[BostonCard]

Major props to KJ Costello for a truly outstanding game last night.  He was overshadowed for much of the game by Herbert's otherworldly game (until overtime), but Costello had one of the best games by a QB in several years:

19/26 (73%), 327 yards (12.6 ypa), 3 TD's, 0 INT's PER of 217 and a win.  Moreover, he was clutch when needed; when we were down 10 points with about 5 minutes left through overtime:
49 yard pass to Osiris St. Brown
20 yard pass to Kaden Smith
15 yard TD pass to JJ Arcega Whiteside
----
Incomplete to Kaden Smith
Incomplete to JJ Arcega Whiteside
16 yard pass to Parkinson (on third and 10)
16 yard pass to JJ Arcega Whiteside
9 yard pass to Bryce Love
----
23 yard touchdown pass to Parkinson

7/9 (78%) for 148 (16.4 YPA) yards and 2 TD's

 BC

---

Looks like this was the best game since Hogan versus Notre Dame in 2015 (another game with a critical field goal as time expired):

Hogan was 17/21 (81%), 269 yards (12.8 YPA), 4 TD's, O INT's.

BC

[BostonCard]

Major props to KJ Costello for a truly outstanding game last night.  He was overshadowed for much of the game by Herbert's otherworldly game (until overtime), but Costello had one of the best games by a QB in several years:

19/26 (73%), 327 yards (12.6 ypa), 3 TD's, 0 INT's PER of 217 and a win.  Moreover, he was clutch when needed; when we were down 10 points with about 5 minutes left through overtime:
49 yard pass to Osiris St. Brown
20 yard pass to Kaden Smith
15 yard TD pass to JJ Arcega Whiteside
----
Incomplete to Kaden Smith
Incomplete to JJ Arcega Whiteside
16 yard pass to Parkinson (on third and 10)
16 yard pass to JJ Arcega Whiteside
9 yard pass to Bryce Love
----
23 yard touchdown pass to Parkinson

7/9 (78%) for 148 (16.4 YPA) yards and 2 TD's

 BC

---

Looks like this was the best game since Hogan versus Notre Dame in 2015 (another game with a critical field goal as time expired):

Hogan was 17/21 (81%), 269 yards (12.8 YPA), 4 TD's, O INT's.

BC

[Mick]

Major props to KJ Costello for a truly outstanding game last night.  He was overshadowed for much of the game by Herbert's otherworldly game (until overtime), but Costello had one of the best games by a QB in several years:

19/26 (73%), 327 yards (12.6 ypa), 3 TD's, 0 INT's PER of 217 and a win.  Moreover, he was clutch when needed; when we were down 10 points with about 5 minutes left through overtime:
49 yard pass to Osiris St. Brown
20 yard pass to Kaden Smith
15 yard TD pass to JJ Arcega Whiteside
----
Incomplete to Kaden Smith
Incomplete to JJ Arcega Whiteside
16 yard pass to Parkinson (on third and 10)
16 yard pass to JJ Arcega Whiteside
9 yard pass to Bryce Love
----
23 yard touchdown pass to Parkinson

7/9 (78%) for 148 (16.4 YPA) yards and 2 TD's

 BC

---

Looks like this was the best game since Hogan versus Notre Dame in 2015 (another game with a critical field goal as time expired):

Hogan was 17/21 (81%), 269 yards (12.8 YPA), 4 TD's, O INT's.

BC

It looked to me like KJ came of age last night in the second half.  Seemed like he opened up his looks, threw into tighter spots.  First rate game.  Hope it continues against Notre Dame.

[Mick]

Major props to KJ Costello for a truly outstanding game last night.  He was overshadowed for much of the game by Herbert's otherworldly game (until overtime), but Costello had one of the best games by a QB in several years:

19/26 (73%), 327 yards (12.6 ypa), 3 TD's, 0 INT's PER of 217 and a win.  Moreover, he was clutch when needed; when we were down 10 points with about 5 minutes left through overtime:
49 yard pass to Osiris St. Brown
20 yard pass to Kaden Smith
15 yard TD pass to JJ Arcega Whiteside
----
Incomplete to Kaden Smith
Incomplete to JJ Arcega Whiteside
16 yard pass to Parkinson (on third and 10)
16 yard pass to JJ Arcega Whiteside
9 yard pass to Bryce Love
----
23 yard touchdown pass to Parkinson

7/9 (78%) for 148 (16.4 YPA) yards and 2 TD's

 BC

---

Looks like this was the best game since Hogan versus Notre Dame in 2015 (another game with a critical field goal as time expired):

Hogan was 17/21 (81%), 269 yards (12.8 YPA), 4 TD's, O INT's.

BC

It looked to me like KJ came of age last night in the second half.  Seemed like he opened up his looks, threw into tighter spots.  First rate game.  Hope it continues against Notre Dame.

[SF_Cardinal_Fan]

Considering the UC Davis game, I was very surprised at how well KJ played last night against Oregon. 
Now I have renewed hope that KJ can lead Stanford to a great 2018 season.

[SF_Cardinal_Fan]

Considering the UC Davis game, I was very surprised at how well KJ played last night against Oregon. 
Now I have renewed hope that KJ can lead Stanford to a great 2018 season.

[OutsiderFan]

You never see what a QB can do unless you let him loose, because only in real games can you really tell how one will perform. Hopefully with two 300+ yd passing games under his belt in four games, Costello will be used to his full potential from here on out. Really want to see more quick slants that take advantage of the good arm and decisiveness he has. Those move the chains pretty well and also set up the slant and go routes.

[OutsiderFan]

You never see what a QB can do unless you let him loose, because only in real games can you really tell how one will perform. Hopefully with two 300+ yd passing games under his belt in four games, Costello will be used to his full potential from here on out. Really want to see more quick slants that take advantage of the good arm and decisiveness he has. Those move the chains pretty well and also set up the slant and go routes.

[BostonCard]

You never see what a QB can do unless you let him loose, because only in real games can you really tell how one will perform. Hopefully with two 300+ yd passing games under his belt in four games, Costello will be used to his full potential from here on out. Really want to see more quick slants that take advantage of the good arm and decisiveness he has. Those move the chains pretty well and also set up the slant and go routes.

I'm a fan of quick slants as well, but what he was doing last night certainly seems to be working.  Last night he averaged 17 yards per completion, which to me suggests that his skillset is more downfield passing than quick passes.  Herbert was really good last night throwing to where his receiver was supposed to be going.  I'm not sure yet if Costello can do that.  He seems to like to see where the receiver is going before letting it loose, and take advantage of the fact that his receivers are capable of catching the ball when "covered".

BC

[BostonCard]

You never see what a QB can do unless you let him loose, because only in real games can you really tell how one will perform. Hopefully with two 300+ yd passing games under his belt in four games, Costello will be used to his full potential from here on out. Really want to see more quick slants that take advantage of the good arm and decisiveness he has. Those move the chains pretty well and also set up the slant and go routes.

I'm a fan of quick slants as well, but what he was doing last night certainly seems to be working.  Last night he averaged 17 yards per completion, which to me suggests that his skillset is more downfield passing than quick passes.  Herbert was really good last night throwing to where his receiver was supposed to be going.  I'm not sure yet if Costello can do that.  He seems to like to see where the receiver is going before letting it loose, and take advantage of the fact that his receivers are capable of catching the ball when "covered".

BC

[Row80Critic]

Both QB's were mighty impressive (seriously, Herbert's first 59 minutes were unreal), but it was KJ that rose to the pressure and got the job done.  Stanford got breaks with fumbles, etc., but two fumbles don't turn into 31 post-half points without KJ's epic QB play.

[Row80Critic]

Both QB's were mighty impressive (seriously, Herbert's first 59 minutes were unreal), but it was KJ that rose to the pressure and got the job done.  Stanford got breaks with fumbles, etc., but two fumbles don't turn into 31 post-half points without KJ's epic QB play.

[OutsiderFan]

You never see what a QB can do unless you let him loose, because only in real games can you really tell how one will perform. Hopefully with two 300+ yd passing games under his belt in four games, Costello will be used to his full potential from here on out. Really want to see more quick slants that take advantage of the good arm and decisiveness he has. Those move the chains pretty well and also set up the slant and go routes.

I'm a fan of quick slants as well, but what he was doing last night certainly seems to be working.  Last night he averaged 17 yards per completion, which to me suggests that his skillset is more downfield passing than quick passes.  Herbert was really good last night throwing to where his receiver was supposed to be going.  I'm not sure yet if Costello can do that.  He seems to like to see where the receiver is going before letting it loose, and take advantage of the fact that his receivers are capable of catching the ball when "covered".

BC

We saw Costello excel throwing slant routes last season, particularly against Washington and Notre Dame, IIRC.

[OutsiderFan]

You never see what a QB can do unless you let him loose, because only in real games can you really tell how one will perform. Hopefully with two 300+ yd passing games under his belt in four games, Costello will be used to his full potential from here on out. Really want to see more quick slants that take advantage of the good arm and decisiveness he has. Those move the chains pretty well and also set up the slant and go routes.

I'm a fan of quick slants as well, but what he was doing last night certainly seems to be working.  Last night he averaged 17 yards per completion, which to me suggests that his skillset is more downfield passing than quick passes.  Herbert was really good last night throwing to where his receiver was supposed to be going.  I'm not sure yet if Costello can do that.  He seems to like to see where the receiver is going before letting it loose, and take advantage of the fact that his receivers are capable of catching the ball when "covered".

BC

We saw Costello excel throwing slant routes last season, particularly against Washington and Notre Dame, IIRC.

[qwerty49]

It really is a game of inches. The winning TD to Parkinson was thrown behind him and he had to reach back with his right arm for it. Fortunately the tip came back to him.

The fact that KJ has more upside as far as accuracy goes, when one considers we are 4-0, is encouraging.

And, like Hogan, the young man is clearly a gamer.

[qwerty49]

It really is a game of inches. The winning TD to Parkinson was thrown behind him and he had to reach back with his right arm for it. Fortunately the tip came back to him.

The fact that KJ has more upside as far as accuracy goes, when one considers we are 4-0, is encouraging.

And, like Hogan, the young man is clearly a gamer.

[81alum]

It really is a game of inches. The winning TD to Parkinson was thrown behind him and he had to reach back with his right arm for it. Fortunately the tip came back to him.

The fact that KJ has more upside as far as accuracy goes, when one considers we are 4-0, is encouraging.

And, like Hogan, the young man is clearly a gamer.

You said it well.  If Parkinson's tip went into the hands of an Oregon defender we would be in a different mood. 

I hope that Costello can sustain this level of generally accurate play against Notre Dame, and not revert to UC Davis form where he was overthrowing his receivers.  He is clearly very talented and capable of great accuracy.  The long bomb to Osiris St Brown was about as perfect a long ball as can be thrown.  From this point forward it is all about consistency.

[81alum]

It really is a game of inches. The winning TD to Parkinson was thrown behind him and he had to reach back with his right arm for it. Fortunately the tip came back to him.

The fact that KJ has more upside as far as accuracy goes, when one considers we are 4-0, is encouraging.

And, like Hogan, the young man is clearly a gamer.

You said it well.  If Parkinson's tip went into the hands of an Oregon defender we would be in a different mood. 

I hope that Costello can sustain this level of generally accurate play against Notre Dame, and not revert to UC Davis form where he was overthrowing his receivers.  He is clearly very talented and capable of great accuracy.  The long bomb to Osiris St Brown was about as perfect a long ball as can be thrown.  From this point forward it is all about consistency.

[Hulk01]

It's possible that KJ is better against stronger rushes because they don't force him to shorten his release. 
Lots of his throws came from steeping up into a collapsing, tight pocket.  Against Davis, he had all afternoon to release it--and sail it.

[Hulk01]

It's possible that KJ is better against stronger rushes because they don't force him to shorten his release. 
Lots of his throws came from steeping up into a collapsing, tight pocket.  Against Davis, he had all afternoon to release it--and sail it.

[SF_Cardinal_Fan]

It's possible that KJ is better against stronger rushes because they don't force him to shorten his release. 
Lots of his throws came from steeping up into a collapsing, tight pocket.  Against Davis, he had all afternoon to release it--and sail it.

Against UC Davis, prior to the start of the 3rd Quarter, I noticed KJ's long back swing with his throwing arm. David Mills was also warming up and his arm swing was more the prototypical QB style. It was a startling difference and one I imagine will be a topic of media discussion prior to NFL draft (s).

[SF_Cardinal_Fan]

It's possible that KJ is better against stronger rushes because they don't force him to shorten his release. 
Lots of his throws came from steeping up into a collapsing, tight pocket.  Against Davis, he had all afternoon to release it--and sail it.

Against UC Davis, prior to the start of the 3rd Quarter, I noticed KJ's long back swing with his throwing arm. David Mills was also warming up and his arm swing was more the prototypical QB style. It was a startling difference and one I imagine will be a topic of media discussion prior to NFL draft (s).

[CTcard]

Against UC Davis, prior to the start of the 3rd Quarter, I noticed KJ's long back swing with his throwing arm. David Mills was also warming up and his arm swing was more the prototypical QB style. It was a startling difference and one I imagine will be a topic of media discussion prior to NFL draft (s)

So, you're saying Kevin Hogan was his throwing coach?

[CTcard]

Against UC Davis, prior to the start of the 3rd Quarter, I noticed KJ's long back swing with his throwing arm. David Mills was also warming up and his arm swing was more the prototypical QB style. It was a startling difference and one I imagine will be a topic of media discussion prior to NFL draft (s)

So, you're saying Kevin Hogan was his throwing coach?

[SF_Cardinal_Fan]

Against UC Davis, prior to the start of the 3rd Quarter, I noticed KJ's long back swing with his throwing arm. David Mills was also warming up and his arm swing was more the prototypical QB style. It was a startling difference and one I imagine will be a topic of media discussion prior to NFL draft (s)

So, you're saying Kevin Hogan was his throwing coach?

I only started attending Stanford games last season so did not watch Hogan play. His throwing technique was similar to KJ's?

[SF_Cardinal_Fan]

Against UC Davis, prior to the start of the 3rd Quarter, I noticed KJ's long back swing with his throwing arm. David Mills was also warming up and his arm swing was more the prototypical QB style. It was a startling difference and one I imagine will be a topic of media discussion prior to NFL draft (s)

So, you're saying Kevin Hogan was his throwing coach?

I only started attending Stanford games last season so did not watch Hogan play. His throwing technique was similar to KJ's?

[CTcard]

Against UC Davis, prior to the start of the 3rd Quarter, I noticed KJ's long back swing with his throwing arm. David Mills was also warming up and his arm swing was more the prototypical QB style. It was a startling difference and one I imagine will be a topic of media discussion prior to NFL draft (s)

So, you're saying Kevin Hogan was his throwing coach?

I only started attending Stanford games last season so did not watch Hogan play. His throwing technique was similar to KJ's?

Hogan was rather famous in these parts for having a big windup and slow release - which caused many a-comment that at the least this would hurt his draft status and NFL career.

[CTcard]

Against UC Davis, prior to the start of the 3rd Quarter, I noticed KJ's long back swing with his throwing arm. David Mills was also warming up and his arm swing was more the prototypical QB style. It was a startling difference and one I imagine will be a topic of media discussion prior to NFL draft (s)

So, you're saying Kevin Hogan was his throwing coach?

I only started attending Stanford games last season so did not watch Hogan play. His throwing technique was similar to KJ's?

Hogan was rather famous in these parts for having a big windup and slow release - which caused many a-comment that at the least this would hurt his draft status and NFL career.

[SF_Cardinal_Fan]

Against UC Davis, prior to the start of the 3rd Quarter, I noticed KJ's long back swing with his throwing arm. David Mills was also warming up and his arm swing was more the prototypical QB style. It was a startling difference and one I imagine will be a topic of media discussion prior to NFL draft (s)

So, you're saying Kevin Hogan was his throwing coach?

I only started attending Stanford games last season so did not watch Hogan play. His throwing technique was similar to KJ's?

Hogan was rather famous in these parts for having a big windup and slow release - which caused many a-comment that at the least this would hurt his draft status and NFL career.

My season tickets are in the corner, however for UC Davis I am was able to move to midfield, behind the Cardinal bench. From that view perspective I could see the length of KJ's arm-back-swing throwing motion. This was interesting to me because while I've watched every game he's played for Stanford, and knew something was a little unusual about his throwing style,  my corner seats and, or, t.v,. viewing did not clarify things as well as did sitting behind the Cardinal bench watching his make warm up throws.
For the 10 or so games he has now played for Stanford I think KJ plays with exceptional energy and passion, his teammates appear to embrace him as a  leader, he seems to have above average vision for looking at multiple receivers, is well skilled at altering the velocity of his passes to suit the particular play etc.... So, KJ at QB is good stuff.
I have no idea what the NFL scouts think of KJ's game. Over the years it seems as though a fairly wide range of QB technique styles have been drafted and played well at the NFL level.
Oregon's  Herbert was a treat to watch Saturday. I can't remember ever seeing a QB who appeared so "tall" behind the line of scrimmage.
He is 6'6", 260 pounds ? I am very curious to learn how the NFL teams value Herbert.

[SF_Cardinal_Fan]

Against UC Davis, prior to the start of the 3rd Quarter, I noticed KJ's long back swing with his throwing arm. David Mills was also warming up and his arm swing was more the prototypical QB style. It was a startling difference and one I imagine will be a topic of media discussion prior to NFL draft (s)

So, you're saying Kevin Hogan was his throwing coach?

I only started attending Stanford games last season so did not watch Hogan play. His throwing technique was similar to KJ's?

Hogan was rather famous in these parts for having a big windup and slow release - which caused many a-comment that at the least this would hurt his draft status and NFL career.

My season tickets are in the corner, however for UC Davis I am was able to move to midfield, behind the Cardinal bench. From that view perspective I could see the length of KJ's arm-back-swing throwing motion. This was interesting to me because while I've watched every game he's played for Stanford, and knew something was a little unusual about his throwing style,  my corner seats and, or, t.v,. viewing did not clarify things as well as did sitting behind the Cardinal bench watching his make warm up throws.
For the 10 or so games he has now played for Stanford I think KJ plays with exceptional energy and passion, his teammates appear to embrace him as a  leader, he seems to have above average vision for looking at multiple receivers, is well skilled at altering the velocity of his passes to suit the particular play etc.... So, KJ at QB is good stuff.
I have no idea what the NFL scouts think of KJ's game. Over the years it seems as though a fairly wide range of QB technique styles have been drafted and played well at the NFL level.
Oregon's  Herbert was a treat to watch Saturday. I can't remember ever seeing a QB who appeared so "tall" behind the line of scrimmage.
He is 6'6", 260 pounds ? I am very curious to learn how the NFL teams value Herbert.

[ChicagoCard]

Cam Newton is close to Herbert's size.

[ChicagoCard]

Cam Newton is close to Herbert's size.

[lex24]

Herbert projects as the no 1. QB in the draft

[lex24]

Herbert projects as the no 1. QB in the draft

[martyup]

Herbert is a monster.  We are lucky to have absorbed 25 of his completions and still won.

[martyup]

Herbert is a monster.  We are lucky to have absorbed 25 of his completions and still won.

[BostonCard]

You said it well.  If Parkinson's tip went into the hands of an Oregon defender we would be in a different mood.  

I hope that Costello can sustain this level of generally accurate play against Notre Dame, and not revert to UC Davis form where he was overthrowing his receivers.  He is clearly very talented and capable of great accuracy.  The long bomb to Osiris St Brown was about as perfect a long ball as can be thrown.  From this point forward it is all about consistency.

Though the numbers are small, Costello's play does seem to rise up to the level of his competition.  Last year, his best game was against #11 Notre Dame; his worst game was against Washington State.  This year his best game was against Oregon; his worst was against Davis.  Kind of fits descriptions of his personality as a "fiery competitor".

BC

[BostonCard]

You said it well.  If Parkinson's tip went into the hands of an Oregon defender we would be in a different mood.  

I hope that Costello can sustain this level of generally accurate play against Notre Dame, and not revert to UC Davis form where he was overthrowing his receivers.  He is clearly very talented and capable of great accuracy.  The long bomb to Osiris St Brown was about as perfect a long ball as can be thrown.  From this point forward it is all about consistency.

Though the numbers are small, Costello's play does seem to rise up to the level of his competition.  Last year, his best game was against #11 Notre Dame; his worst game was against Washington State.  This year his best game was against Oregon; his worst was against Davis.  Kind of fits descriptions of his personality as a "fiery competitor".

BC

[washingtonismoney]

Though the numbers are small, Costello's play does seem to rise up to the level of his competition.  Last year, his best game was against #11 Notre Dame; his worst game was against Washington State.  This year his best game was against Oregon; his worst was against Davis.  Kind of fits descriptions of his personality as a "fiery competitor".

BC

I do think Costello seems to play big in big games (he also came up with some big plays in the pac-12 champ game). But I'm not sure I buy the Washington State half of this equation. At the time Stanford played Wazzu, the Coogs were up to #25 in the nation with a 7-2 record. I'd attribute the weak performance to Wazzu's strong defense.

[washingtonismoney]

Though the numbers are small, Costello's play does seem to rise up to the level of his competition.  Last year, his best game was against #11 Notre Dame; his worst game was against Washington State.  This year his best game was against Oregon; his worst was against Davis.  Kind of fits descriptions of his personality as a "fiery competitor".

BC

I do think Costello seems to play big in big games (he also came up with some big plays in the pac-12 champ game). But I'm not sure I buy the Washington State half of this equation. At the time Stanford played Wazzu, the Coogs were up to #25 in the nation with a 7-2 record. I'd attribute the weak performance to Wazzu's strong defense.