Stanford Tree and Oregon Duck Preparing for Throwdown

The matchup between Stanford and Oregon Saturday in Eugene will likely be for the Pac-10 title. As we inch closer to the game, more and more side stories are emerging. Aside from the clash on the field, keep on the lookout for a throwdown between the mascots.

Last week Andy Staples wrote a mascot column on SI after the Ohio Bobcat jumped Brutus the Buckeye in a fight. “When we go to Oregon, I’ll have to round up a bunch of homies,” the Stanford Tree told Staples. In response, the Duck issued a warning “Don’t come into my house and push me around” he told The Oregonian.

Of course, if the Tree has ever seen video of the Duck’s fight with the Houston Cougar, he knows he’ll need some back up. As for the game, I have no reason to switch away from my pick that Stanford will win. They’re a physical team with a stellar defense and I think we’ll see that.

One thing Oregon has going for it this is that they’re prepared for the game this time. Oregon Coach Chip Kelly told Jim Rome Friday that his team wasn’t ready for the Stanford game last year and that Stanford played harder than they did. He believes it won’t be the same outcome this time around because they’ll be ready for it.

Hey, even if you know what’s coming, sometimes you still can’t stop it. I think that will be the issue.