[jacketree]

It is very hard to argue that at least one of the teams from this recent run was Stanford's best modern team, but in my book you have to win your final game on the biggest stage to be considered, so that narrows it to 2010 or 2012.  The 2010 team won more convincingly and lost one fewer game than the 2012 team, so it gets my vote.

That said, I would love to know how these teams would stack up against the 1940 Wow boys.

These teams would absolutely crush the 1940 Wow Boys.  So would Walt Harris' worst team. It would be comical.  I'm not sure that's what you meant, however, although I don't think teams across the years should just be compared on pure W/L records because the competition so variable.

Pure speculation and opinion, but I think 2010 is Stanford's best team of all time by far.  And but for that second half against Oregon, maybe one of the most complete college teams in a long time.

Second best is 2011. The Fiesta Bowl showing against top-flight OSU was outstanding and sometimes you just miss routine field goals as the clock expires.  Oregon was still Stanford's kryptonite.

Then a tier with 2012/1971-72. Rose Bowl wins cover some inconsistencies during the year. Oregon thriller nudges 2012 ahead.

Then 2013 and 1992.  Great defense almost wins championships.  I'd probably give the edge to 2013 (Oregon) over 1992 (UA and UW) and for whatever reason, I watched the 2014 Rose Bowl last night on ESPNU.  Stanford looked pretty good as did Hogan a lot of the time.  Sparty just had a better team, particularly on D.

Then 2001/1991.  Decent teams and the good guys won in the end both times.  :P

Other than that......sunny afternoons in the open air aren't the worst things ever.

[jacketree]

It is very hard to argue that at least one of the teams from this recent run was Stanford's best modern team, but in my book you have to win your final game on the biggest stage to be considered, so that narrows it to 2010 or 2012.  The 2010 team won more convincingly and lost one fewer game than the 2012 team, so it gets my vote.

That said, I would love to know how these teams would stack up against the 1940 Wow boys.

These teams would absolutely crush the 1940 Wow Boys.  So would Walt Harris' worst team. It would be comical.  I'm not sure that's what you meant, however, although I don't think teams across the years should just be compared on pure W/L records because the competition so variable.

Pure speculation and opinion, but I think 2010 is Stanford's best team of all time by far.  And but for that second half against Oregon, maybe one of the most complete college teams in a long time.

Second best is 2011. The Fiesta Bowl showing against top-flight OSU was outstanding and sometimes you just miss routine field goals as the clock expires.  Oregon was still Stanford's kryptonite.

Then a tier with 2012/1971-72. Rose Bowl wins cover some inconsistencies during the year. Oregon thriller nudges 2012 ahead.

Then 2013 and 1992.  Great defense almost wins championships.  I'd probably give the edge to 2013 (Oregon) over 1992 (UA and UW) and for whatever reason, I watched the 2014 Rose Bowl last night on ESPNU.  Stanford looked pretty good as did Hogan a lot of the time.  Sparty just had a better team, particularly on D.

Then 2001/1991.  Decent teams and the good guys won in the end both times.  :P

Other than that......sunny afternoons in the open air aren't the worst things ever.