Stanford vs. Oregon State: 5 Halftime Adjustments for the Cardinal

Talk about a Big Game Hangover.  The Cardinal is getting quite a game from the 2-6 Beavers up in Corvallis, leading 17-7 at halftime.  Here are five adjustments David Shaw needs to make to ensure they escape Oregon with a win.   

Andrew Luck Needs To Play Like Andrew Luck

Stanford’s Heisman Trophy candidate just doesn’t seem to be feeling it so far today.  He has missed open receivers and made a few questionable decisions, the worst of which led to his fifth interception of the season.  David Shaw needs to recognize Luck is a little off, give him some easier throws to build his confidence and let the running backs and the defense win this game.

Run the Ball

The genius of Stanford’s run-heavy ground and pound offense is that it prevents the opposition from scoring by keeping the ball out of their hands.   Andrew Luck and Co. need to remember their identity and get back to basics.

Let the Defense Lose

Oregon State is not good enough to beat Stanford unless the Cardinal help them out.  If the Card keeps giving the Beavers a short field they may run into some problems.  If Stanford is going to escape Corvallis with a win, David Shaw needs to start calling a more conservative game on offense and let the defense impose their will on an inexperienced Beavers team.

Attitude

The Card made a solid statement on the first play of the game as TE Coby Fleener stiff-armed a Beaver DB into next week.  That was a good start.  Look for more of this kind of physical play in the second half. 

Forget They Are in the State of Oregon

Stanford has lost eight of their last nine games in the state of Oregon.  Andrew Luck has never won in the Beaver state.  A positive finish to this game will help erase some of those bad memories.