-6 on field goal attempts, with a long of 46-yards. His
38-yard boot in the closing seconds spelt doom for Southern Cal
last month in Eugene.
The blueprint for a Stanford victory this
time around is that of their near-flawless performance in their
28-21 victory in Eugene in 1995: Stay close early, take advantage
of turnovers, and keep the crowd a non-factor. A 100-yard kickoff
return for a touchdown would sure help this time around too.
Stanford must limit its own mistakes, unlike last week.
Think Stanford can win with getting a punt blocked for a
touchdown, as well as spotting the Ducks a 21-7 lead? Not me
either. PREDICTION: Keith Jackson is once again the good luck
charm, as the Stanford offense not only scores at will, but also
stops Joey Heatherton and the Oregon offense when they have to. 38-35,
Cardinal!