[OutsiderFan]

[quote author=OutsiderFan link=topic=4847.msg34886#msg34886 date=1320881859]
If I was Stanford, I would go with a 3-3-5 defense all game long, and spy MT3 on Darron Thomas. 

Stanford hasn't used a 3-3-5 all year long. It seems like a bad idea to try to use an unfamiliar defense in a game like this.
[/quote]

It's just a nickel defense.  You aren't really suggesting Stanford hasn't played a nickel defense this year.  I believe they even played dime (six DBs) against WSU at times. 

I'm in part basing the suggestion on the fact the defense Cal used last year to stymie Oregon was a 3-3-5.

People associated with the Stanford football team say the greatest strength of their team is that the players are smart and pick up things really quickly.  But, as Trevor Matich said, the key to Cal's defense was that is was simple.  Saying it won't work because Stanford doesn't have the players to execute is one thing, but suggesting Stanford players can't pick up a new way to play on defense in one week is a bit incredible to me.

Moreover, given what I have gleaned from interviews, it sure sounds like Stanford has been preparing for Oregon all season long, so they very well may be employing a new defense for this game.  Keep in mind, Cal played Oregon after Stanford did last year.  And I don't think any other team Oregon has played this year plays with a 3 man front. 

[OutsiderFan]

[quote author=OutsiderFan link=topic=4847.msg34886#msg34886 date=1320881859]
If I was Stanford, I would go with a 3-3-5 defense all game long, and spy MT3 on Darron Thomas. 

Stanford hasn't used a 3-3-5 all year long. It seems like a bad idea to try to use an unfamiliar defense in a game like this.
[/quote]

It's just a nickel defense.  You aren't really suggesting Stanford hasn't played a nickel defense this year.  I believe they even played dime (six DBs) against WSU at times. 

I'm in part basing the suggestion on the fact the defense Cal used last year to stymie Oregon was a 3-3-5.

People associated with the Stanford football team say the greatest strength of their team is that the players are smart and pick up things really quickly.  But, as Trevor Matich said, the key to Cal's defense was that is was simple.  Saying it won't work because Stanford doesn't have the players to execute is one thing, but suggesting Stanford players can't pick up a new way to play on defense in one week is a bit incredible to me.

Moreover, given what I have gleaned from interviews, it sure sounds like Stanford has been preparing for Oregon all season long, so they very well may be employing a new defense for this game.  Keep in mind, Cal played Oregon after Stanford did last year.  And I don't think any other team Oregon has played this year plays with a 3 man front.