The Stanford Cardinal head into halftime in Corvallis, Oregon leading the Oregon State Beavers 17-7, but they have had to battle for that lead. The Beavers held the Cardinal scoreless in the first quarter for the first time this season and had several chances to cut into Stanford's lead in the second quarter. Andrew Luck has struggled in the first half, completing 11 of 19 passes for 76 yards with one touchdown and one interception. The rushing attack has keyed the offense, gaining 164 yards on 25 carries.
The big news of the first half was a pair of head injuries suffered by Stanford skill position players. Chris Owusu suffered a brutal hit after a reception and was placed on a stretcher and into an ambulance. If he did indeed suffer a concussion, it would be his third of the season and second in as many weeks. He will not be returning to this game and Stanford may have a decision to make about his availability for much of the rest of this season.
The other injury was suffered by tight end Levine Toilolo. He took a leg to the head on Jeremy Stewart's two yard rushing touchdown, but was able to walk off under his own power. He took a golf cart to the locker room but returned to the sideline still in pads just before the end of the first half. His availability for the second half is unknown at this point.
The Cardinal defense has stepped up big time once again. They have held Oregon State to 116 total yards and aside from the five play touchdown drive in the second quarter, Stanford's defense has held firm. They have also benefitted from a continued strong rushing attack. Stepfan Taylor leads the way with 56 yards on ten carries. Seven different players have rushed the ball, combining on a 6.6 yards per carry clip.
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