COLLEGE FOOTBALL DAILY REPORT : AROUND THE NATION : Oregon Counting Injured Stenstrom Out

Coach Rich Brooks says the Oregon coaching staff is proceeding as if Stanford quarterback Steve Stenstrom won’t start against the 15th-ranked Ducks.

Stanford officials still list Stenstrom as questionable for Saturday’s game at Palo Alto. He has not practiced and doctors reportedly are considering surgery that would end his senior season.

Stenstrom broke the little finger on his throwing hand in last week’s 46-28 victory over Washington.

Backup Scott Frost came on in relief and was extremely effective, especially running.

Oregon (7-3, 5-1) can advance to the Rose Bowl for the first time in 37 years with a victory over Stanford and a win the next week at Oregon State.

Brooks said that Oregon’s team doctors believe that if Stenstrom plays, “his effectiveness would be restricted because of the finger.”

“We believe that Frost will probably start at quarterback,” Brooks said. “In so doing, we’re looking more at his running threat. Whether that’s a mistake only time will tell.”

Frost, a sophomore, carried the ball 11 times for 88 yards against Washington. He completed two of eight passes for 31 yards.