Stanford @ Oregon State preview

Last Meeting ( Nov 27, 2010 ) Oregon State 0, Stanford 38

THE STORY: It's easy to imagine Stanford players reliving last week’s triple-overtime win over Southern Cal or looking forward to next week’s critical game against sixth-ranked Oregon. If ever there was a trap game, it's Saturday against Oregon State in Corvallis, where the No. 3 Cardinal will attempt to extend the nation’s longest winning streak to 17 games.

While Stanford aims for its first 9-0 start since 1951, Oregon State looks to rebound from last week's mistake-filled 27-8 loss to Utah. The Beavers are 3-10 in their last 13 games and one loss away from being eliminated from bowl consideration.

TV: ABC. LINE: Stanford – 20.5

ABOUT STANFORD (8-0, 6-0 Pac-12): Heisman Trophy candidate Andrew Luck has thrown 15 touchdown passes over last his last five games, and Stanford is 28-5 in his 33 career starts. Tight end Zach Ertz, who has been a key part of Stanford’s balanced offense, is expected to miss at least two games with a right knee injury. The Cardinal likely will stick with their three-tight-end sets against the Beavers, with fullback Ryan Hewitt serving as the third tight end at times. Wide receiver Chris Owusu also will be available after somehow avoiding a concussion last week on a hard hit against Southern Cal.

ABOUT OREGON STATE (2-6, 2-3 Pac-12): Freshman quarterback Sean Mannion, who attended high school near Stanford, is fifth in the Pac-12 in passing, but his 13 interceptions lead the FBS. One of hs favorite receivers, James Rodgers, became the third player in school history with at least 200 career receptions last week. The Beavers have the Pac-12’s fourth-worst offense; they could struggle to move the ball against Stanford, which leads the conference in rushing defense, scoring defense and sacks. The Beavers’ offensive line and secondary have been hit by injuries in recent weeks.

EXTRA POINTS

1. The Beavers are last in the conference in turnover margin at minus-5, and Stanford is second at plus-7. The Cardinal have turned it over six times, while the Beavers have committed 21 turnovers.

2. Oregon State has given up more than 200 rushing yards in four games this season. Stanford is second in the Pac-12 in rushing with 215.3 yards per game.

3. Stanford leads the alltime series 49-25-3. While Stanford won last year’s game, 38-0, the Cardinal is just 3-7 against the Beavers since 2000.

PREDICTION: Stanford 48, Oregon State 13 -- This would be a dangerous trap game for many ranked teams, but Stanford appears too focused to falter against the overmatched Beavers.