[FarmBoy]

My take is that the 9ers couldn't recover from Smith's failures. In the end, the QB needs to make 1-2 plays at the end of the game (you know, like convert a 3rd down!) and Smith couldn't get it done. Smith is better than he showed last night, but not as good as he showed against New Orleans.

The game also showed why players from ASU shouldn't be relied upon at critical game moments (thanks Kyle Williams.) It's amazing how defense and offense dominates the headlines, but Special teams decide the outcome in so many games.

The games yesterday also reaffirmed that Jordan Williamson isn't some dufus without skill, as a lot of non Stanford followers think. The reality is that even in the NFL, kickers miss "gimmes" and the role of kicker has got to be one of the most painful in sports.

It will be interesting to see how the team rebounds in the off season. Was this season a fluke? Can Harbaugh, Fangio and Roman continue to "manufacture" wins with a weak passing game?

One other point I've been mulling over recently: Harbaugh's success makes me a bit nervous for the Stanford program future. If Harbaugh is really THAT good, are we in for a let down once his players and the attitude he created gets diluted? I'm optimistic about the Shaw regime, but Harbaugh's amazing turn around of the team has planted some seeds of concern.

[FarmBoy]

My take is that the 9ers couldn't recover from Smith's failures. In the end, the QB needs to make 1-2 plays at the end of the game (you know, like convert a 3rd down!) and Smith couldn't get it done. Smith is better than he showed last night, but not as good as he showed against New Orleans.

The game also showed why players from ASU shouldn't be relied upon at critical game moments (thanks Kyle Williams.) It's amazing how defense and offense dominates the headlines, but Special teams decide the outcome in so many games.

The games yesterday also reaffirmed that Jordan Williamson isn't some dufus without skill, as a lot of non Stanford followers think. The reality is that even in the NFL, kickers miss "gimmes" and the role of kicker has got to be one of the most painful in sports.

It will be interesting to see how the team rebounds in the off season. Was this season a fluke? Can Harbaugh, Fangio and Roman continue to "manufacture" wins with a weak passing game?

One other point I've been mulling over recently: Harbaugh's success makes me a bit nervous for the Stanford program future. If Harbaugh is really THAT good, are we in for a let down once his players and the attitude he created gets diluted? I'm optimistic about the Shaw regime, but Harbaugh's amazing turn around of the team has planted some seeds of concern.