Stanford vs. Oregon State Prediction, Game Preview


Stanford vs. Oregon State prediction and game preview. Projecting who wins Saturday night’s matchup between the Cardinal and Beavers.


When: Saturday, Nov. 5 – 3:30 p.m. ET
Where: Stanford Stadium, Stanford, California

What started off on the right foot has quickly turned about face for the Cardinal (5-3). Since winning its first three games, Stanford has dropped three of its last five games. Those two wins came at Notre Dame on Oct. 15, 17-10, and this past weekend on the road at Arizona, 34-10. The Cardinal took the lead early and controlled the game from start to finish.

As for Oregon State (2-6), it has been streaking in the wrong direction. After starting out 2-3, the Beavers have fallen in their last three matchups at home to Utah, on the road at Washington, and at home against Washington State. Oregon State held an early lead on Wazzu before allowing the Cougars to go on a 35-7 run to win the game.

Stanford has been in complete control of this all-time series, 54-25-3, and has claimed the last six games with Oregon State. Last year’s matchup in Corvallis ended in a 42-24 win for David Shaw’s team.

What To Know About Stanford

Coach Shaw decided to take a step in a different direction last week when he benched Ryan Burns in favor of Keller Chryst. The latter completed 14-of-30 passes for 104 yards, two touchdowns and an interception. But Chryst’s job was made a whole lot easier thanks to the Cardinal’s star tailback, Christian McCaffrey. The electrifying halfback took off for 169 rushing yards and two touchdowns on 23 carries. Bryce Love tacked on 78 more yards on 12 carries. McCaffrey also finished with four receptions for 27 yards and caught one of Chryst’s touchdown throws.

McCaffrey also finished with four receptions for 27 yards and caught one of Chryst’s touchdown throws. The other passing score went to JJ Arcega-Whiteside, who finished with only the one catch for five yards and six points. He may not have scored a touchdown, but Trenton Irwin led all Stanford receivers with five catches for 34 yards.

What to Know About Oregon State

The offense got off to a hot start for the Beavers before it eventually cooled off. Marcus McMaryion, who got the start in place of the injured Darell Garretson, hit on 23-of-39 passes for 327 yards and two touchdowns. He hooked up with Seth Collins for one of those touchdowns, and Collins wound up with six catches for 83 yards. Victor Bolden Jr. led the team with seven receptions for 113 yards, but it was Oregon State’s star tailback Ryan Nall who caught McMaryion’s other touchdown. Nall finished with three grabs for 71 yards.

In addition to providing a versatile threat in the passing game, Nall put up big numbers on the ground, too. He was given 19 carries and took them for 131 yards and two touchdowns. One of those scoring runs was the first touchdown of the game with 8:41 left in the first quarter. Nall broke free for 89 yards and crossed into the end zone on a two-play drive that took only 42 seconds.

Advantages

Offense: Stanford – McMaryion and Nall are coming off great games, but McCaffrey seems to be healthy again, and that means a clear advantage for the Cardinal.

Defense: Stanford – The Cardinal is allowing 355.9 yards per game, and Oregon State gives up 443.4 yards per game. Stanford gets the edge despite being a little banged up with Alijah Holder out for the rest of the season.

Special Teams: Stanford – McCaffrey is a beast. No other words need be spoken.

Coaching: Stanford – Shaw has dealt with a few key injuries and a new quarterback this season, but he’s found a way to coach through it as well as he could. He’s the better coach in this matchup.

Matchup To Watch

Christian McCaffrey vs. Ryan Nall

Look, if you don’t know about Nall, shame on you. He’s a big, skilled tailback and can hurt a defense in a few ways. He can diversify an offensive game plan with his ability to catch out of the backfield and run in between the tackles. At the same time, we know what McCaffrey can do. He’s explosive in every phase of the game, but it will be fun to watch the two talented running backs go at it in this one.

Betting Odds

Spread: Stanford -14.5
Over/Under: 42

Stanford vs. Oregon State Prediction

Oregon State isn’t going to lay down for Stanford to walk all over. The Beavers will lean on Nall to get the offense going, and he’ll find his way into the end zone a couple of times in the game. However, the Stanford defense will step up and find some big stops to get the ball back in the hands of McCaffrey. The Stanford star will lead yet another offensive attack and will make it back-to-back games with at least 100 rushing yards. McCaffrey will find his way across the goal line as a receiver, too, and the Cardinal will pick up the win.

Stanford vs. Oregon State Score Prediction: Stanford 42, Oregon State 21

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