When Oregon takes the field against Stanford this weekend, a lot will be riding on the line. For the Ducks, this game is not only about snapping their two game losing streak to the Cardinal, but it’s also about solidifying their spot as a top four team.

Having said that, both teams have undergone changes since they last met, which should make for a differing matchup from previous years. This will be the last time Marcus Mariota and Kevin Hogan meet in college and it’s surely going to be one for the books.

Here’s how No. 5 Oregon (7-1) and Stanford (5-3) stackup:

Offense

Oregon: While the defense has been subject this season, Mariota and Co., have been sound through week 10. Ranking inside the top 30 in both rushing (311.8 yards) and passing averages (223.1 yards) this season, the Ducks pose a balanced attack anchored by quarterback Marcus Mariota and freshman running back Royce Freeman. Mariota may have thrown his first interception of the season against California — his first since playing Oregon State last year — but other than that, there isn’t much for Mark Helfrich and Scott Frost to complain about. It will be a matter of matching the Cardinal physicality and if they can manage to do so, there shouldn’t be too many issues.

Stanford: After losing Tyler Gaffney, the Cardinal have since been looking to regain their strength on the ground. That doesn’t mean that they still don’t pose a threat. They have definitely hurt the Ducks in the past. With veterans Kevin Hogan and Ty Montgomery running the show and Devon Cajuste making steady contributions, the Cardinal have enough weapons across the board to cause some issues. Going back to the fact that the Ducks’ defense has struggled at times — giving up 61 points in the last two games — the Cardinal will be looking to use their physical front to disrupt the Ducks. A lot will be riding on whether or not Arik Armstead returns this game after missing the last two games.

Advantage: Oregon

Defense

Oregon: In year’s past, Oregon’s lack of penetration against Stanford’s physical offensive line has been a determining factor. Currently, the Ducks haven’t confirmed if veteran defensive lineman Armstead will be good to go this game, but regardless, they are going to have their hands full with a very capable Cardinal offense. While the Oregon secondary has been steady with Ifo Ekpre-Olomu and Troy Hill in the backfield, it’s going to take a near perfect performance to slow down Hogan who has had the knack for playing well against the Ducks on a big stage.

Stanford: To say that the Cardinal defense has excelled would be an understatement. Ranking second in points against (12.5 points per game), the Cardinal haven’t missed a step after posing notable defenses in the past. While the Cardinal will be facing one of the most versatile offenses in the country in the Ducks, it would be a lie to label it anything other than a grind. This matchup between the Stanford defense and Oregon offense will decide the game and it’s going to be the focal point of this year’s matchup.

Advantage: Stanford
Follow Hayden Kim on Twitter @HayDayKim