His knee was completely blown out last year. The doctor who operated on the knee couldn’t believe that Toby Gerhart was back playing for the Stanford Cardinal this soon.
And the Cardinal fans that viewed Stanford’s surprising 36-28 win over Oregon State couldn’t believe it either. All Gerhart did was run for 147 yards and 2 touchdowns, his longest 46 yards.
The Oregon State defense seemed even more surprised that a 6-1, 235-pound tailback with a surgically-repaired knee has that kind of breakaway speed. But Gerhart is the kind of power back that isn’t afraid to put his head down and bang up the middle as well. When Stanford needed third-down yardage, Gerhart was the go-to back.
- B/R Ticket Guide
The Cardinal are getting a reputation for upsets. Last year they beat archrival Cal and then there was that memorable upset of USC at the Coliseum. Tonight’s Pac-10 opener was somewhat reminiscent of that game in which John David Booty threw four interceptions.
Similar mistakes cost Oregon State dearly. Quarterback Lyle Moevao threw 2 interceptions and a backward pass that rolled into the end zone for a safety. The Beavers also fumbled a punt return. But they still had a chance to tie the Cardinal when Darrell Catchings caught a third down pass and took it down to the one but fumbled the ball out of the end zone for a touchback with just 47 seconds left.
Meanwhile Stanford and quarterback Tabitha Pritchard played an errorless game. Pritchard completed 10 of 17 passes for 91 yards and a TD. He also had 6 carries for 22 yards. Stanford gained at otal of 210 yards on the ground.
Moevao was 34 of 54 for 404 yards with 3 TDs and 2 interceptions in a losing effort. Shane Morales and Sammie Stroughter were his main targets. Morales had 13 catches for 150 yards while Stroughter made 12 catches for 157 yards.
All in all, it was a disappointing loss for the Beavers, who battled back from adversity and nearly erased Stanford’s 16-point fourth quarter lead.
Penn State is next up for the Beavers while Stanford travels to Arizona State.
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2 months ago
If the Beavers don't improve their run offense and run defense its gonna be a long year in Corvallis
from 2 months ago
Yeah, they need to improve in those areas. But what they really need to do - immediately - is PROTECT the damn rock! Two interceptions, a backward pass that rolls into the end zone, a fumbled punt return, and Catchings fumble. Wow! And a rash of penalties. Too much!
2 months ago
Run offense wasn't spectacular but the Rodgers Bros. still combined for 103 yards rushing. The Run D showed flashes of brilliance but lacked consistency in giving up two very large runs. Once again mistakes cost the Beavs some early games. Hopefully they gel more quickly than they did last year.
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