05-31-2012, 04:02 PM
By "most critical", I interpret "must win." Therefore, I selected Big Game. UW would be second. I would love nothing better than a continued run of national prominence and BCS contention, but I don't expect it. In all likelihood, we will lose to both U.SC and the Ducks. With that in mind, it's critical to maintain the balance of power in the Bay Area and the North Division in general. Beating Oregon and/or U.SC would be great, but no one will think less of Stanford for dropping either or both. Losing to Kal, and UW to a lesser extent, would suddenly drop us to second tier in the conference. The chants of "you were only good because of Harbaugh and Luck" will grow louder and carry more weight with recruits, casual fans, and the national media.
Now, if you ask me which game, if I could choose a guaranteed win in, would I want a guaranteed win in, I would say U.SC hands down. Sure, Oregon is in our division and there's no way to win the north if we don't beat them (they're not losing more than one game unless they lose to us). But a fourth straight against the Trojans, sending their "all-time T.rojan QB" to a lifetime 0-4 record against the Cardinal, would be more valuable than a win in any of the other games.
Now, if you ask me which game, if I could choose a guaranteed win in, would I want a guaranteed win in, I would say U.SC hands down. Sure, Oregon is in our division and there's no way to win the north if we don't beat them (they're not losing more than one game unless they lose to us). But a fourth straight against the Trojans, sending their "all-time T.rojan QB" to a lifetime 0-4 record against the Cardinal, would be more valuable than a win in any of the other games.