CORVALLIS -- Oregon State's chances Thursday night against Stanford got a boost less than two hours before kickoff.
Stanford announced that running back Bryce Love, the Heisman candidate and nation's leading rusher, will not play due to an ankle injury. Love had been ruled day-to-day during the week.
Love has 1,387 rushing yards, 11 touchdowns and is averaging 10.27 yards per carry. The injury figures to give a greater opportunity to Central Catholic High School (Portland) graduate Cameron Scarlett, who has 217 rushing yards and six touchdowns on 41 carries.
Before their divergent career arcs as running backs — Nall at Oregon State and Scarlett at Stanford — the two won a state title together at Central Catholic High School in Portland.