[Spiny_Norman]

This game ties me into knots each year because beating ND means so much to me.  Man do I want Stanford to beat these guys.  As I said in a separate thread, ND is on a trajectory that could put them into the playoff.  They must be stopped NOW.

That said, I have been to South Bend twice to watch Stanford play and have really enjoyed the experience.  The fans have been hospitable. Very respectful of the visitors wearing a different color (which is 180 degrees opposite what you will see in Berkeley).  NDI, if you attend a game in Palo Alto, I hope that you will be treated similarly.

Re: the game.  I think it comes down to one thing - Kevin Hogan's performance.  The team's success (or lack of success) this season will depend on him.  The defense is going to be stout and should be able to keep Stanford in the game even against a talented offense.  Can Stanford's offense score enough points to win?  The running game is not capable of carrying the team as it has done in the past.  That puts the burden on the QB.  I was pleased to see the OL provide Hogan with good protection vs. UW.  UW had the top 2 players in the country in sacks and the OL mostly kept them at bay.  Hogan had time and good sight lines.  But his decisionmaking was very questionable.  He was late in delivering the ball at times.  He threw to receivers who were well covered and missed others who were wide open.  He locked onto receivers.  He is elusive and did a great job extending plays and getting yards with his legs.  He has the experience, size and athletic ability to get the job done.  The raw material is there.  But he has got to make it happen throwing the ball.  Personally, I am not confident right now.  I hope to have more cause for optimism after Saturday. 

[Spiny_Norman]

This game ties me into knots each year because beating ND means so much to me.  Man do I want Stanford to beat these guys.  As I said in a separate thread, ND is on a trajectory that could put them into the playoff.  They must be stopped NOW.

That said, I have been to South Bend twice to watch Stanford play and have really enjoyed the experience.  The fans have been hospitable. Very respectful of the visitors wearing a different color (which is 180 degrees opposite what you will see in Berkeley).  NDI, if you attend a game in Palo Alto, I hope that you will be treated similarly.

Re: the game.  I think it comes down to one thing - Kevin Hogan's performance.  The team's success (or lack of success) this season will depend on him.  The defense is going to be stout and should be able to keep Stanford in the game even against a talented offense.  Can Stanford's offense score enough points to win?  The running game is not capable of carrying the team as it has done in the past.  That puts the burden on the QB.  I was pleased to see the OL provide Hogan with good protection vs. UW.  UW had the top 2 players in the country in sacks and the OL mostly kept them at bay.  Hogan had time and good sight lines.  But his decisionmaking was very questionable.  He was late in delivering the ball at times.  He threw to receivers who were well covered and missed others who were wide open.  He locked onto receivers.  He is elusive and did a great job extending plays and getting yards with his legs.  He has the experience, size and athletic ability to get the job done.  The raw material is there.  But he has got to make it happen throwing the ball.  Personally, I am not confident right now.  I hope to have more cause for optimism after Saturday.