[Spiny_Norman]

The Pac 12 kicks off the football season tomorrow with an all day media event at the Hollywood and Highland complex in LA. 

Larry Scott starts the day at 8:30.  Stanford will be the second team presented. They'll be on the P12 Network from about 9:30 to 10 am, with Coach Shaw followed by JJ Arcega-Whiteside and Alijah Holder. Bryce Love is not available. He has summer school classes. 

http://pac-12.com/football/media-day

If you don't have the P12N, don't worry. We'll probably hear the usual patter from Coach Shaw. "We're excited . . . " "We're looking forward to  . . . "

Hank - are you planning to attend? If so, are you going to get some time with Coach Shaw? We often learn more from your discussions with him than anything else that is reported.

[Spiny_Norman]

The Pac 12 kicks off the football season tomorrow with an all day media event at the Hollywood and Highland complex in LA. 

Larry Scott starts the day at 8:30.  Stanford will be the second team presented. They'll be on the P12 Network from about 9:30 to 10 am, with Coach Shaw followed by JJ Arcega-Whiteside and Alijah Holder. Bryce Love is not available. He has summer school classes. 

http://pac-12.com/football/media-day

If you don't have the P12N, don't worry. We'll probably hear the usual patter from Coach Shaw. "We're excited . . . " "We're looking forward to  . . . "

Hank - are you planning to attend? If so, are you going to get some time with Coach Shaw? We often learn more from your discussions with him than anything else that is reported.

[JJJ]

Sorry for the thread drift but I recently noticed that there is now a Pac12 Bay Area HD channel (previously only SD).

Yes, would love to hear from Hank (and I'll try to remember to set the DVR).

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While I'm thread-drifting, here's Captain Comeback's media day:
https://www.freep.com/story/sports/colle...820663002/

[JJJ]

Sorry for the thread drift but I recently noticed that there is now a Pac12 Bay Area HD channel (previously only SD).

Yes, would love to hear from Hank (and I'll try to remember to set the DVR).

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While I'm thread-drifting, here's Captain Comeback's media day:
https://www.freep.com/story/sports/colle...820663002/

[BobK]

Where is this new channel on Comcast?  Thx

[BobK]

Where is this new channel on Comcast?  Thx

[JJJ]

Where is this new channel on Comcast?  Thx

I only get Time Warner Cable/Spectrum which used to carry Pac12 Bay Area SD on Ch. 234 and now the HD version on Ch. 1234.
Or are you just trolling me? :)

[JJJ]

Where is this new channel on Comcast?  Thx

I only get Time Warner Cable/Spectrum which used to carry Pac12 Bay Area SD on Ch. 234 and now the HD version on Ch. 1234.
Or are you just trolling me? :)

[Class_of_75]

Where is this new channel on Comcast?  Thx

I only get Time Warner Cable/Spectrum which used to carry Pac12 Bay Area SD on Ch. 234 and now the HD version on Ch. 1234.
Or are you just trolling me? :)

I live in San Jose, and Comcast still has Pac-12 Bay Area in SD.

[Class_of_75]

Where is this new channel on Comcast?  Thx

I only get Time Warner Cable/Spectrum which used to carry Pac12 Bay Area SD on Ch. 234 and now the HD version on Ch. 1234.
Or are you just trolling me? :)

I live in San Jose, and Comcast still has Pac-12 Bay Area in SD.

[ChicagoCard]

I wonder if Hank might be open to asking about the state of health of Costello and Mills, if not already planning to ask.

[ChicagoCard]

I wonder if Hank might be open to asking about the state of health of Costello and Mills, if not already planning to ask.

[Hank 91]

Hey, all. I’m here, and I’ll definitely file a full report, either here or at my site. The question about quarterback health is definitely first on my list. I’ll likely be able to sit with Shaw and the players during lunch. 

Also, I’ll be tweeting throughout, so you can follow that way as well. 

[Hank 91]

Hey, all. I’m here, and I’ll definitely file a full report, either here or at my site. The question about quarterback health is definitely first on my list. I’ll likely be able to sit with Shaw and the players during lunch. 

Also, I’ll be tweeting throughout, so you can follow that way as well. 

[troyc]

Asked Coach Shaw his initial thoughts on health picture, he says Costello will be ready to go on Day 1. Mills maybe a little after that. Couple of players (sounds like Barton & Burkett might be in this boat) might be held back at start of camp, but overall he expects everyone to be full bore by the start of the season.

Troy C

[troyc]

Asked Coach Shaw his initial thoughts on health picture, he says Costello will be ready to go on Day 1. Mills maybe a little after that. Couple of players (sounds like Barton & Burkett might be in this boat) might be held back at start of camp, but overall he expects everyone to be full bore by the start of the season.

Troy C

[ChicagoCard]

Wow, thanks.

[ChicagoCard]

Wow, thanks.

[BobK]

Thanks for the updates.  Following you on twitter Hank.  Love your comments. Especially on the 59er coach

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[BobK]

Thanks for the updates.  Following you on twitter Hank.  Love your comments. Especially on the 59er coach

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https://www.mercurynews.com/2018/07/25/s...mp-begins/

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New post 

https://www.mercurynews.com/2018/07/25/s...mp-begins/

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https://www.mercurynews.com/2018/07/25/s...mp-begins/

[Spiny_Norman]

Complete video of Coach Shaw remarks - http://pac-12.com/videos/2018-pac-12-foo...um-session

[Spiny_Norman]

Complete video of Coach Shaw remarks - http://pac-12.com/videos/2018-pac-12-foo...um-session

[Griffins78]

Watched the Pac-12 Media Day telecast and thought the Stanford interviews by the network were not that good. Very little new information about football. They mostly had questions about their personal life and non-Stanford football questions.

Lot of hype and excitement about Oregon with questions.

[Griffins78]

Watched the Pac-12 Media Day telecast and thought the Stanford interviews by the network were not that good. Very little new information about football. They mostly had questions about their personal life and non-Stanford football questions.

Lot of hype and excitement about Oregon with questions.

[CTcard]

Asked Coach Shaw his initial thoughts on health picture, he says Costello will be ready to go on Day 1. Mills maybe a little after that. Couple of players (sounds like Barton & Burkett might be in this boat) might be held back at start of camp, but overall he expects everyone to be full bore by the start of the season.

Strangely, the Wilner short story that Bobk links below says, "Presumptive starter K.J. Costello and backup Davis Mills will be limited for the early weeks of camp but, according to coach David Shaw, should be ready for the season opener." 
That seems to pretty much contradict what Shaw said, "K.J. is going to be ready for day one to participate, which is great."

A transcript of Shaw's media day: http://www.asapsports.com/show_interview.php?id=142352 

To me, the major news in that discussion were, 
1. I didn't know the Burkett was that banged up. If he's not ready at the start of the season, at least Chaffin has seen a lot of time (he tends to be the center on short yardage situations). 
2. Paulson Adebo (I think, see quotation) is moving up the depth chart. Shaw: "We had a couple defensive back injuries last year, and Embolstin Odibo (phonetic), who red-shirted last year as a true freshman, by the end of the year, this kid was ready to play, but do you really burn a red-shirt year for the last four games of the year, where he really could have came in and helped us, would have been outstanding". I could see him as high as our #2 CB, more likely nickel back. 
3. Guys he lists as standing out to him (where - spring?) include Swann (most emphasized), Alfieri, Holder, JJAW, Kaden Smith, Costello. 
[Swann is the big news. Costello seems to be a gratuitous throw-in.]

[CTcard]

Asked Coach Shaw his initial thoughts on health picture, he says Costello will be ready to go on Day 1. Mills maybe a little after that. Couple of players (sounds like Barton & Burkett might be in this boat) might be held back at start of camp, but overall he expects everyone to be full bore by the start of the season.

Strangely, the Wilner short story that Bobk links below says, "Presumptive starter K.J. Costello and backup Davis Mills will be limited for the early weeks of camp but, according to coach David Shaw, should be ready for the season opener." 
That seems to pretty much contradict what Shaw said, "K.J. is going to be ready for day one to participate, which is great."

A transcript of Shaw's media day: http://www.asapsports.com/show_interview.php?id=142352 

To me, the major news in that discussion were, 
1. I didn't know the Burkett was that banged up. If he's not ready at the start of the season, at least Chaffin has seen a lot of time (he tends to be the center on short yardage situations). 
2. Paulson Adebo (I think, see quotation) is moving up the depth chart. Shaw: "We had a couple defensive back injuries last year, and Embolstin Odibo (phonetic), who red-shirted last year as a true freshman, by the end of the year, this kid was ready to play, but do you really burn a red-shirt year for the last four games of the year, where he really could have came in and helped us, would have been outstanding". I could see him as high as our #2 CB, more likely nickel back. 
3. Guys he lists as standing out to him (where - spring?) include Swann (most emphasized), Alfieri, Holder, JJAW, Kaden Smith, Costello. 
[Swann is the big news. Costello seems to be a gratuitous throw-in.]

[Spiny_Norman]

It wasn't all unicorns and rainbows yesterday. I took note of this comment by Coach Shaw - "We still have some health issues in our fullback position, and other guys on the defensive line."

Reagan Williams must still be banged up.  Stanford may have to play redshirt frosh Heimuli and/or true frosh Symonds at this position.  Or maybe they would move a TE into the backfield on some plays. 

[Spiny_Norman]

It wasn't all unicorns and rainbows yesterday. I took note of this comment by Coach Shaw - "We still have some health issues in our fullback position, and other guys on the defensive line."

Reagan Williams must still be banged up.  Stanford may have to play redshirt frosh Heimuli and/or true frosh Symonds at this position.  Or maybe they would move a TE into the backfield on some plays. 

[OutsiderFan]

The most heartening thing Shaw said for my money, was about Bryce Love in particular and the offense in general.

Most of you know I have harped on having a more diversified passing game and balanced offense for quite a while, and also lamented the lack of Bryce Love involvement as a receiver.  If I was writing Shaw's remarks, I couldn't have scripted them any better.

First, Shaw said he would have liked to get Love involved as a receiver more, but his injury status hampered those plans a bit. He didn't get injured until midway through the season, but I'll accept this rationale.

Then he said the goal is not to focus on using Love as much as it is to have a balanced offense between running and passing, that uses all personnel, and that includes using Love more in the passing game as a receiver.  Yes! Yes! Yes!  Shaw finally seems to have a QB he trusts, and he stated the goal is to get the completion percentage over 60%. That probably means a lot more passing to TEs and RBs.  Hopefully it involves Heimuli as a receiver too, as he was quite a revelation in Spring game.

On paper, this is the best offensive personnel with the most talented depth I can ever remember Stanford having. If this team doesn't average 30+ PPG something is really wrong. And there should not be more than one 17-13 type of game (every offense has one stinker of a game). Shaw talked about what he wants to see from his offense and who might contribute, but he did not seem to pile on the praise as much as he usually does.  It's almost like he has a quiet confidence about how good the 2018 offense will be. It will need to be because the schedule is downright brutal.

[OutsiderFan]

The most heartening thing Shaw said for my money, was about Bryce Love in particular and the offense in general.

Most of you know I have harped on having a more diversified passing game and balanced offense for quite a while, and also lamented the lack of Bryce Love involvement as a receiver.  If I was writing Shaw's remarks, I couldn't have scripted them any better.

First, Shaw said he would have liked to get Love involved as a receiver more, but his injury status hampered those plans a bit. He didn't get injured until midway through the season, but I'll accept this rationale.

Then he said the goal is not to focus on using Love as much as it is to have a balanced offense between running and passing, that uses all personnel, and that includes using Love more in the passing game as a receiver.  Yes! Yes! Yes!  Shaw finally seems to have a QB he trusts, and he stated the goal is to get the completion percentage over 60%. That probably means a lot more passing to TEs and RBs.  Hopefully it involves Heimuli as a receiver too, as he was quite a revelation in Spring game.

On paper, this is the best offensive personnel with the most talented depth I can ever remember Stanford having. If this team doesn't average 30+ PPG something is really wrong. And there should not be more than one 17-13 type of game (every offense has one stinker of a game). Shaw talked about what he wants to see from his offense and who might contribute, but he did not seem to pile on the praise as much as he usually does.  It's almost like he has a quiet confidence about how good the 2018 offense will be. It will need to be because the schedule is downright brutal.

[Goose]

I too really liked what Shaw said about how he wants the offense to operate. Probably it won't be quite that way when the games are actually played, as the other team gets a vote, but it is still good to hear. Reading the tea leaves, the > 60% completion percentage is a big deal. If we don't seem to be able to be that efficient, I see lots more running in our future than advertised on media day. However, if we can be > 60%, look iot rest of PAC-12.

[Goose]

I too really liked what Shaw said about how he wants the offense to operate. Probably it won't be quite that way when the games are actually played, as the other team gets a vote, but it is still good to hear. Reading the tea leaves, the > 60% completion percentage is a big deal. If we don't seem to be able to be that efficient, I see lots more running in our future than advertised on media day. However, if we can be > 60%, look iot rest of PAC-12.

[IndianNation]

Very disappointed with the interviews of our two players.  Absolutely zero questions about football... was fun and entertaining (for players and interviewer) but a waste of time if you were watching/waiting to hear about the team or specific player position info.

[IndianNation]

Very disappointed with the interviews of our two players.  Absolutely zero questions about football... was fun and entertaining (for players and interviewer) but a waste of time if you were watching/waiting to hear about the team or specific player position info.

[BostonCard]

On paper, this is the best offensive personnel with the most talented depth I can ever remember Stanford having. If this team doesn't average 30+ PPG something is really wrong. And there should not be more than one 17-13 type of game (every offense has one stinker of a game). Shaw talked about what he wants to see from his offense and who might contribute, but he did not seem to pile on the praise as much as he usually does.  It's almost like he has a quiet confidence about how good the 2018 offense will be. It will need to be because the schedule is downright brutal.

Were you not around when we had Andrew Luck throwing to Doug Baldwin, Ryan Whalen, Chris Owusu, Griff Whalen, Konrad Reuland, Coby Fleener, and Zach Ertz, with Stepfan Taylor and Tyler Gaffney running the ball behind Owen Marecic, and an offensive line that featured Jonathan Martin, Andrew Phillips, Chase Beeler, David DeCastro, and Derek Hall?

That roster featured Zach Ertz, a future NFL star, third on the depth chart.  Every single skill player on that roster would later play in the NFL, several (Luck, Baldwin, Fleener, Ertz, DeCastro) becoming stars.  The only two guys that never played a game in the NFL were Phillips and Hall.  With all due respect to the talent on the roster this year, which is extensive, it doesn't hold a candle to the talent on that 2010 roster.

BC

[BostonCard]

On paper, this is the best offensive personnel with the most talented depth I can ever remember Stanford having. If this team doesn't average 30+ PPG something is really wrong. And there should not be more than one 17-13 type of game (every offense has one stinker of a game). Shaw talked about what he wants to see from his offense and who might contribute, but he did not seem to pile on the praise as much as he usually does.  It's almost like he has a quiet confidence about how good the 2018 offense will be. It will need to be because the schedule is downright brutal.

Were you not around when we had Andrew Luck throwing to Doug Baldwin, Ryan Whalen, Chris Owusu, Griff Whalen, Konrad Reuland, Coby Fleener, and Zach Ertz, with Stepfan Taylor and Tyler Gaffney running the ball behind Owen Marecic, and an offensive line that featured Jonathan Martin, Andrew Phillips, Chase Beeler, David DeCastro, and Derek Hall?

That roster featured Zach Ertz, a future NFL star, third on the depth chart.  Every single skill player on that roster would later play in the NFL, several (Luck, Baldwin, Fleener, Ertz, DeCastro) becoming stars.  The only two guys that never played a game in the NFL were Phillips and Hall.  With all due respect to the talent on the roster this year, which is extensive, it doesn't hold a candle to the talent on that 2010 roster.

BC

[OutsiderFan]

On paper, this is the best offensive personnel with the most talented depth I can ever remember Stanford having. If this team doesn't average 30+ PPG something is really wrong. And there should not be more than one 17-13 type of game (every offense has one stinker of a game). Shaw talked about what he wants to see from his offense and who might contribute, but he did not seem to pile on the praise as much as he usually does.  It's almost like he has a quiet confidence about how good the 2018 offense will be. It will need to be because the schedule is downright brutal.

Were you not around when we had Andrew Luck throwing to Doug Baldwin, Ryan Whalen, Chris Owusu, Griff Whalen, Konrad Reuland, Coby Fleener, and Zach Ertz, with Stepfan Taylor and Tyler Gaffney running the ball behind Owen Marecic, and an offensive line that featured Jonathan Martin, Andrew Phillips, Chase Beeler, David DeCastro, and Derek Hall?

That roster featured Zach Ertz, a future NFL star, third on the depth chart.  Every single skill player on that roster would later play in the NFL, several (Luck, Baldwin, Fleener, Ertz, DeCastro) becoming stars.  The only two guys that never played a game in the NFL were Phillips and Hall.  With all due respect to the talent on the roster this year, which is extensive, it doesn't hold a candle to the talent on that 2010 roster.

BC

We will see. Outside of Baldwin, I think the current WRs are better, with more depth.  The TEs are about even, and I think Kaden Smith has the potential to be the best Stanford TE yet. The 2018 OL has two All-Americans and could have a 5-star OT as a backup.  And all five starters could play in the NFL. Apologies to Martin, but Little is better. Luck was of course awesome, but I believe Costello and Mills provide better depth at the position than the 2010 team had. Bryce Love is arguably most productive RB in college football, and there is good depth behind him too. And remember, I said on paper. They still have to prove themselves on the field like the 2010 team did.

[OutsiderFan]

On paper, this is the best offensive personnel with the most talented depth I can ever remember Stanford having. If this team doesn't average 30+ PPG something is really wrong. And there should not be more than one 17-13 type of game (every offense has one stinker of a game). Shaw talked about what he wants to see from his offense and who might contribute, but he did not seem to pile on the praise as much as he usually does.  It's almost like he has a quiet confidence about how good the 2018 offense will be. It will need to be because the schedule is downright brutal.

Were you not around when we had Andrew Luck throwing to Doug Baldwin, Ryan Whalen, Chris Owusu, Griff Whalen, Konrad Reuland, Coby Fleener, and Zach Ertz, with Stepfan Taylor and Tyler Gaffney running the ball behind Owen Marecic, and an offensive line that featured Jonathan Martin, Andrew Phillips, Chase Beeler, David DeCastro, and Derek Hall?

That roster featured Zach Ertz, a future NFL star, third on the depth chart.  Every single skill player on that roster would later play in the NFL, several (Luck, Baldwin, Fleener, Ertz, DeCastro) becoming stars.  The only two guys that never played a game in the NFL were Phillips and Hall.  With all due respect to the talent on the roster this year, which is extensive, it doesn't hold a candle to the talent on that 2010 roster.

BC

We will see. Outside of Baldwin, I think the current WRs are better, with more depth.  The TEs are about even, and I think Kaden Smith has the potential to be the best Stanford TE yet. The 2018 OL has two All-Americans and could have a 5-star OT as a backup.  And all five starters could play in the NFL. Apologies to Martin, but Little is better. Luck was of course awesome, but I believe Costello and Mills provide better depth at the position than the 2010 team had. Bryce Love is arguably most productive RB in college football, and there is good depth behind him too. And remember, I said on paper. They still have to prove themselves on the field like the 2010 team did.

[martyup]

I agree with OF.  When evaluating the 2010 team, we have the benefit of hindsight.  The potential of this team is to exceed the performance of all prior Stanford football teams.  Few teams live up to their full potential.  This is actually good, because otherwise Alabama would win the NC every season.

[martyup]

I agree with OF.  When evaluating the 2010 team, we have the benefit of hindsight.  The potential of this team is to exceed the performance of all prior Stanford football teams.  Few teams live up to their full potential.  This is actually good, because otherwise Alabama would win the NC every season.