ESPN Bloggers Have a Change of Heart? Both Pick Oregon Ducks vs Stanford
Oct 26, 2013; Eugene, OR, USA; Oregon Ducks linebacker Boseko Lokombo (25) intercepted the ball in the second half against the UCLA Bruins at Autzen Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Scott Olmos-USA TODAY Sports
It seemed to be a pro Stanford group of bloggers at ESPN over the last few months. Both Ted Miller and Kevin Gemmell have turned their picks, and their hearts toward the Oregon Ducks in anticipation of the Thursday night matchup.
"Marcus Mariota has taken this offense to a new level. Stanford has been inconsistent on offense and the injuries across the defensive line are worrisome.Gemmell on the matchup"
I don’t necessarily think that they would have swayed ‘ their vote’ had the Cardinal been healthy going into this matchup on the Farm. Stanford has had to deal with a handful of injuries on Defense, including the loss of Defensive End Ben Gardner for the year.
Ted Miller looks at three things that never came to fruition for Stanford.
"As Kevin noted, our preseason projection of Stanford ahead of Oregon evolved from: 1. A concern over Chip Kelly leaving and Mark Helfrich being a first-time head coach; 2. A concern with the Ducks defense replacing three All-Pac-12 LBs; 3. A belief Stanford’s passing game would take a step forward in year two with QB Kevin Hogan."
I know there will be a ton of media members on hand for the Pac 12 game of the year. I realize these are simply opinions but it goes to prove that games need to be played on the field and because of that play opinions can change.
Oregon and Stanford take the field on Thursday night (6pm PT, ESPN)
Oregon Ducks This Week:
Oregon Takes on Stanford With Pac 12 Title Bid Likely On The LineBCS Standings: Oregon Ducks Drop to 3rd Behind #1 Alabama and #2 Florida State