11-05-2018, 07:22 AM
(This post was last modified: 11-05-2018, 07:23 AM by OutsiderFan.)
I firmly believe Justin Wilcox is on the path to surpass Shaw if Shaw doesn't meaningfully shake things up in his program.
Already, Cal has a better defense than Stanford, and I'm not sure any Cal D starter was rated higher as a recruit than any Stanford starter on defense. Though their OL is not nearly as acclaimed as Stanford's, when you watch them play, Cal's OL seems to be a more physical and tough as a group, just from a mentality and compete level perspective. Stanford's is still superior because the talent level is greater, but the delta is not nearly as big as it should be.
Wilcox has a resolve and passion for winning that can't be hidden. He doesn't make excuses, but is honest about his team's limitations. He doesn't get defensive about anything as evidenced by the fact both his coordinators are former head coaches. And he doesn't blame his players for losing as his predecessor did. It seems Wilcox and staff are getting more than anyone can reasonably expect out of a roster that is significantly less talented than every team they play in the Pac-12 outside of maybe Oregon State. To me, Stanford is underperforming the talent on its roster, not just in losses, but in wins as well.
Minshew was 40/50 for 438, 3 TDs and 0 INTs at Stanford and the Cougs scored 41.
He was 35/51 for 334, 1 TD and 1 INT at home against Cal and the Cougs scored 19.
And, Cal beat Washington, while Stanford lost.
These realities should really concern Stanford fans, IMO.
Already, Cal has a better defense than Stanford, and I'm not sure any Cal D starter was rated higher as a recruit than any Stanford starter on defense. Though their OL is not nearly as acclaimed as Stanford's, when you watch them play, Cal's OL seems to be a more physical and tough as a group, just from a mentality and compete level perspective. Stanford's is still superior because the talent level is greater, but the delta is not nearly as big as it should be.
Wilcox has a resolve and passion for winning that can't be hidden. He doesn't make excuses, but is honest about his team's limitations. He doesn't get defensive about anything as evidenced by the fact both his coordinators are former head coaches. And he doesn't blame his players for losing as his predecessor did. It seems Wilcox and staff are getting more than anyone can reasonably expect out of a roster that is significantly less talented than every team they play in the Pac-12 outside of maybe Oregon State. To me, Stanford is underperforming the talent on its roster, not just in losses, but in wins as well.
Minshew was 40/50 for 438, 3 TDs and 0 INTs at Stanford and the Cougs scored 41.
He was 35/51 for 334, 1 TD and 1 INT at home against Cal and the Cougs scored 19.
And, Cal beat Washington, while Stanford lost.
These realities should really concern Stanford fans, IMO.