Not only is Stanford very competitive with Oregon, but they also have much less pressure on them. And they match up well with an offense that can keep Oregon off the field and keep this game very close.

The Cardinal have adapted and survived behind a brutalizing defense and power-running game. Though they are not scoring as many points, they are speeding the game up by slowing it down. And they are winning.

Since the start of the 2012 season the Cardinal are 10-3 in games decided by one possession (eight points). In those 22 games, their margin of victory is 11.6 points.

Stanford is 11-1 straight up (.917) at home against opponents ranked in either the AP or USA Today Coaches polls since 2009 (3-1 vs. top 10).