This week’s Stanford vs. Oregon game is not the heavyweight clash it has been for most of the decade. Nonetheless, pride is on the line, and with the recent history between the two teams, a win would be a big morale boost.
Players like Royce Freeman, Justin Herbert, Christian McCaffrey and Stanford quarterback Keller Chryst are keys that even casual fans will have their eyes on. Here are some players that you may not know, but will be as crucial to the outcome of the game.
Stanford
Junior Soloman Thomas is the star of a talented Stanford defense that has held every opponent under its scoring average. The two-time Pac-12 Defensive Player of the Week is No. 2 in the conference in tackles for loss and tied for No. 3 in sacks. Thomas is faster and more agile than many defensive lineman. His inside rush ability makes it difficult for quarterbacks to step up in the pocket and deliver a quality pass. One way to rattle a young quarterback is to get pressure early, so if Thomas can get through Oregon’s young offensive line, then Herbert will be in for a long day.
Stanford’s leading sophomore receiver Trent Irwin will not beat his defenders by dominating them physically. Instead his precise route running and ability to make catches in traffic are the skills that make him a threat. Stanford has the worst passing offense in the Pac-12, and it shows when Irwin has zero touchdowns. Against Oregon, Stanford’s running game will control the line of scrimmage, but if the Cardinal can get Irwin the ball and find efficiency in the passing game, then its struggling offense will find its rhythm.
Oregon
Since Herbert won the starting quarterback job, sophomore Jalen Brown’s production has skyrocketed. Against Arizona State, he earned career highs in reception yards and reception length. Herbert and Brown appear to be on the same page. Vernon Adams Jr. and Darren Carrington had a connection, and Herbert and Brown are growing one themselves. As Carrington is failing to make as big of an impact on the field as expected, Brown has emerged as the go-to wide receiver.
With injuries throughout the season to the linebacker group, junior Jimmie Swain has stepped in and become one of the most versatile players on the defense. While Troy Dye gets much-deserved love, Swain is in the Pac-12 top-15 for tackles. He recorded a career-high 13 tackles against Arizona State after an 11-tackle performance against Cal. His ability to take on blocks and plug the gaps will be vital against a Stanford team that has a powerful run game.
Follow Jack Butler on Twitter @Butler917

Gallery • 1 Photos

Cole Elsasser

Stanford Cardinal running back Christian McCaffrey (5) passes to Stanford Cardinal quarterback Kevin Hogan (8). The Oregon Ducks head south to face No. 7 Stanford in Palo Alto at Stanford Stadium on Nov. 7, 2015. (Cole Elsasser/Emerald)