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The Oregon Ducks cleared the Stanford hurdle without even a stumble on Saturday, ending a two-game losing streak to the Cardinal with an emphatic 45-16 home victory
Here's SI.com's Andy Staples with his take on Saturday's impressive win and what it means for Oregon's conference title hopes:
Unlike last year, when Stanford’s defense swarmed a hobbled Marcus Mariota, the healthy Oregon quarterback sliced through the Cardinal. And while the Ducks’ defense allowed an unhealthy 5.94 yards per play in the first half, Oregon held Stanford to field goals on its first two possessions and made a fourth-down stand in the second quarter to keep the Cardinal in control.
Oregon now leads the North by two games over its closest opponent, and the Ducks remain undefeated in the division. With division games against only Colorado and Oregon State remaining, Oregon is in great shape to represent the North in the Pac-12 title game.
However, there is still one big hurdle to clear. The biggest test on Oregon's road to the College Football Playoff (barring perhaps the Pac-12 championship game) comes next week when the Ducks travel to face an inspired (and ranked) Utah squad.
Win there, and getting over the Stanford hump will mean that much more.
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