[Goose]

Kal beat Louisville yesterday, getting their 6th win and earning bowl eligibility.  I wonder how this will affect their motivation in Big Game?

My guess is it won't lessen their motivation much, but it will take a lot of pressure off them. They are already bowl eligible even if they lose. Of course, there still is quite a bit of "Fire Wilcox" sentiment running through the Kal faithful. Losing the Big Game might be enough to make that happen, the Louisville victory non-withstanding. 6-6 is not what the fans expected. IMO taking the pressure of the Kal team is more of a net negative for Stanford than any reduction in motivation because of bowl status. Having them be "tight" while we have nothing to lose would have been a positive.

[Goose]

Kal beat Louisville yesterday, getting their 6th win and earning bowl eligibility.  I wonder how this will affect their motivation in Big Game?

My guess is it won't lessen their motivation much, but it will take a lot of pressure off them. They are already bowl eligible even if they lose. Of course, there still is quite a bit of "Fire Wilcox" sentiment running through the Kal faithful. Losing the Big Game might be enough to make that happen, the Louisville victory non-withstanding. 6-6 is not what the fans expected. IMO taking the pressure of the Kal team is more of a net negative for Stanford than any reduction in motivation because of bowl status. Having them be "tight" while we have nothing to lose would have been a positive.