[JPR36]

But in a Pac-12 that currently does not boast strong defenses, they are riding high.

Tonight's game epitomized how Stanford, along with many teams in the Pac-12, has become a Big 12esque offense/team. And with it comes the regression on defense, as most Big-12 spread offense teams correspondingly struggle on defense. 

The Pac-12 is basically the Big 12 with Pac-12 after dark games.

Good point.  And good comparison.  

I am just surprised that Shaw has allowed the defense to get to this point.  Shaw's football DNA has always been: trust the D to get the stop.  For that, you need a solid unit on that side of the ball.  As stated earlier, maybe we just cannot successfully recruit for those key positions anymore (not enough Stanford-caliber high-school recruits who are bruisers on defense).  Or we cannot develop the Trent Murphys, Blake Martinezes and Shayne Skovs of earlier defensive units.  I have no insight into the cause of the problem; but we do have a problem.  

And of course in such a conference, a former BIG 12 coach is ruling the roost.  It hurts double that this loss was to Leach for a third straight time.  Looks like we have endured plenty of payback for that squeaker in 2015.

Yeah, it does seem we like we have regressed to the Stanford teams of old. On offense, good pass, not much run. The defense? Not horrible, but you can't count on them to get stops against the better teams when the game is on the line.
Wazzu didn't play anyone significant in their non-conference schedule. It will be interesting to see how they do against a top team from another part of the country in their post season game.

[JPR36]

But in a Pac-12 that currently does not boast strong defenses, they are riding high.

Tonight's game epitomized how Stanford, along with many teams in the Pac-12, has become a Big 12esque offense/team. And with it comes the regression on defense, as most Big-12 spread offense teams correspondingly struggle on defense. 

The Pac-12 is basically the Big 12 with Pac-12 after dark games.

Good point.  And good comparison.  

I am just surprised that Shaw has allowed the defense to get to this point.  Shaw's football DNA has always been: trust the D to get the stop.  For that, you need a solid unit on that side of the ball.  As stated earlier, maybe we just cannot successfully recruit for those key positions anymore (not enough Stanford-caliber high-school recruits who are bruisers on defense).  Or we cannot develop the Trent Murphys, Blake Martinezes and Shayne Skovs of earlier defensive units.  I have no insight into the cause of the problem; but we do have a problem.  

And of course in such a conference, a former BIG 12 coach is ruling the roost.  It hurts double that this loss was to Leach for a third straight time.  Looks like we have endured plenty of payback for that squeaker in 2015.

Yeah, it does seem we like we have regressed to the Stanford teams of old. On offense, good pass, not much run. The defense? Not horrible, but you can't count on them to get stops against the better teams when the game is on the line.
Wazzu didn't play anyone significant in their non-conference schedule. It will be interesting to see how they do against a top team from another part of the country in their post season game.