[Hank 91]

Preseason polls are of use.  In recruiting, in TV scheduling, in ticket sales, in advertising and for in-season voting that preseason hype can be helpful.

Agreed. Just five years ago Stanford football was completely irrelevant on the national landscape. There were years when you could pick up a college football preview and not find a single word about Stanford. This year, I firmly expect Andrew Luck to be on the cover of SI's preview edition. I understand Shaw's point that none of this helps him in the locker room, on the practice field, or on game day, but it will definitely help recruiting. Any time that anyone anywhere is writing or talking about your team -- for positive reasons -- there can be a lasting impact.

[Hank 91]

Preseason polls are of use.  In recruiting, in TV scheduling, in ticket sales, in advertising and for in-season voting that preseason hype can be helpful.

Agreed. Just five years ago Stanford football was completely irrelevant on the national landscape. There were years when you could pick up a college football preview and not find a single word about Stanford. This year, I firmly expect Andrew Luck to be on the cover of SI's preview edition. I understand Shaw's point that none of this helps him in the locker room, on the practice field, or on game day, but it will definitely help recruiting. Any time that anyone anywhere is writing or talking about your team -- for positive reasons -- there can be a lasting impact.