Stanford rushes past Oregon State

ABOUT STANFORD (2-1, 1-0 Pac-12): If Hogan sits out, look for the Cardinal to rely heavily on running back Christian McCaffrey, who accounted for 249 yards against USC and leads the Pac-12 in all-purpose yards with an average of 195.3 per game.

And Stanford broke away from Oregon State with a spectacular third-quarter play on the way to a 42-24 victory in Pac-12 North football action Friday night. The 6-foot-4, 180-pound freshman recorded his first career 100-yard passing game in last week’s 35-21 win over San Jose State, completing 13-of-25 passes for 135 yards, a touchdown and an interception. Everyone’s hopes for the upset jumped just a little bit, though, when Oregon State QB Seth Collins would answer with a attractive 40-yard touchdown pass to Jordan Villamin. Villamin had a stellar night, catching seven passes for 138 yards and a touchdown.

But Sanders got loose for a 65-yard touchdown run down the left sidelines on Stanford’s first play from scrimmage on its next possession, and the Cardinal’s lead was a comfortable 42-24 with 13 minutes left.

“The first couple series, guys were trying to do too much, and we were leaving gaps open”, linebacker Blake Martinez said. 6 USC. He threw for 279 yards and two touchdowns in that one, gritting out a 41-31 win that put Stanford back in the rankings. Stanford regained the lead on a 70-yard touchdown drive aided by a favorable spot on Remound Wright’s third-down plunge. Stanford coach David Shaw said. Seth Collins hit pay dirt after a Victor Bolden catch, above, was ruled down at the one-yard line. A back-and-forth first half was followed by a strong Cardinal defensive performance coupled with a dominant running game.

Facing a second-rate opponent and one step from claiming an inside lane to the division title, the 21st-ranked Cardinal must navigate a combination of injuries and psychological and logistical challenges Friday at Oregon State.

Sanders added to the lead with an 11-yard touchdown run later in the quarter.

OSU closed the first-half scoring with a short field goal after Stanford’s defense held on third down from the 6.

“We were dripping off tackles”, Andersen said. The Beavers are inexperienced on defense, but linebackers Rommel Mageo and Manase Hungalu have played well early and helped shut out the Spartans in the second half last week.

Both fists clenched, arms fixed to his sides and helmet still strapped to his chin, Larry Scott left Reser Stadium’s field stewing in a fury.

Oregon State focused much of its defensive attention on McCaffrey, to no avail.

Villamin was asked if there was anything positive to take from the game. “We started getting the passing game going, the run game was good”. “I’m just more concerned about the loss. I don’t care about the stats”.

NOTES: Stanford improved to 54-25-3 all-time against Oregon State, its second most wins over any school in program history.