The Oregon-Stanford series has been one of college football’s most unpredictable and best series over the last five years. This year’s game only added to that proclamation.
After being much maligned on the season, Oregon’s defense stepped up when needed most.
After giving up a touchdown with 10 seconds left that allowed Stanford to cut the score to 38-36, Oregon’s Tyson Coleman comes up the side untouched to force Stanford quarterback Kevin Hogan to throw the ball early. The ball was knocked down by Oregon’s Joe Walker and Oregon left Palo Alto, Calif. with a dramatic  38-36 victory.
Throughout regulation, the Ducks’ offense looked like it had in the past, using explosive plays and quick-strikes to march down the field. Three of Oregon’s five touchdowns scored came on plays of 45 yards or longer.
The game was a back and forth affair. Oregon led 14-10 at the end of the first quarter and then trailed 23-21 at the half.
The Ducks scored two touchdowns in the third quarter to take a 35-23 lead entering the fourth quarter but Hogan and Stanford weren’t done yet. The Cardinal scored a touchdown to cut the deficit to five before Aidan Schneider kicked a 31-yard field goal to put the score at 38-30 with 5:12 to play.
Key Plays: 
— Just one play after a Stanford touchdown, Oregon answered yet again, as two-way star Charles Nelson took a handoff 75 yards for the touchdown. Schneider makes the PAT to give the Ducks the 14-10 lead.
— Utilizing the heavy formation and extra blockers, McCaffrey was able to dance into the end zone virtually untouched for the 11 yard touchdown. Ukropina makes the PAT to give Stanford the 17-14 lead.
— To open the second half Freeman took a pitch from Adams 19 yards for his first touchdown of the game. Schneider makes the PAT to give the Ducks the 27-23 lead.
— Showing patience in the pocket, Adams finds Taj Griffin down the sideline for 49 yards and the touchdown. Schneider makes the PAT to give the Ducks a 35-23 lead.
— Targeting an Oregon defensive back one-on-one, Hogan floats a pass up to Greg Taboada who hauled it in for the three-yard touchdown despite being held on the play. Ukropina makes the PAT to cut the Oregon lead to 35-30.
— In a botched snap, Hogan fumbled as Tyson Coleman was able to dive on the ball for the recovery. Oregon takes over possession on the Cardinal 47.
— Aidan Schneider kicked a 31-yard field goal to give the Ducks a 38-30 lead.
— On the second botched snap of the fourth quarter, Hogan fumbled again and this time Torrodney Prevot recovered the ball at Oregon’s 16-yard line.
— Joe Walker knocks down the two-point conversion with 10 second left to give the Ducks the victory.
Stats
Oregon passing  
Vernon Adams Jr. — 10-f0r-12 for 205 yards, two touchdowns
Stanford passing
Kevin Hogan — 28-for-37 for 304 yards, two touchdowns and one interception
Oregon rushing
Royce Freeman — 16 carries for 105 yards, one touchdown
Charles Neslon — One carry, 75 yards, one touchdown
Stanford rushing
Christian McCaffrey — 33 carries for 147 yards, one touchdown
Oregon receiving 
Darren Carrington — Two carries for 54 yards, one touchdown
Taj Griffin — One catch for 49 yards, one touchdown
Stanford receiving 
Michael Rector — Eight catches for 103 yards
Oregon total offense — 438
Stanford total offense — 506
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