Stanford vs. Oregon: Halftime Observations for the Cardinal

Stanford vs. Oregon, a game with monumental repercussions, could very well decide who ends up playing at the national championship game. With a huge upset in the Top 5 already today—in TCU over Boise State—the winner of tonight's game could vault to the top of the BCS picture.

The indisputable No. 1 QB prospect in the country, Stanford's Andrew Luck, is not having the first half that most expected from him. Oregon is better known for their jerseys and offense, but their defense has been able to shut down Stanford's quarterback—the same QB that NFL scouts have been drooling over for the last three years. 

The Ducks' offense hasn't been able to get rolling like it's capable of doing. Still, Darron Thomas was able to connect on a four-yard touchdown pass to Lavasier Tuinei. After a successful two-point conversion, the Ducks leapt to an 8-0 lead. 

As both teams head into the locker room, let's take a look at a few things the Cardinal need to do to put this game away and get back into the championship picture. 

A Little Luck Wouldn't Hurt

Andrew Luck is the No. 1 quarterback prospect for a reason. He's got the tangibles, the intangibles and incredible leadership skills. If you need one series of the season that defined who Luck is, take a look back at the game-tying touchdown drive against USC—right after he threw the interception for a TD.

Luck has got to put this team on his back, make the throws and read the defense more effectively. He was able to do that on his 16-yard TD to Griff Whalen at the beginning of the second quarter. It's no question that this is his team—he just needs to prove it. 

More Power

I feel like Tim Taylor from "Home Improvement" when I talk about getting more power in the offense. But if there was one major thing that was working in the first half, it was the run game. The Cardinal's leading rusher, Stepfan Taylor, is averaging well over four yards per carry and has been the go-to guy all half. 

Man-to-Man

LaMichael James had only 12 yards on his first seven rushes. On his eighth, he made Stanford pay with a 58-yard dash to the end zone during which he was left virtually untouched.

The Stanford defense had shown how effective it can be up until that point. James is the X-factor going forward—he's proven he only needs one touch to break open the game. If Stanford can shut him down again for the rest of the game, their probability of a win goes way up.