[FarmBoy]

I think for Stanford to be a viable contender, we need to follow the A-B-C strategy of scheduling non-conference opponents (i.e., one top flight opponent, one medium and one cupcake). Just because it didn't work out this year, or any other year so far, doesn't mean it's not the right strategy to optimize our chances. ANd if we're going to schedule an A level opponent, ND seems like a great target: playing them ensures the game will be highly visible, it's a game we'll get national cred for winning, and there's a fair amount of history there between the schools so it builds tradition. As for playing on Thanksgiving, my understanding is that both Stanford and C'al administrators have made it abundantly clear they will NOT play BG that weekend. So if the alternative to playing ND/Rice on that weekend is to play 12 straight weeks and then have a bye on Thanksgiving, I'd much prefer the former.

And in the end, the only team that brings me more joy to beat is 'SC. Beating ND just has a special place in my heart, and from what I've heard, the players love it as well.

[FarmBoy]

I think for Stanford to be a viable contender, we need to follow the A-B-C strategy of scheduling non-conference opponents (i.e., one top flight opponent, one medium and one cupcake). Just because it didn't work out this year, or any other year so far, doesn't mean it's not the right strategy to optimize our chances. ANd if we're going to schedule an A level opponent, ND seems like a great target: playing them ensures the game will be highly visible, it's a game we'll get national cred for winning, and there's a fair amount of history there between the schools so it builds tradition. As for playing on Thanksgiving, my understanding is that both Stanford and C'al administrators have made it abundantly clear they will NOT play BG that weekend. So if the alternative to playing ND/Rice on that weekend is to play 12 straight weeks and then have a bye on Thanksgiving, I'd much prefer the former.

And in the end, the only team that brings me more joy to beat is 'SC. Beating ND just has a special place in my heart, and from what I've heard, the players love it as well.