[CardinalSagehen]

How would you rank these potential occurrences during the time between now and the Spring Game, in order of subjective importance to you as a fan?

A) Bowl: Finish at least 6-6 and go to a bowl game (keep streak alive, benefit from extra practices, etc.)
B) QBs: See visible signs of a healthy, performing, returning QB (or two) for next season.
C) Cal: Win Big Game - as a non-alum, this isn't as important to me, but I get why ceding dominance in the rivalry would be a bad thing.
D) ND: Beat the Irish - always fun. 
E) OL: See development on the OL and signs of healthy, performing linemen for next season.
F) Retention: Retain one or more of Costello, Parkinson, Adebo and Little.  
G) Recruiting: Sign all committed 2020 recruits and add one or two surprises, particularly on defense.  I would rank this higher, but I'm considering it mostly predetermined at this point.
H) OC: See more creative or effective play-calling - not my favorite gripe, but I included it for some of y'all.
I) Other: fill in the blank.

They're in my order above. I have left out coaching changes intentionally because they're not my calling card, but I fully expect that one of a few regular posters will fill in something like, "Experience full catharsis and self-awareness, leading to OC change." 

I acknowledge that many of the outcomes above are correlated to each other and not mutually exclusive - it's just an exercise. I'm sure that I've left out several other interesting possibilities, too.  

Your thoughts?

[CardinalSagehen]

How would you rank these potential occurrences during the time between now and the Spring Game, in order of subjective importance to you as a fan?

A) Bowl: Finish at least 6-6 and go to a bowl game (keep streak alive, benefit from extra practices, etc.)
B) QBs: See visible signs of a healthy, performing, returning QB (or two) for next season.
C) Cal: Win Big Game - as a non-alum, this isn't as important to me, but I get why ceding dominance in the rivalry would be a bad thing.
D) ND: Beat the Irish - always fun. 
E) OL: See development on the OL and signs of healthy, performing linemen for next season.
F) Retention: Retain one or more of Costello, Parkinson, Adebo and Little.  
G) Recruiting: Sign all committed 2020 recruits and add one or two surprises, particularly on defense.  I would rank this higher, but I'm considering it mostly predetermined at this point.
H) OC: See more creative or effective play-calling - not my favorite gripe, but I included it for some of y'all.
I) Other: fill in the blank.

They're in my order above. I have left out coaching changes intentionally because they're not my calling card, but I fully expect that one of a few regular posters will fill in something like, "Experience full catharsis and self-awareness, leading to OC change." 

I acknowledge that many of the outcomes above are correlated to each other and not mutually exclusive - it's just an exercise. I'm sure that I've left out several other interesting possibilities, too.  

Your thoughts?

[Spiny_Norman]

My concern is that all of those may be unachievable. Since I am setting the bar that low, I will focus on the one thing that has the best combination of likelihood (still low) and importance (at least to me) - Beat Cal.

[Spiny_Norman]

My concern is that all of those may be unachievable. Since I am setting the bar that low, I will focus on the one thing that has the best combination of likelihood (still low) and importance (at least to me) - Beat Cal.

[qwerty49]

How do you define importance?

Importance to the program in the short-term? Long-term?

To me personally as a fan?

In the eyes of potential recruits?

In the eyes of the media?

Are “important” things “must happen,” “nice to happen”, “could well happen?”

Leaving probability aside, I would probably rank beating the Irish at the top of almost every category. IMHO it’s the biggest opportunity left to salvage some respect this year.

[qwerty49]

How do you define importance?

Importance to the program in the short-term? Long-term?

To me personally as a fan?

In the eyes of potential recruits?

In the eyes of the media?

Are “important” things “must happen,” “nice to happen”, “could well happen?”

Leaving probability aside, I would probably rank beating the Irish at the top of almost every category. IMHO it’s the biggest opportunity left to salvage some respect this year.

[82lsju]

My concern is that all of those may be unachievable. Since I am setting the bar that low, I will focus on the one thing that has the best combination of likelihood (still low) and importance (at least to me) - Beat Cal.

+1

[82lsju]

My concern is that all of those may be unachievable. Since I am setting the bar that low, I will focus on the one thing that has the best combination of likelihood (still low) and importance (at least to me) - Beat Cal.

+1

[AlbanyCardinal]

How would you rank these things in order of importance for the time between now and February?

A) Bowl: Finish at least 6-6 and go to a bowl game (keep streak alive, benefit from extra practices, etc.)
B) QBs: See visible signs of a healthy, performing, returning QB (or two) for next season.
C) Cal: Win Big Game - as a non-alum, this isn't as important to me, but I get why ceding dominance in the rivalry would be a bad thing.
D) ND: Beat the Irish - always fun. 
E) OL: See development on the OL and signs of healthy, performing linemen for next season.
F) Retention: Retain one or more of Costello, Parkinson, Adebo and Little.  
G) Recruiting: Sign all committed 2020 recruits and add one or two surprises, particularly on defense.  I would rank this higher, but I'm considering it mostly predetermined at this point.
H) OC: See more creative or effective play-calling - not my favorite gripe, but I included it for some of y'all.
I) Other: fill in the blank.

They're in my order above. I have left out coaching changes intentionally because they're not my calling card, but I fully expect that one of a few regular posters will fill in something like, "Experience full catharsis and self-awareness, leading to OC change." 

I acknowledge that many of the outcomes above are correlated to each other and not mutually exclusive - it's just an exercise. I'm sure that I've left out several other interesting possibilities, too.  

Your thoughts?

G
G
C
A

[AlbanyCardinal]

How would you rank these things in order of importance for the time between now and February?

A) Bowl: Finish at least 6-6 and go to a bowl game (keep streak alive, benefit from extra practices, etc.)
B) QBs: See visible signs of a healthy, performing, returning QB (or two) for next season.
C) Cal: Win Big Game - as a non-alum, this isn't as important to me, but I get why ceding dominance in the rivalry would be a bad thing.
D) ND: Beat the Irish - always fun. 
E) OL: See development on the OL and signs of healthy, performing linemen for next season.
F) Retention: Retain one or more of Costello, Parkinson, Adebo and Little.  
G) Recruiting: Sign all committed 2020 recruits and add one or two surprises, particularly on defense.  I would rank this higher, but I'm considering it mostly predetermined at this point.
H) OC: See more creative or effective play-calling - not my favorite gripe, but I included it for some of y'all.
I) Other: fill in the blank.

They're in my order above. I have left out coaching changes intentionally because they're not my calling card, but I fully expect that one of a few regular posters will fill in something like, "Experience full catharsis and self-awareness, leading to OC change." 

I acknowledge that many of the outcomes above are correlated to each other and not mutually exclusive - it's just an exercise. I'm sure that I've left out several other interesting possibilities, too.  

Your thoughts?

G
G
C
A

[CardinalSagehen]

How do you define importance?

Importance to the program in the short-term? Long-term?

To me personally as a fan?

In the eyes of potential recruits?

In the eyes of the media?

Are “important” things “must happen,” “nice to happen”, “could well happen?”

Leaving probability aside, I would probably rank beating the Irish at the top of almost every category. IMHO it’s the biggest opportunity left to salvage some respect this year.

I meant it as a completely subjective exercise, mostly leaving probability aside.  You define what is important to you as a fan and make trade-offs between the short and long term, assuming everything on the list has at least some chance of occurring.  You can extend the horizon to next spring if you'd like, allowing for spring practices and the spring game, when some more light could be shed on QB/OL/general team health.

I've edited the OP just a bit to clarify.

[CardinalSagehen]

How do you define importance?

Importance to the program in the short-term? Long-term?

To me personally as a fan?

In the eyes of potential recruits?

In the eyes of the media?

Are “important” things “must happen,” “nice to happen”, “could well happen?”

Leaving probability aside, I would probably rank beating the Irish at the top of almost every category. IMHO it’s the biggest opportunity left to salvage some respect this year.

I meant it as a completely subjective exercise, mostly leaving probability aside.  You define what is important to you as a fan and make trade-offs between the short and long term, assuming everything on the list has at least some chance of occurring.  You can extend the horizon to next spring if you'd like, allowing for spring practices and the spring game, when some more light could be shed on QB/OL/general team health.

I've edited the OP just a bit to clarify.

[Snorlax94]

How would you rank these things in order of importance for the time between now and February the Spring Game?

A) Bowl: Finish at least 6-6 and go to a bowl game (keep streak alive, benefit from extra practices, etc.)
B) QBs: See visible signs of a healthy, performing, returning QB (or two) for next season.
C) Cal: Win Big Game - as a non-alum, this isn't as important to me, but I get why ceding dominance in the rivalry would be a bad thing.
D) ND: Beat the Irish - always fun. 
E) OL: See development on the OL and signs of healthy, performing linemen for next season.
F) Retention: Retain one or more of Costello, Parkinson, Adebo and Little.  
G) Recruiting: Sign all committed 2020 recruits and add one or two surprises, particularly on defense.  I would rank this higher, but I'm considering it mostly predetermined at this point.
H) OC: See more creative or effective play-calling - not my favorite gripe, but I included it for some of y'all.
I) Other: fill in the blank.

They're in my order above. I have left out coaching changes intentionally because they're not my calling card, but I fully expect that one of a few regular posters will fill in something like, "Experience full catharsis and self-awareness, leading to OC change." 

I acknowledge that many of the outcomes above are correlated to each other and not mutually exclusive - it's just an exercise. I'm sure that I've left out several other interesting possibilities, too.  

Your thoughts?

Beat Cal
Qualify for a bowl game 
Win Homecoming this Saturday
Win the bowl game

The above are team goals. Whether Costello stays or goes, that’s an individual choice — he should just do whatever is best for him. My guess is that Parkinson goes, Adebo and Little stay, and Sarell and Costello could go either way.

If I could pick any wish? I wish they could figure out what’s going on with all the injuries and have more years like 2015.

[Snorlax94]

How would you rank these things in order of importance for the time between now and February the Spring Game?

A) Bowl: Finish at least 6-6 and go to a bowl game (keep streak alive, benefit from extra practices, etc.)
B) QBs: See visible signs of a healthy, performing, returning QB (or two) for next season.
C) Cal: Win Big Game - as a non-alum, this isn't as important to me, but I get why ceding dominance in the rivalry would be a bad thing.
D) ND: Beat the Irish - always fun. 
E) OL: See development on the OL and signs of healthy, performing linemen for next season.
F) Retention: Retain one or more of Costello, Parkinson, Adebo and Little.  
G) Recruiting: Sign all committed 2020 recruits and add one or two surprises, particularly on defense.  I would rank this higher, but I'm considering it mostly predetermined at this point.
H) OC: See more creative or effective play-calling - not my favorite gripe, but I included it for some of y'all.
I) Other: fill in the blank.

They're in my order above. I have left out coaching changes intentionally because they're not my calling card, but I fully expect that one of a few regular posters will fill in something like, "Experience full catharsis and self-awareness, leading to OC change." 

I acknowledge that many of the outcomes above are correlated to each other and not mutually exclusive - it's just an exercise. I'm sure that I've left out several other interesting possibilities, too.  

Your thoughts?

Beat Cal
Qualify for a bowl game 
Win Homecoming this Saturday
Win the bowl game

The above are team goals. Whether Costello stays or goes, that’s an individual choice — he should just do whatever is best for him. My guess is that Parkinson goes, Adebo and Little stay, and Sarell and Costello could go either way.

If I could pick any wish? I wish they could figure out what’s going on with all the injuries and have more years like 2015.

[Phogge]

The only two that matter to me are Other and Other. Aside from winning as many as possible, that is.

Other #1.... Offer more kids and pull offers if necessary. These are smart kids and will have a productive life even if they don’t play at Stanford. In other words get on with your life and go study and have fun at another great place.

Other #2... Hire a real OC and let him call the plays. Of course that has as much chance as Beaver Cleaver had with Jayne Mansfield.

[Phogge]

The only two that matter to me are Other and Other. Aside from winning as many as possible, that is.

Other #1.... Offer more kids and pull offers if necessary. These are smart kids and will have a productive life even if they don’t play at Stanford. In other words get on with your life and go study and have fun at another great place.

Other #2... Hire a real OC and let him call the plays. Of course that has as much chance as Beaver Cleaver had with Jayne Mansfield.

[cardcrimson]

Well, we won't get A without C (most likely), so A is a twofer. 

Recruiting would have to be second

Have to go other with number three. Other being an overall re-invigoration of the staff, starting of course with a creative OC and almost as importantly, a vastly improved strength and conditioning crew.

[cardcrimson]

Well, we won't get A without C (most likely), so A is a twofer. 

Recruiting would have to be second

Have to go other with number three. Other being an overall re-invigoration of the staff, starting of course with a creative OC and almost as importantly, a vastly improved strength and conditioning crew.

[winflop]

A) Win Big Game
B) Recruiting: Sign all committed 2020 recruits and add one or two surprises, particularly on defense.  
                At this point, next season starts becoming more important than this season.
C) OL: See development on the OL and signs of healthy, performing linemen for next season. 
                Like recruiting, it's more about next year.
D) QBs: See visible signs of a healthy, performing, returning QB (or two) for next season. 
                Priority is Mills.
E) Bowl: Only because it gets more practice/development time for the younger players.
F) Retention: Retain one or more of Costello, Parkinson, Adebo and Little. I put this lower because at this point the only one I see being drafted in the first 3 rounds is Adebo. Costello could graduate and leave, and I'd be OK with that because we have Mills and McKee coming in behind him. Little and Parkinson would be very ill-advised to leave early. 
G) OC: See more creative or effective play-calling. Fanboy Hero needs to go, but I'd like to see some actual halftime adjustments. Is that too much to ask for?
H) ND: Beat the Irish. Very wishful thinking.

[winflop]

A) Win Big Game
B) Recruiting: Sign all committed 2020 recruits and add one or two surprises, particularly on defense.  
                At this point, next season starts becoming more important than this season.
C) OL: See development on the OL and signs of healthy, performing linemen for next season. 
                Like recruiting, it's more about next year.
D) QBs: See visible signs of a healthy, performing, returning QB (or two) for next season. 
                Priority is Mills.
E) Bowl: Only because it gets more practice/development time for the younger players.
F) Retention: Retain one or more of Costello, Parkinson, Adebo and Little. I put this lower because at this point the only one I see being drafted in the first 3 rounds is Adebo. Costello could graduate and leave, and I'd be OK with that because we have Mills and McKee coming in behind him. Little and Parkinson would be very ill-advised to leave early. 
G) OC: See more creative or effective play-calling. Fanboy Hero needs to go, but I'd like to see some actual halftime adjustments. Is that too much to ask for?
H) ND: Beat the Irish. Very wishful thinking.

[donkey687]

In the words of Vince Lombardi, winning is the only thing.

1) Bowl 
2) Beat Cal
3) Beat ND
4) Recruiting

[donkey687]

In the words of Vince Lombardi, winning is the only thing.

1) Bowl 
2) Beat Cal
3) Beat ND
4) Recruiting

[martyup]

In the words of Vince Lombardi, winning is the only thing.

1) Bowl 
2) Beat Cal
3) Beat ND
4) Recruiting

I'll just adopt this answer.  We have to beat CAL to get to a bowl.

[martyup]

In the words of Vince Lombardi, winning is the only thing.

1) Bowl 
2) Beat Cal
3) Beat ND
4) Recruiting

I'll just adopt this answer.  We have to beat CAL to get to a bowl.

[Embo]

How would you rank these potential occurrences during the time between now and the Spring Game, in order of subjective importance to you as a fan?

A) Bowl: Finish at least 6-6 and go to a bowl game (keep streak alive, benefit from extra practices, etc.)
B) QBs: See visible signs of a healthy, performing, returning QB (or two) for next season.
C) Cal: Win Big Game - as a non-alum, this isn't as important to me, but I get why ceding dominance in the rivalry would be a bad thing.
D) ND: Beat the Irish - always fun. 
E) OL: See development on the OL and signs of healthy, performing linemen for next season.
F) Retention: Retain one or more of Costello, Parkinson, Adebo and Little.  
G) Recruiting: Sign all committed 2020 recruits and add one or two surprises, particularly on defense.  I would rank this higher, but I'm considering it mostly predetermined at this point.
H) OC: See more creative or effective play-calling - not my favorite gripe, but I included it for some of y'all.
I) Other: fill in the blank.

gailtate had correctly called the first half of this decade, while we were watching it live, as the Golden Age of Stanford Football.  He was damn right.  And I think we can agree that it's over.  We have no offensive identity, and this team is difficult to watch.
Hence, streaks are falling by the wayside.  First was no Shaw led team had lost three in a row.  Next was UCLA's 11 straight losses.

Lots of other streaks are at high risk of falling.  In order of those I want to continue:

C.  Big Game.  I'd like to see 10 years in a row.  To lose to this year's C.al team, with their offense, would be rock bottom.
D.  Beating ND.  In some ways, the 2009 game vs ND was the exclamation point that Stanford was now physically bad-ass.  ND has lost here every year since then.  I don't have much hope that this streak continues.
A.  Yeah, we need a bowl.  But only due to the need for player development.  I fear that a 6-6 record would leave the Cheez-It bowl.  The name alone is bad enough, but our neighbors to the north really left a stink last year that will tarnish it for a while.  (Then again, we could get to go to the Las Vegas Bowl.  Now that I could get into.)
 
I understand the need for OL and recruiting.  But those things won't happen overnight.

[Embo]

How would you rank these potential occurrences during the time between now and the Spring Game, in order of subjective importance to you as a fan?

A) Bowl: Finish at least 6-6 and go to a bowl game (keep streak alive, benefit from extra practices, etc.)
B) QBs: See visible signs of a healthy, performing, returning QB (or two) for next season.
C) Cal: Win Big Game - as a non-alum, this isn't as important to me, but I get why ceding dominance in the rivalry would be a bad thing.
D) ND: Beat the Irish - always fun. 
E) OL: See development on the OL and signs of healthy, performing linemen for next season.
F) Retention: Retain one or more of Costello, Parkinson, Adebo and Little.  
G) Recruiting: Sign all committed 2020 recruits and add one or two surprises, particularly on defense.  I would rank this higher, but I'm considering it mostly predetermined at this point.
H) OC: See more creative or effective play-calling - not my favorite gripe, but I included it for some of y'all.
I) Other: fill in the blank.

gailtate had correctly called the first half of this decade, while we were watching it live, as the Golden Age of Stanford Football.  He was damn right.  And I think we can agree that it's over.  We have no offensive identity, and this team is difficult to watch.
Hence, streaks are falling by the wayside.  First was no Shaw led team had lost three in a row.  Next was UCLA's 11 straight losses.

Lots of other streaks are at high risk of falling.  In order of those I want to continue:

C.  Big Game.  I'd like to see 10 years in a row.  To lose to this year's C.al team, with their offense, would be rock bottom.
D.  Beating ND.  In some ways, the 2009 game vs ND was the exclamation point that Stanford was now physically bad-ass.  ND has lost here every year since then.  I don't have much hope that this streak continues.
A.  Yeah, we need a bowl.  But only due to the need for player development.  I fear that a 6-6 record would leave the Cheez-It bowl.  The name alone is bad enough, but our neighbors to the north really left a stink last year that will tarnish it for a while.  (Then again, we could get to go to the Las Vegas Bowl.  Now that I could get into.)
 
I understand the need for OL and recruiting.  But those things won't happen overnight.

[adawem]

New poster here.  I'm not a alum but have been a fan since 1951.  You can do the math, my first game was the 51 Big Game when I
was 8 years old.  We lost and also lost to Illinois in the Rose Bowl but became a fan forever.  We were season ticket holders from 1968
to 1996, section e row 50,  when one of our partners passed.  It just wasn't the same so we quit but followed from afar.  We have not
been to the new stadium because the memories are too painful.  My areas of importance are as follows:

1) Recruiting 
2) Beat Cal
3) Any bowl game
4) OC
5) Retain Costello, Little and Sarell

I worry about keeping our 2020 class together, especially Hinton and Mckee.  If they flip, we're in trouble.  Beating Cal and/or going to
a bowl game kind of salvages a bad season.  I can care less about Notre Dame.

I can't figure out what what Pritchard's role is.  Yes, he's the OC but it appears that Shaw calls the plays...doesn't make any sense to me.  
Time to make some changes, Shaw is too conservative and stubborn. Let Tavita do the job and include him on the coin toss or hire 
someone else. 

Costello, Little and Sarell's  draft status has declined significantly. It might be better for them to stay for another year. Adebo will be gone.

[adawem]

New poster here.  I'm not a alum but have been a fan since 1951.  You can do the math, my first game was the 51 Big Game when I
was 8 years old.  We lost and also lost to Illinois in the Rose Bowl but became a fan forever.  We were season ticket holders from 1968
to 1996, section e row 50,  when one of our partners passed.  It just wasn't the same so we quit but followed from afar.  We have not
been to the new stadium because the memories are too painful.  My areas of importance are as follows:

1) Recruiting 
2) Beat Cal
3) Any bowl game
4) OC
5) Retain Costello, Little and Sarell

I worry about keeping our 2020 class together, especially Hinton and Mckee.  If they flip, we're in trouble.  Beating Cal and/or going to
a bowl game kind of salvages a bad season.  I can care less about Notre Dame.

I can't figure out what what Pritchard's role is.  Yes, he's the OC but it appears that Shaw calls the plays...doesn't make any sense to me.  
Time to make some changes, Shaw is too conservative and stubborn. Let Tavita do the job and include him on the coin toss or hire 
someone else. 

Costello, Little and Sarell's  draft status has declined significantly. It might be better for them to stay for another year. Adebo will be gone.

[Phogge]

If McKee flips the staff should be fired.

[Phogge]

If McKee flips the staff should be fired.

[BostonCard]

K

If McKee flips the staff should be fired.

I’m thinking that’s unlikely.



BC

[BostonCard]

K

If McKee flips the staff should be fired.

I’m thinking that’s unlikely.



BC

[estephan500]

I would give it all, including not beating cal (once), in exchange for next year to get a great offensive line, fantastic recruitment, and return to kicking ass.

(also not an alum)

[estephan500]

I would give it all, including not beating cal (once), in exchange for next year to get a great offensive line, fantastic recruitment, and return to kicking ass.

(also not an alum)

[martyup]

K

If McKee flips the staff should be fired.

I’m thinking that’s unlikely.



BC

Oh my.  Nerd alert!

[martyup]

K

If McKee flips the staff should be fired.

I’m thinking that’s unlikely.



BC

Oh my.  Nerd alert!

[BostonCard]

By far the most important thing from my perspective is for the currently injured players to recover fully and to avert injuries to the non-injured players.  Football is not without risk, but the players sacrifice a lot to represent Stanford, and at this point in the season, their health is paramount.

BC

[BostonCard]

By far the most important thing from my perspective is for the currently injured players to recover fully and to avert injuries to the non-injured players.  Football is not without risk, but the players sacrifice a lot to represent Stanford, and at this point in the season, their health is paramount.

BC

[Phogge]

McKee has two deflated footballs in his room. We are all deflated around here too.

[Phogge]

McKee has two deflated footballs in his room. We are all deflated around here too.