[jayasena]

My frustration does not boil down to simply "conservative" play calling, as some have criticized Shaw for and to which he appears sensitive and defensive. I suppose I would phrase my frustration as stemming more from a negative approach -- "playing not to lose" or "don't take a chance you don't have to even if you might fool your opponent by taking a chance," which is how I would characterize the 4th down play call in the SC game. What I have gradually come to realize is that I don't enjoy watching Stanford now, at least as we play under Shaw. The losses (SC this year and last; Utah and MSU last year; UW and ND in 2012) were all excruciating to watch. [As a Class of '75, I have suffered through many losses -- I can handle Stanford losing; it is the approach and the reason for the losses that makes them so excruciating.]

I don't disagree that the losses have been painful. But, to me, the choice is a no-brainer. I would rather watch a great team and coaching staff who are capable of winning every game but lose a few close ones here and there because of <circle all your favorites: execution/play-calling/personnel/other> over a so-so team that loses convincingly.

[jayasena]

My frustration does not boil down to simply "conservative" play calling, as some have criticized Shaw for and to which he appears sensitive and defensive. I suppose I would phrase my frustration as stemming more from a negative approach -- "playing not to lose" or "don't take a chance you don't have to even if you might fool your opponent by taking a chance," which is how I would characterize the 4th down play call in the SC game. What I have gradually come to realize is that I don't enjoy watching Stanford now, at least as we play under Shaw. The losses (SC this year and last; Utah and MSU last year; UW and ND in 2012) were all excruciating to watch. [As a Class of '75, I have suffered through many losses -- I can handle Stanford losing; it is the approach and the reason for the losses that makes them so excruciating.]

I don't disagree that the losses have been painful. But, to me, the choice is a no-brainer. I would rather watch a great team and coaching staff who are capable of winning every game but lose a few close ones here and there because of <circle all your favorites: execution/play-calling/personnel/other> over a so-so team that loses convincingly.