[OutsiderFan]

I think it makes great sense to play Northwestern from a strategic standpoint.  Stanford sells itself on academics first and foremost.  It only helps strengthen the brand when you can play and beat other such schools trying to compete for the same athletes.

Stanford has California, U.S.C., UCLA, and Notre Dame locked in on the schedule.  Adding Northwestern adds to the roster of quality academic institutions on the schedule.  Playing Duke does too.  The only school with a high academic profile Stanford hasn't played is Vanderbilt.  That would be a series that would be great for Stanford, especially considering Stanford pulls a lot of recruits from Georgia.  Playing as SEC school should be a priority, and Vandy is the one that fits Stanford.  I wouldn't mind seeing Stanford play Alabama or LSU, but they are not a cultural fit in any way shape or form.  Save playing them for the playoffs.

Stanford has proven it can compete for Pac-12 and National Championships playing in the Pac-12, so why not schedule these academic powerhouses in the OOC slate.  Traditionally, they aren't as strong as Stanford in football, save for maybe Notre Dame, so it's not like Stanford would be giving itself too many very tough to win games. 

Playing San Jose State does nothing for Stanford other than give it an easy win.  It proves nothing.  You may easily beat Duke too, but at least you can use that in recruiting.

[OutsiderFan]

I think it makes great sense to play Northwestern from a strategic standpoint.  Stanford sells itself on academics first and foremost.  It only helps strengthen the brand when you can play and beat other such schools trying to compete for the same athletes.

Stanford has California, U.S.C., UCLA, and Notre Dame locked in on the schedule.  Adding Northwestern adds to the roster of quality academic institutions on the schedule.  Playing Duke does too.  The only school with a high academic profile Stanford hasn't played is Vanderbilt.  That would be a series that would be great for Stanford, especially considering Stanford pulls a lot of recruits from Georgia.  Playing as SEC school should be a priority, and Vandy is the one that fits Stanford.  I wouldn't mind seeing Stanford play Alabama or LSU, but they are not a cultural fit in any way shape or form.  Save playing them for the playoffs.

Stanford has proven it can compete for Pac-12 and National Championships playing in the Pac-12, so why not schedule these academic powerhouses in the OOC slate.  Traditionally, they aren't as strong as Stanford in football, save for maybe Notre Dame, so it's not like Stanford would be giving itself too many very tough to win games. 

Playing San Jose State does nothing for Stanford other than give it an easy win.  It proves nothing.  You may easily beat Duke too, but at least you can use that in recruiting.