Stanford's loss puts Oregon atop the Pac-12 North while focus lingers on QB Mariota's knee

Published September 19, 2015

Oregon quarterback Marcus Mariota throws for a touchdown during the first half of an NCAA college football game against Utah in Eugene, Ore., Saturday, Nov. 16, 2013. (AP Photo/Don Ryan) (The Associated Press)

Oregon quarterback Marcus Mariota wears a knee brace on his left leg as he warms up before an NCAA college football game against Utah in Eugene, Ore., Saturday, Nov. 16, 2013. (AP Photo/Don Ryan) (The Associated Press)

Marcus Mariota has been right all along: The No. 5 Oregon Ducks just need to play out their season. In December they'll see where they land.

Case in point: The developments this weekend, when Oregon defeated Utah 44-21 a few hours before USC upset Stanford 20-17. The loss for the Cardinal popped Oregon back atop the Pac-12 North.

Should the Ducks win their next two games, they'll earn a spot in the Pac-12 championship game for a shot at the Rose Bowl. As for anything else, well, that's out of Oregon's control.

The first task for the Ducks (9-1, 6-1) is a trip to play Arizona (6-4, 3-4) this weekend. The Wildcats have lost two straight, including a 24-17 loss at home to Washington State this past weekend.

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https://www.foxnews.com/sports/stanfords-loss-puts-oregon-atop-the-pac-12-north-while-focus-lingers-on-qb-mariotas-knee