[CardinalSagehen]

Finally, here we are - three days away. I'm still in the euphoric phase of just being thankful for the return of Stanford Football. Intellectually, I have conceded that our team may not be very good this season, but for some reason this doesn't bother me as much as it normally would.

At the same time, I think Stanford has been way oversold, and there's plenty of upside between my low-ish expectations and the ceiling.  Clearly, most guys on both lines have hit the weight room hard during quarantine, and we have great talent at skill positions on offense.  

I'm wondering - what do people consider success this season?
A winning record?
A division championship?
A conference championship?
Just getting to watch the games, regardless of wins/losses, as long as people are healthy and the wheels don't seem to be falling off? 

I'm in this last camp, and given everything that's happening in the world, I feel like this is a fairly common perspective.  But I also think this might be temporary, and once the competition starts on Saturday, my expectations and possibly my frustration level may inevitably ratchet upward.  

Because... fan. Can't help it.

[CardinalSagehen]

Finally, here we are - three days away. I'm still in the euphoric phase of just being thankful for the return of Stanford Football. Intellectually, I have conceded that our team may not be very good this season, but for some reason this doesn't bother me as much as it normally would.

At the same time, I think Stanford has been way oversold, and there's plenty of upside between my low-ish expectations and the ceiling.  Clearly, most guys on both lines have hit the weight room hard during quarantine, and we have great talent at skill positions on offense.  

I'm wondering - what do people consider success this season?
A winning record?
A division championship?
A conference championship?
Just getting to watch the games, regardless of wins/losses, as long as people are healthy and the wheels don't seem to be falling off? 

I'm in this last camp, and given everything that's happening in the world, I feel like this is a fairly common perspective.  But I also think this might be temporary, and once the competition starts on Saturday, my expectations and possibly my frustration level may inevitably ratchet upward.  

Because... fan. Can't help it.

[82lsju]

Success

4-2 in the "regular" season with one of those wins in Big Game......

failing that then

win Big Game

[82lsju]

Success

4-2 in the "regular" season with one of those wins in Big Game......

failing that then

win Big Game

[CardinalSagehen]

Success

4-2 in the "regular" season with one of those wins in Big Game......

failing that then

win Big Game

Yes, of course, how did I leave that out of the list of examples?! For some people, that's the only thing. And in some seasons, it ends up being the only thing left. But in a best case scenario, other goals will remain in play after just three games, going into Big Game.

[CardinalSagehen]

Success

4-2 in the "regular" season with one of those wins in Big Game......

failing that then

win Big Game

Yes, of course, how did I leave that out of the list of examples?! For some people, that's the only thing. And in some seasons, it ends up being the only thing left. But in a best case scenario, other goals will remain in play after just three games, going into Big Game.

[TinderForMidgets]

We're Stanford - mediocre on average is the best can do. As long as we have a winning record, I'll be happy.

[TinderForMidgets]

We're Stanford - mediocre on average is the best can do. As long as we have a winning record, I'll be happy.

[old spanish trail]

I'm with LSJU. 4-2 with a win in BG.

[old spanish trail]

I'm with LSJU. 4-2 with a win in BG.

[pcgoode]

So many variables in a weird season. Do not discount the fact that training camp was not  what it usually is for Stanford and the other teams and that no PAC 12 team will have warm up games against out of conference opponents to tune up before the conference matchups start. Throw in the possibility of Covid infections/game cancelations as well. This being said, on paper our offense looks very good, and I think our defense will be better than it was last year as I think our front seven is significantly bigger and stronger. Many of our key opponents are rebuilding with new QBs (Oregon, Washington and Washington State), so for me success will mean a trip to the conference championship game.

[pcgoode]

So many variables in a weird season. Do not discount the fact that training camp was not  what it usually is for Stanford and the other teams and that no PAC 12 team will have warm up games against out of conference opponents to tune up before the conference matchups start. Throw in the possibility of Covid infections/game cancelations as well. This being said, on paper our offense looks very good, and I think our defense will be better than it was last year as I think our front seven is significantly bigger and stronger. Many of our key opponents are rebuilding with new QBs (Oregon, Washington and Washington State), so for me success will mean a trip to the conference championship game.

[winflop]

Given the recent announcements of key players out for the season as well as for Oregon, I'll take 3-3 reg season + the Axe as a success. The 7th game is a complete crapshot so I'm not including it in any definition of success.

[winflop]

Given the recent announcements of key players out for the season as well as for Oregon, I'll take 3-3 reg season + the Axe as a success. The 7th game is a complete crapshot so I'm not including it in any definition of success.

[BostonCard]

I've written off this season, both for CFB reasons in general, and because of Stanford-specific reasons.  We are going to have a really tough 3-4 years going forward, and will only really recover when the class of 2022 is old enough to significantly contribute (and even then, that assumes as much work is put into the 2023 and beyond classes as 2022).

BC

[BostonCard]

I've written off this season, both for CFB reasons in general, and because of Stanford-specific reasons.  We are going to have a really tough 3-4 years going forward, and will only really recover when the class of 2022 is old enough to significantly contribute (and even then, that assumes as much work is put into the 2023 and beyond classes as 2022).

BC

[fullmetal]

I'll take no more injuries, no more covid cases for Stanford (oof, are any of our surprise injuries long-haulers?), and a BG win.

[fullmetal]

I'll take no more injuries, no more covid cases for Stanford (oof, are any of our surprise injuries long-haulers?), and a BG win.

[qwerty49]

No more injuries, no COVID cases, departing seniors play well enough to get a shot at the next level if they want.  Bonus would be the Axe as part of 3 wins.

[qwerty49]

No more injuries, no COVID cases, departing seniors play well enough to get a shot at the next level if they want.  Bonus would be the Axe as part of 3 wins.

[cctop]

Success

4-2 in the "regular" season with one of those wins in Big Game......

failing that then

win Big Game

Good call by 82LSJU back in November!

While I would have loved 4 more points against Colorado and the chance to play in the Pac-12 championship, I'm pleased with 4-2 and a win in Big Game.

And I'm glad that the players will get to spend the holidays with their families rather than prepping for a bowl game.

[cctop]

Success

4-2 in the "regular" season with one of those wins in Big Game......

failing that then

win Big Game

Good call by 82LSJU back in November!

While I would have loved 4 more points against Colorado and the chance to play in the Pac-12 championship, I'm pleased with 4-2 and a win in Big Game.

And I'm glad that the players will get to spend the holidays with their families rather than prepping for a bowl game.

[BostonCard]

I don't see anyone having predicted better than 4-2 as a definition of success, so hard not to consider this a successful season.

I still think we have a tough few years ahead of us, but next year could be ok if we get some key players coming back, or it could be disastrous if we lose a large number of key players.

BC

[BostonCard]

I don't see anyone having predicted better than 4-2 as a definition of success, so hard not to consider this a successful season.

I still think we have a tough few years ahead of us, but next year could be ok if we get some key players coming back, or it could be disastrous if we lose a large number of key players.

BC

[lex24]

I think if you watch Shaw’s press conference you get a good feeling for the definition of success on this one. Coming back the way they did is one thing, doing so under the conditions that they had to deal with and not having one positive test the entire time is a remarkable achievement. Shaw called this team the most resilient in Stanford history. Hard to argue with that. .

[lex24]

I think if you watch Shaw’s press conference you get a good feeling for the definition of success on this one. Coming back the way they did is one thing, doing so under the conditions that they had to deal with and not having one positive test the entire time is a remarkable achievement. Shaw called this team the most resilient in Stanford history. Hard to argue with that. .

[teejers1]

I think if you watch Shaw’s press conference you get a good feeling for the definition of success on this one. Coming back the way they did is one thing, doing so under the conditions that they had to deal with and not having one positive test the entire time is a remarkable achievement. Shaw called this team the most resilient in Stanford history.  Hard to argue with that.  .

Stanford was an average team (good offense; bad defense) who played 6 average teams (Colorado may be a bit above average and Cal may be a bit below average).  An average season, as it turns out, would have been 3-3.  4-2 thus tips to the successful side.  Going through the season without a positive Covid test nudges it to a "successful" season, all things considered.  

The Road Warrior thing doesn't strike me as that remarkable - though it certainly made things a bit more challenging - for a couple reasons.  First, SJSU navigated Corona and SCC's unique rules to an undefeated season, including beating Boise (which is notable).  Second, the kids were not in school.   Thus, this was purely a play sports and be smart roadie.  I'd bet the team liked the experience, frankly.    I know I would have loved to have that kind of an extended trip.  [I thought Oscar's comments about this in the CSUN game presser were pretty revealing].

Still, congrats in order to team and staff.

[teejers1]

I think if you watch Shaw’s press conference you get a good feeling for the definition of success on this one. Coming back the way they did is one thing, doing so under the conditions that they had to deal with and not having one positive test the entire time is a remarkable achievement. Shaw called this team the most resilient in Stanford history.  Hard to argue with that.  .

Stanford was an average team (good offense; bad defense) who played 6 average teams (Colorado may be a bit above average and Cal may be a bit below average).  An average season, as it turns out, would have been 3-3.  4-2 thus tips to the successful side.  Going through the season without a positive Covid test nudges it to a "successful" season, all things considered.  

The Road Warrior thing doesn't strike me as that remarkable - though it certainly made things a bit more challenging - for a couple reasons.  First, SJSU navigated Corona and SCC's unique rules to an undefeated season, including beating Boise (which is notable).  Second, the kids were not in school.   Thus, this was purely a play sports and be smart roadie.  I'd bet the team liked the experience, frankly.    I know I would have loved to have that kind of an extended trip.  [I thought Oscar's comments about this in the CSUN game presser were pretty revealing].

Still, congrats in order to team and staff.

[BostonCard]

Cal was supposed to be a contender this year.  Wilcox was supposed to be the next great coach in the Pac-12, and supposedly had already surpassed Shaw.  They fell apart.

BC

[BostonCard]

Cal was supposed to be a contender this year.  Wilcox was supposed to be the next great coach in the Pac-12, and supposedly had already surpassed Shaw.  They fell apart.

BC

[teejers1]

Cal was supposed to be a contender this year.  Wilcox was supposed to be the next great coach in the Pac-12, and supposedly had already surpassed Shaw.  They fell apart.

BC

It was a meaningless year, though, right?
Cal never got off the schneid this season.  
We'll see how they do next year.  I wouldn't count them out (as you appear to do).

P.S.  Fell apart?  A blocked PAT from OT with the Cardinal.  The Pac was loaded with mediocre to average teams.

[teejers1]

Cal was supposed to be a contender this year.  Wilcox was supposed to be the next great coach in the Pac-12, and supposedly had already surpassed Shaw.  They fell apart.

BC

It was a meaningless year, though, right?
Cal never got off the schneid this season.  
We'll see how they do next year.  I wouldn't count them out (as you appear to do).

P.S.  Fell apart?  A blocked PAT from OT with the Cardinal.  The Pac was loaded with mediocre to average teams.

[winflop]

Cal was supposed to be a contender this year.  Wilcox was supposed to be the next great coach in the Pac-12, and supposedly had already surpassed Shaw.  They fell apart.

BC

It was a meaningless year, though, right?
Cal never got off the schneid this season.  
We'll see how they do next year.  I wouldn't count them out (as you appear to do).

P.S.  Fell apart?  A blocked PAT from OT with the Cardinal.  The Pac was loaded with mediocre to average teams.

Cal's problem was the delayed start to the season. They are a .600+ club in Sep/Oct and around .300 in Nov/Dec over the last 10 years. True to form again this year.

[winflop]

Cal was supposed to be a contender this year.  Wilcox was supposed to be the next great coach in the Pac-12, and supposedly had already surpassed Shaw.  They fell apart.

BC

It was a meaningless year, though, right?
Cal never got off the schneid this season.  
We'll see how they do next year.  I wouldn't count them out (as you appear to do).

P.S.  Fell apart?  A blocked PAT from OT with the Cardinal.  The Pac was loaded with mediocre to average teams.

Cal's problem was the delayed start to the season. They are a .600+ club in Sep/Oct and around .300 in Nov/Dec over the last 10 years. True to form again this year.

[BostonCard]

Cal was supposed to be a contender this year.  Wilcox was supposed to be the next great coach in the Pac-12, and supposedly had already surpassed Shaw.  They fell apart.

BC

It was a meaningless year, though, right?
Cal never got off the schneid this season.  
We'll see how they do next year.  I wouldn't count them out (as you appear to do).

P.S.  Fell apart?  A blocked PAT from OT with the Cardinal.  The Pac was loaded with mediocre to average teams.

A blocked PAT from OT with Stanford.  A 34-10 shellacking by UCLA (yes, 10 points against *that* UCLA, and also, allowing 34 points, which we considered a sign of how much our defense sucked).  A loss to Oregon State (another team we beat).  Cal went 1-3 in a year where they were expected to contend for the Pac-12 North title.

And yes, it was a meaningless year.

BC

[BostonCard]

Cal was supposed to be a contender this year.  Wilcox was supposed to be the next great coach in the Pac-12, and supposedly had already surpassed Shaw.  They fell apart.

BC

It was a meaningless year, though, right?
Cal never got off the schneid this season.  
We'll see how they do next year.  I wouldn't count them out (as you appear to do).

P.S.  Fell apart?  A blocked PAT from OT with the Cardinal.  The Pac was loaded with mediocre to average teams.

A blocked PAT from OT with Stanford.  A 34-10 shellacking by UCLA (yes, 10 points against *that* UCLA, and also, allowing 34 points, which we considered a sign of how much our defense sucked).  A loss to Oregon State (another team we beat).  Cal went 1-3 in a year where they were expected to contend for the Pac-12 North title.

And yes, it was a meaningless year.

BC

[Mick]

We were 4-2 this year.  If you consider a 5 point swing to be within the margin, Stanford could have ended up 5-1 or 0-6, given that five of our six games were decided by five or fewer points.

I think we did great and the coaches did very well, particularly after 4-8 year.

[Mick]

We were 4-2 this year.  If you consider a 5 point swing to be within the margin, Stanford could have ended up 5-1 or 0-6, given that five of our six games were decided by five or fewer points.

I think we did great and the coaches did very well, particularly after 4-8 year.

[Spiny_Norman]

We were 4-2 this year.  If you consider a 5 point swing to be within the margin, Stanford could have ended up 5-1 or 0-6, given that five of our six games were decided by five or fewer points.

I think we did great and the coaches did very well, particularly after 4-8 year.

Karl Dorrell probably wins coach of the year at Colorado. But David Shaw will get some consideration.

[Spiny_Norman]

We were 4-2 this year.  If you consider a 5 point swing to be within the margin, Stanford could have ended up 5-1 or 0-6, given that five of our six games were decided by five or fewer points.

I think we did great and the coaches did very well, particularly after 4-8 year.

Karl Dorrell probably wins coach of the year at Colorado. But David Shaw will get some consideration.