College Football Week Four Takeaways: Stanford ducks a possible upset
![EUGENE, OR - SEPTEMBER 22: Tight end Colby Parkinson (84) of the Stanford Cardinal catches a touchdown pass over cornerback Deommodore Lenoir #15 of the Oregon Ducks during overtime of the game at Autzen Stadium on September 22, 2018 in Eugene, Oregon. Stanford won the game 38-31. (Photo by Steve Dykes/Getty Images) EUGENE, OR - SEPTEMBER 22: Tight end Colby Parkinson (84) of the Stanford Cardinal catches a touchdown pass over cornerback Deommodore Lenoir #15 of the Oregon Ducks during overtime of the game at Autzen Stadium on September 22, 2018 in Eugene, Oregon. Stanford won the game 38-31. (Photo by Steve Dykes/Getty Images)](https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/c_fill,w_720,ar_16:9,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto/shape/cover/sport/582e687ea56492239f7e55494490ccb9e0636605ed6802869517d9e2d15ed257.jpg)
#7 Stanford steals a win over #19 Oregon
In football, one play can turn an entire game around.
That one play in this critical Pac-12 matchup between Stanford and Oregon came in the third quarter with a little over four minutes remaining. As Oregon running back Jaylon Redd sprinted down the sideline looking to cross the goal line, it appeared the Ducks were on their way to a large and impressive 31-7 lead. Instead, the play was reviewed and it “showed” that he stepped out at the one-yard line. Three plays later, Stanford’s Joey Altieri scooped up a fumble and raced 80 yards for a much needed Stanford touchdown.
A 24-point second half by Stanford turned what looked to be a blowout into a tight-knit, overtime contest that ended in Stanford’s favor, 38-31. Quarterback K.J. Costello had himself a game with 327 yards and three touchdowns while Heisman hopeful Bryce Love did not necessarily gash the Oregon defense but his 22-yard touchdown run near the end of the third trimmed the deficit to just a field goal.
One thing is for sure, the Oregon program is on its way to winning again. This would have been a signature win early for Ducks first year head coach Mario Cristobal.
For Stanford, maybe they are the Pac-12’s best option for the College Football Playoff. Maybe.