Stanford aims to keep win streak going against Oregon

The Cardinal are back in the AP poll after three consecutive wins and can’t afford any more slip-ups.|

The Cardinal are back in the AP poll after three consecutive wins and can't afford any more slip-ups if they want to keep pace with Washington and Washington State in the Pac-12 North.

The Ducks are playing their second in a row against a ranked opponent, having lost to Washington State 33-10 last week.

KEY MATCHUP

One week after facing one of the most prolific passers in the nation in Luke Falk, the Ducks will have to slow down the top rusher in Stanford's Bryce Love.

Love has already run for 1,240 yards in six games and is one of the best big-play backs in years. He has gained 659 yards on his 12 longest runs, more than all but 12 other players have for the entire season.

Love is averaging 10.5 yards per carry but faces a defense that ranks sixth in the nation with 2.7 yard per carry allowed.

PLAYERS TO WATCH

Oregon: QB Braxton Burmeister. The freshman struggled in his first career start last week in place of the injured Justin Herbert.

He completed 15 of 27 passes for 145 yards, two interceptions and one touchdown.

Stanford: S Justin Reid. Reid is tied for the lead in the nation with five interceptions, including a game-clinching one last week at previously unbeaten Utah.

Reid had seven tackles in that game, including two near the goal line that kept Stanford on top in the third quarter.

FACTS AND FIGURES

The Ducks are coming off their lowest-scoring game since a 19-8 loss to Boise State in 2009 that started the Chip Kelly era. ... Oregon leads the nation with 24 sacks. ... The Ducks also lead the country with 25 touchdowns rushing. ... Oregon RB Royce Freeman is tied with LaMichael James for most TDs (58) and points (348) in school history. ... Stanford has gained more than 500 yards six times in its past 10 games. ... The Cardinal have averaged 309.7 yards rushing per game with 10 TDs on the ground during their three-game winning streak.

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