Oregon running back Jordan James, right, runs the ball on his way to a touchdown against Stanford during the first half at Stanford Stadium in Palo Alto on Sat Sep 30, 2023 (AP News photo)

By Michael Roberson

STANFORD, Calif. — The Stanford Cardinal (1-4, 0-3 Pac-12) were invaded and overwhelmed 42-6 by the undefeated and angry #9 Oregon Ducks (5-0, 2-0 Pac-12) and dropped another conference game, inside Stanford Stadium.

“An Unbelievable team we just played; great in all three phases [Offense, Defense & Special Teams].” Said Stanford HC Troy Taylor.

Stanford won the battle of clock management in the initial 30 minutes of play, but unfortunately not the score. The Cardinal had the ball in their possession 2/3 of the half (20:12), while the Ducks used their third ((9:48) more efficiently and effectively on the scoreboard.

Joshua Karty opened up the scoring a little over five minutes into the game, with a 37-yard kick through the uprights, and his Cardinal were up 3-0. Oregon wasn’t able to muster up any type of offense in the first quarter, unlike their blowout victory the previous game versus Colorado. The three point margin stood at the first whistle.

Karty opened the second quarter right away with a 53-yard boot for three. He is in the early stages of another consecutive FGs made streak. The Cardinal doubled their lead to 6-0.

Midway through the second period, Oregon finally got their offense on track. Sophomore running back Jordan James burst through the Cardinal defense for a 30-yard touchdown. The Ducks also took the lead (7-6) after the PAT by senior Camden Lewis.

Not wasting any of their limited time with the ball, Oregon struck again nearly six minutes later. Junior running back Bucky Irvin made it into the end zone on an elusive 17-yard scamper. Now the visiting birds were up by eight, 14-6.

Oregon put themselves in position to get three more points before recess, aided by a defensive penalty (5 yards) by Stanford. With that infraction, Lewis lined up for a 38-yard attempt, instead of 43. Turns out the penalty didn’t hurt the home team, as he missed the FG with one second left in the half. Midway through the game, The Ducks held their 8-point advantage at 14-6.

Apparently Oregon HC Dan Lanning gave another inspirational speech at halftime, because the Ducks came out in the second half with their heads and bills held high, ready to attack. After scoring 14 straight points to end the half, Oregon poured it on in the third quarter.

Ducks’ senior QB Bo Nix was absolutely motivated, as he put on an aerial display, tossing three TDs in the third 15-minute block. First he hit junior TE Terrance Ferguson for a 10 yard score. Less than two minutes later, he connected with junior wide receiver Troy Franklin for a 46 yard TD. He liked that combination so much, he found Franklin again in the endzone, this time for five yards. Stanford had no response, so after 45 minutes of play, Oregon opened up a 29-point lead, 35-6.

The final segment was no better, as Oregon reached paydirt again, early in the fourth. Nix threw his fourth and final TD (season high) to junior receiver Traeshon Holden, finalizing a 42 consecutive points run.

Nix eventually exited the game with his lofty stats, and the Ducks were able to end the contest taking a knee, or webbed feet. At the final horn, Oregon flew into Palo Alto/Stanford and increased their undefeated record by hammering the Cardinal 42-6 in front of 32,160 inhabitants, although a significant number were supporting the Ducks in their green Oregon paraphernalia.

Stanford has an upcoming Bye week, but will be back in action Friday, October 13th, as they travel to Boulder, CO to take on Coach Prime and the Uber popular Colorado Buffaloes (7 pm MST). Oregon heads back to the Great Northwest, but farther north to Seattle to battle fellow undefeated (At Press Time) conference foe, Washington Huskies, Saturday, October 14 (TBD).

NOTE: Cardinal’s senior kicker Joshua Karty made both of his FG attempts (37) & (53); with his last kick versus Arizona, he has made three in a row since his previous streak ended at 26.

Ducks’ senior QB Bo Nix’ 4 TD passes in one game is a season high thus far in 2023.