Stanford vs OSU NCAA Football Odds
The Stanford Cardinal needed a bounce-back performance last week against the UCLA Bruins, and needless to say, they had just that. They took down the then-No. 9 Bruins by two touchdowns, and they held a dominant offense to just 10 points in the process.
No. 12 UCLA (5-1, 2-1 Pac-12) @ No. 3 Oregon (7-0, 4-0 Pac-12)
Saturday, Oct. 26 10:30 PM ET @ Reser Stadium
Moneyline: N/A
Spread: Stanford -5
O/U: N/A
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Now, against Oregon State, they’ll have to do everything in their power to stop a high-powered passing attack.
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The Beavers have crept into the top 25, landing the No. 25 spot in the first BCS rankings, and they’ll look to keep their hot streak alive against one of the best teams in the country.
Stanford
The Stanford Cardinal took a huge leap in the polls this week, as their victory over the UCLA Bruins convinced both the pollsters and the computers that they have a legitimate chance of winning a Pac-12 title. As the No. 6 team in the country, Stanford will travel to Corvallis, Ore. to face off against a Pac-12 North opponent.
It’s tough to consider Oregon State a title contender after its loss to an FCS opponent in Week 1, but five straight victories and a 6-1 record say otherwise.
Stanford’s No. 1 goal in this game will be defending the pass. Against UCLA, the team held its opponent to just 74 yards on the ground.
That took away a major part of a balanced attack; however, the Beavers are prepared to throw the ball and throw it all game long.
Stanford will have two players to focus on during this matchup. First and foremost, Sean Mannion.
The quarterback is looking like a Heisman candidate at this point in the year, and he’s the biggest reason the team is first overall in passing yards per contest. The other player is Brandin Cooks. The wide receiver has been Mannion’s No. 1 target in 2013, and he’s become one of the best wideouts in the nation. [soliloquy id=”82219″]
Offensively, Stanford should be able to do some damage against a team that is just 75th in points allowed per game. The Cardinal haven’t excelled in either aspect of the offense this season, but their rushing game has done enough to set up a passing game that has been otherwise underwhelming.
Oregon State
Call me crazy, but I like Oregon State’s chances in this one. The Beavers have played the role of giant killers in the past, and this is the perfect opportunity to keep momentum rolling.
As the No. 1 passing team in the country, the Beavers are averaging 442.1 yards per game through the air. While Stanford is 18th in rushing defense, it is just 85th in passing defense.
Cardinal fans can find solace in the fact that the team is still in the top 25 in sacks, but if the Beavers can protect Mannion, Stanford could be in trouble.
Where the Beavers will get in trouble is if the massive front line of the Cardinal can penetrate the backfield. Mannion has only thrown three interceptions all season to 29 touchdowns, but even someone with those numbers can be prone to mistakes against bigger, faster opponents.
One thing you can’t ignore here is home-field advantage. The Cardinal’s only loss so far this season was on the road, and as previously established, the Beavers have been known to shock big-time programs on their home turf.
Don’t expect it to be a blowout by any means, but don’t be shocked, either, if OSU can take down a bigger opponent, launching themselves into contention for a Pac-12 title.
Score Prediction: Oregon State 27 – Stanford 24
