Stanford Football: 5 reasons Cardinal will beat Oregon State

PALO ALTO, CA - OCTOBER 14: JJ Arcega-Whiteside #19 of the Stanford Cardinal is congratulated by teammates after he catches a three yard touchdown pass against the Oregon Ducks during the first quarter of their NCAA football game at Stanford Stadium on October 14, 2017 in Palo Alto, California. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images) /

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(Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images) /

2. Bryce Love

Honestly, Bryce Love could be reasons one through five on this list. The Cardinal have arguably the nation’s top running back in Love and he’s getting stronger with each passing week. That’s not going to change against Oregon State’s 101st-ranked run defense.

The only reason he’s not the No. 1 reason on this list is because he’s technically a game-time decision for Stanford on Thursday night. He has a slight ankle injury and might sit this one out, but no matter who plays in the backfield, they’re going to have a big day.

If it is Love, he’s going to put up over 200 rushing yards and three touchdowns. He’s averaging 10.3 yards per carry this season and has seven straight 100-plus yard games to start the season. On top of that, he hasn’t rushed for less than 140 yards yet this year and he’s a big play waiting to happen.

The Oregon State defense just won’t be able to keep up with the Heisman Trophy contender as he puts up his third 200-plus yard performance in the past five games. If not Love, then Cameron Scarlett will have a career day.

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