[Spiny_Norman]

I did find it interesting that Shaw has clear expectations that the tackling across the board will be weak at least to start the season. Seems to be based on what he has seen in other games so far. "Advantage to teams that have players who can make things happen in space."

Edit - credit to Jon Wilner who asked a good question about the targeting rule which got a good response from Shaw who chairs the NCAA Football Rules Committee. It's at the end of the press conference.

https://youtu.be/CKxcl3kickE

[Spiny_Norman]

I did find it interesting that Shaw has clear expectations that the tackling across the board will be weak at least to start the season. Seems to be based on what he has seen in other games so far. "Advantage to teams that have players who can make things happen in space."

Edit - credit to Jon Wilner who asked a good question about the targeting rule which got a good response from Shaw who chairs the NCAA Football Rules Committee. It's at the end of the press conference.

https://youtu.be/CKxcl3kickE

[Phogge]

How can Stanford's tackling be any worse.

[Phogge]

How can Stanford's tackling be any worse.

[winflop]

How can Stanford's tackling be any worse.

Have you been watching college football this year?

[winflop]

How can Stanford's tackling be any worse.

Have you been watching college football this year?

[teejers1]

I did find it interesting that Shaw has clear expectations that the tackling across the board will be weak at least to start the season. Seems to be based on what he has seen in other games so far. "Advantage to teams that have players who can make things happen in space."

Edit - credit to Jon Wilner who asked a good question about the targeting rule which got a good response from Shaw who chairs the NCAA Football Rules Committee.  It's at the end of the press conference.

https://youtu.be/CKxcl3kickE

Do we ever get the ball to our guys "in space?"  I think the only play in Shaw's arsenal that may qualify is the quick pass to a WR behind the LOS with another WR there blocking.  The O doesn't scheme players open, Stanford doesn't run screens (let alone misdirection screens), and even the drag pattern over the middle is a rare bird (and I'm not sure that qualifies as getting the ball to someone in space).  

If Shaw really believes what he says, then maybe we'll see something new this year on offense.  [Hey, a fan can dream . . .].

[teejers1]

I did find it interesting that Shaw has clear expectations that the tackling across the board will be weak at least to start the season. Seems to be based on what he has seen in other games so far. "Advantage to teams that have players who can make things happen in space."

Edit - credit to Jon Wilner who asked a good question about the targeting rule which got a good response from Shaw who chairs the NCAA Football Rules Committee.  It's at the end of the press conference.

https://youtu.be/CKxcl3kickE

Do we ever get the ball to our guys "in space?"  I think the only play in Shaw's arsenal that may qualify is the quick pass to a WR behind the LOS with another WR there blocking.  The O doesn't scheme players open, Stanford doesn't run screens (let alone misdirection screens), and even the drag pattern over the middle is a rare bird (and I'm not sure that qualifies as getting the ball to someone in space).  

If Shaw really believes what he says, then maybe we'll see something new this year on offense.  [Hey, a fan can dream . . .].

[BostonCard]

You mean like this play?

this play 

Or this one?

BC

[BostonCard]

You mean like this play?

this play 

Or this one?

BC

[murky]

You mean like this play?

this play 

Or this one?

BC

Thanks, those 7 minutes scratched an itch.  What a game!

[murky]

You mean like this play?

this play 

Or this one?

BC

Thanks, those 7 minutes scratched an itch.  What a game!

[SamuelMcF]

Here are nine from 3 games last season.

2:08, 4:33
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k36iI3PGYOw

0:14 and 1:43 (designed "clear outs" by Parkinson to give Wedington/Wilson space), 2:36 (similar idea), 4:25 (Maddox against a LB)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Dafse-m-SgE

1:45, 4:50 (OSB is running exactly the "short drag route" that teejers describes, but Mills never looks at him), 5:16 quick slant
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5XjXmnRCIKk

[SamuelMcF]

Here are nine from 3 games last season.

2:08, 4:33
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k36iI3PGYOw

0:14 and 1:43 (designed "clear outs" by Parkinson to give Wedington/Wilson space), 2:36 (similar idea), 4:25 (Maddox against a LB)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Dafse-m-SgE

1:45, 4:50 (OSB is running exactly the "short drag route" that teejers describes, but Mills never looks at him), 5:16 quick slant
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5XjXmnRCIKk

[BostonCard]

Thanks Sam.  Those were fewer and further between than in years past, but that has more to do with a patchwork offensive line and not having McCaffrey or Love than because Shaw has forgotten how to run those plays.

BC

[BostonCard]

Thanks Sam.  Those were fewer and further between than in years past, but that has more to do with a patchwork offensive line and not having McCaffrey or Love than because Shaw has forgotten how to run those plays.

BC

[lex24]

I did find it interesting that Shaw has clear expectations that the tackling across the board will be weak at least to start the season. Seems to be based on what he has seen in other games so far. "Advantage to teams that have players who can make things happen in space."

Edit - credit to Jon Wilner who asked a good question about the targeting rule which got a good response from Shaw who chairs the NCAA Football Rules Committee.  It's at the end of the press conference.

https://youtu.be/CKxcl3kickE

Do we ever get the ball to our guys "in space?"  I think the only play in Shaw's arsenal that may qualify is the quick pass to a WR behind the LOS with another WR there blocking.  The O doesn't scheme players open, Stanford doesn't run screens (let alone misdirection screens), and even the drag pattern over the middle is a rare bird (and I'm not sure that qualifies as getting the ball to someone in space).  

If Shaw really believes what he says, then maybe we'll see something new this year on offense.  [Hey, a fan can dream . . .].

Some of that depends on personnel.  Particularly the QB.  Key to making plays in space is getting the ball out quick and hitting the receiver in stride.  Costello was good at neither. His WRs in his best year were JJ and Irwin.  Neither RAC guys.  When Ty was the main threat  they got him the ball quickly and in space quite a bit. Same with CMac.  

Mills is accurate.  And I think they have WRs that can run.  Let’s see what they do with it.

[lex24]

I did find it interesting that Shaw has clear expectations that the tackling across the board will be weak at least to start the season. Seems to be based on what he has seen in other games so far. "Advantage to teams that have players who can make things happen in space."

Edit - credit to Jon Wilner who asked a good question about the targeting rule which got a good response from Shaw who chairs the NCAA Football Rules Committee.  It's at the end of the press conference.

https://youtu.be/CKxcl3kickE

Do we ever get the ball to our guys "in space?"  I think the only play in Shaw's arsenal that may qualify is the quick pass to a WR behind the LOS with another WR there blocking.  The O doesn't scheme players open, Stanford doesn't run screens (let alone misdirection screens), and even the drag pattern over the middle is a rare bird (and I'm not sure that qualifies as getting the ball to someone in space).  

If Shaw really believes what he says, then maybe we'll see something new this year on offense.  [Hey, a fan can dream . . .].

Some of that depends on personnel.  Particularly the QB.  Key to making plays in space is getting the ball out quick and hitting the receiver in stride.  Costello was good at neither. His WRs in his best year were JJ and Irwin.  Neither RAC guys.  When Ty was the main threat  they got him the ball quickly and in space quite a bit. Same with CMac.  

Mills is accurate.  And I think they have WRs that can run.  Let’s see what they do with it.

[OutsiderFan]

Why is the coach so reticent to name players?

When asked about the backup QB, he didn't name the competitors. When asked about Freshmen who are standing out, no name given. When asked about the RBs, he referred to Jones, Peat, Woods, and Maddox (who he said ay not play this season), but no Freshmen in the mix were identified, even after referring to "young guys." Asked about Cornerbacks, he mentioned KBK and then he used as many names no longer on the team (Adebo) as on it (Bonner) in his answer.

I can't imagine it says a whole lot about Jack West, if Shaw couldn't name him as a backup QB. I'm assuming Filkins and Smith would be getting on the field at RB, but it would be nice to hear their names to confirm that. My guess is Zarhan Manley would be one of the top choices at CB in part because we has a Cal commit, and Wilcox has done a good job identifying talent, but Salim T-M, was suppose to have been a ballyhooed recruit, and not hearing his name at all is a little bit surprising.

Do any of y'all know who the backup QBs are? I honestly hope Mills finally enjoys an injury-free season. He should be back to full health after having a full off season to get stronger, assuming full health is possible after his injury history.

[OutsiderFan]

Why is the coach so reticent to name players?

When asked about the backup QB, he didn't name the competitors. When asked about Freshmen who are standing out, no name given. When asked about the RBs, he referred to Jones, Peat, Woods, and Maddox (who he said ay not play this season), but no Freshmen in the mix were identified, even after referring to "young guys." Asked about Cornerbacks, he mentioned KBK and then he used as many names no longer on the team (Adebo) as on it (Bonner) in his answer.

I can't imagine it says a whole lot about Jack West, if Shaw couldn't name him as a backup QB. I'm assuming Filkins and Smith would be getting on the field at RB, but it would be nice to hear their names to confirm that. My guess is Zarhan Manley would be one of the top choices at CB in part because we has a Cal commit, and Wilcox has done a good job identifying talent, but Salim T-M, was suppose to have been a ballyhooed recruit, and not hearing his name at all is a little bit surprising.

Do any of y'all know who the backup QBs are? I honestly hope Mills finally enjoys an injury-free season. He should be back to full health after having a full off season to get stronger, assuming full health is possible after his injury history.

[Phogge]

How can Stanford's tackling be any worse.

Have you been watching college football this year?

Nope. Only watch Memphis and Army. Memphis has never tackled well but they put up 700 yards last time so who cares about defense. It may take three games for Stanford to have 700 yards of offense. Army just wins.

---

Shaw is about as interesting as Mitch McConnell. The Chronicle had Dylan Paultz in the running along with McKee. But it will take three years for McKee to learn the playbook and he will be about 30 by then with four kids.

[Phogge]

How can Stanford's tackling be any worse.

Have you been watching college football this year?

Nope. Only watch Memphis and Army. Memphis has never tackled well but they put up 700 yards last time so who cares about defense. It may take three games for Stanford to have 700 yards of offense. Army just wins.

---

Shaw is about as interesting as Mitch McConnell. The Chronicle had Dylan Paultz in the running along with McKee. But it will take three years for McKee to learn the playbook and he will be about 30 by then with four kids.

[fullmetal]

Wedington should be that X-factor guy in space, I think.  I'm looking forward to Austin Jones making things happen in space as well.

[fullmetal]

Wedington should be that X-factor guy in space, I think.  I'm looking forward to Austin Jones making things happen in space as well.

[Farm93]

You mean like this play?

this play 

Or this one?

BC

Thanks, those 7 minutes scratched an itch.  What a game!

I remember going to the game and sitting next to Iowa fans with enough Stanford connections to have seats in our area.   They were nice enough and told us they were eager to see the McCaffery kid.   10 minutes into the game and they had seen enough of him.

FWIW - The Pac-12 Nets spent most of the summer replaying Pac-12 CGs and other important games since the Pac-12 expanded to 12 teams.   Lots of good times for Stanford Football as Stanford won quite a number of the biggest Pac-12 games in the decade.

FWIW2 - They also replayed the 2019 games a lot, I tried to avoid those replays.  :(

[Farm93]

You mean like this play?

this play 

Or this one?

BC

Thanks, those 7 minutes scratched an itch.  What a game!

I remember going to the game and sitting next to Iowa fans with enough Stanford connections to have seats in our area.   They were nice enough and told us they were eager to see the McCaffery kid.   10 minutes into the game and they had seen enough of him.

FWIW - The Pac-12 Nets spent most of the summer replaying Pac-12 CGs and other important games since the Pac-12 expanded to 12 teams.   Lots of good times for Stanford Football as Stanford won quite a number of the biggest Pac-12 games in the decade.

FWIW2 - They also replayed the 2019 games a lot, I tried to avoid those replays.  :(

[Spiny_Norman]

Wedington should be that X-factor guy in space, I think.  I'm looking forward to Austin Jones making things happen in space as well.

I thought the most exciting player last season was Michael Wilson.

[Spiny_Norman]

Wedington should be that X-factor guy in space, I think.  I'm looking forward to Austin Jones making things happen in space as well.

I thought the most exciting player last season was Michael Wilson.

[SamuelMcF]

Why is the coach so reticent to name players?

When asked about the backup QB, he didn't name the competitors. When asked about Freshmen who are standing out, no name given. When asked about the RBs, he referred to Jones, Peat, Woods, and Maddox (who he said ay not play this season), but no Freshmen in the mix were identified, even after referring to "young guys." Asked about Cornerbacks, he mentioned KBK and then he used as many names no longer on the team (Adebo) as on it (Bonner) in his answer.

I can't imagine it says a whole lot about Jack West, if Shaw couldn't name him as a backup QB. I'm assuming Filkins and Smith would be getting on the field at RB, but it would be nice to hear their names to confirm that. My guess is Zarhan Manley would be one of the top choices at CB in part because we has a Cal commit, and Wilcox has done a good job identifying talent, but Salim T-M, was suppose to have been a ballyhooed recruit, and not hearing his name at all is a little bit surprising.

Do any of y'all know who the backup QBs are? I honestly hope Mills finally enjoys an injury-free season. He should be back to full health after having a full off season to get stronger, assuming full health is possible after his injury history.

Shaw has pretty much always been like this. He doesn't give names basically ever. The coordinators do a little more.

The CB2 battle is an interesting one and one I believe will continue to stretch through the season. Manley and Bonner seem to be frontrunners. STM was hurt for the majority of last season. When you can't practice, you can't get better. (He is healthy and practicing now.) The door is certainly open for the true frosh to show something too, especially considering there is a nickel spot to fill too (which should be McGill on obvious running downs).

Prevailing rumors are that Tanner McKee is as advertised, but it would be a damn shame if we ever have to actually find out who QB2 is on gameday. I wonder about our new grad transfer Sanders.

[SamuelMcF]

Why is the coach so reticent to name players?

When asked about the backup QB, he didn't name the competitors. When asked about Freshmen who are standing out, no name given. When asked about the RBs, he referred to Jones, Peat, Woods, and Maddox (who he said ay not play this season), but no Freshmen in the mix were identified, even after referring to "young guys." Asked about Cornerbacks, he mentioned KBK and then he used as many names no longer on the team (Adebo) as on it (Bonner) in his answer.

I can't imagine it says a whole lot about Jack West, if Shaw couldn't name him as a backup QB. I'm assuming Filkins and Smith would be getting on the field at RB, but it would be nice to hear their names to confirm that. My guess is Zarhan Manley would be one of the top choices at CB in part because we has a Cal commit, and Wilcox has done a good job identifying talent, but Salim T-M, was suppose to have been a ballyhooed recruit, and not hearing his name at all is a little bit surprising.

Do any of y'all know who the backup QBs are? I honestly hope Mills finally enjoys an injury-free season. He should be back to full health after having a full off season to get stronger, assuming full health is possible after his injury history.

Shaw has pretty much always been like this. He doesn't give names basically ever. The coordinators do a little more.

The CB2 battle is an interesting one and one I believe will continue to stretch through the season. Manley and Bonner seem to be frontrunners. STM was hurt for the majority of last season. When you can't practice, you can't get better. (He is healthy and practicing now.) The door is certainly open for the true frosh to show something too, especially considering there is a nickel spot to fill too (which should be McGill on obvious running downs).

Prevailing rumors are that Tanner McKee is as advertised, but it would be a damn shame if we ever have to actually find out who QB2 is on gameday. I wonder about our new grad transfer Sanders.

[JohnR34231]

Why is the coach so reticent to name players?

When asked about the backup QB, he didn't name the competitors. When asked about Freshmen who are standing out, no name given. When asked about the RBs, he referred to Jones, Peat, Woods, and Maddox (who he said ay not play this season), but no Freshmen in the mix were identified, even after referring to "young guys." Asked about Cornerbacks, he mentioned KBK and then he used as many names no longer on the team (Adebo) as on it (Bonner) in his answer.

I can't imagine it says a whole lot about Jack West, if Shaw couldn't name him as a backup QB. I'm assuming Filkins and Smith would be getting on the field at RB, but it would be nice to hear their names to confirm that. My guess is Zarhan Manley would be one of the top choices at CB in part because we has a Cal commit, and Wilcox has done a good job identifying talent, but Salim T-M, was suppose to have been a ballyhooed recruit, and not hearing his name at all is a little bit surprising.

Do any of y'all know who the backup QBs are? I honestly hope Mills finally enjoys an injury-free season. He should be back to full health after having a full off season to get stronger, assuming full health is possible after his injury history.

Shaw has pretty much always been like this. He doesn't give names basically ever. The coordinators do a little more.

The CB2 battle is an interesting one and one I believe will continue to stretch through the season. Manley and Bonner seem to be frontrunners. STM was hurt for the majority of last season. When you can't practice, you can't get better. (He is healthy and practicing now.) The door is certainly open for the true frosh to show something too, especially considering there is a nickel spot to fill too (which should be McGill on obvious running downs).

Prevailing rumors are that Tanner McKee is as advertised, but it would be a damn shame if we ever have to actually find out who QB2 is on gameday. I wonder about our new grad transfer Sanders.

Filkins has a pretty decent arm. It would be nice if we put in a couple of plays to take advantage of that.
It would be great to get a glimpse of McKee this year, as long as people don't expect too much of him.
As far as Sanders is concerned, he is an Air Force QB who wasn't even the starter there his last year. With all due respect to the guy, I don't think he is the answer.
Frankly, the way I look at it, if Mills goes down it's time to start thinking about next year.

[JohnR34231]

Why is the coach so reticent to name players?

When asked about the backup QB, he didn't name the competitors. When asked about Freshmen who are standing out, no name given. When asked about the RBs, he referred to Jones, Peat, Woods, and Maddox (who he said ay not play this season), but no Freshmen in the mix were identified, even after referring to "young guys." Asked about Cornerbacks, he mentioned KBK and then he used as many names no longer on the team (Adebo) as on it (Bonner) in his answer.

I can't imagine it says a whole lot about Jack West, if Shaw couldn't name him as a backup QB. I'm assuming Filkins and Smith would be getting on the field at RB, but it would be nice to hear their names to confirm that. My guess is Zarhan Manley would be one of the top choices at CB in part because we has a Cal commit, and Wilcox has done a good job identifying talent, but Salim T-M, was suppose to have been a ballyhooed recruit, and not hearing his name at all is a little bit surprising.

Do any of y'all know who the backup QBs are? I honestly hope Mills finally enjoys an injury-free season. He should be back to full health after having a full off season to get stronger, assuming full health is possible after his injury history.

Shaw has pretty much always been like this. He doesn't give names basically ever. The coordinators do a little more.

The CB2 battle is an interesting one and one I believe will continue to stretch through the season. Manley and Bonner seem to be frontrunners. STM was hurt for the majority of last season. When you can't practice, you can't get better. (He is healthy and practicing now.) The door is certainly open for the true frosh to show something too, especially considering there is a nickel spot to fill too (which should be McGill on obvious running downs).

Prevailing rumors are that Tanner McKee is as advertised, but it would be a damn shame if we ever have to actually find out who QB2 is on gameday. I wonder about our new grad transfer Sanders.

Filkins has a pretty decent arm. It would be nice if we put in a couple of plays to take advantage of that.
It would be great to get a glimpse of McKee this year, as long as people don't expect too much of him.
As far as Sanders is concerned, he is an Air Force QB who wasn't even the starter there his last year. With all due respect to the guy, I don't think he is the answer.
Frankly, the way I look at it, if Mills goes down it's time to start thinking about next year.

[teejers1]

Here are nine from 3 games last season.

2:08, 4:33
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k36iI3PGYOw

0:14 and 1:43 (designed "clear outs" by Parkinson to give Wedington/Wilson space), 2:36 (similar idea), 4:25 (Maddox against a LB)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Dafse-m-SgE

1:45, 4:50 (OSB is running exactly the "short drag route" that teejers describes, but Mills never looks at him), 5:16 quick slant
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5XjXmnRCIKk

Those are "nice" plays, but hardly great in terms of scheming people open.
Take a look at this video.  I only watched the first 1:30 of the video - 3 plays in that segment were all far superior to anything we've ever seen at Stanford under Shaw.  (Look at the back-to-back plays at 39 seconds, and then the play at 1:09 - which is as far as I got).

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l1Ai-5yZnqU

[teejers1]

Here are nine from 3 games last season.

2:08, 4:33
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k36iI3PGYOw

0:14 and 1:43 (designed "clear outs" by Parkinson to give Wedington/Wilson space), 2:36 (similar idea), 4:25 (Maddox against a LB)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Dafse-m-SgE

1:45, 4:50 (OSB is running exactly the "short drag route" that teejers describes, but Mills never looks at him), 5:16 quick slant
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5XjXmnRCIKk

Those are "nice" plays, but hardly great in terms of scheming people open.
Take a look at this video.  I only watched the first 1:30 of the video - 3 plays in that segment were all far superior to anything we've ever seen at Stanford under Shaw.  (Look at the back-to-back plays at 39 seconds, and then the play at 1:09 - which is as far as I got).

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l1Ai-5yZnqU

[SamuelMcF]

Yeah, no kidding. Shanahan is an offensive savant. Shaw was demoted in his final year as "OC." It's not an apples-to-apples comparison. That's not even a debate.

I think there is a very slow burn where Pritchard is slooowly gaining some influence here, especially in the early scripted stuff. Just because the offense was awful doesn't mean we weren't at least trying some new things. In fact, my major complaint as of now is that Captain Conservative/Mr. Denny's Menu continues to take over in important situations and later in the game, deviating from generally quite successful first drives I believe are orchestrated by Pritchard. Short-yardage 4 TE sets with a bunch of freshman OL and a walk-on TE because "it worked 3 years ago." Maddening.

[SamuelMcF]

Yeah, no kidding. Shanahan is an offensive savant. Shaw was demoted in his final year as "OC." It's not an apples-to-apples comparison. That's not even a debate.

I think there is a very slow burn where Pritchard is slooowly gaining some influence here, especially in the early scripted stuff. Just because the offense was awful doesn't mean we weren't at least trying some new things. In fact, my major complaint as of now is that Captain Conservative/Mr. Denny's Menu continues to take over in important situations and later in the game, deviating from generally quite successful first drives I believe are orchestrated by Pritchard. Short-yardage 4 TE sets with a bunch of freshman OL and a walk-on TE because "it worked 3 years ago." Maddening.

[BostonCard]

The play at 39 seconds was a play action pass against 8 in the box.  That was a play that Hogan made a living out of, and basically rode to a PER of over 170 in 2015.  Unfortunately, starting in 2016 we have not had QB's who could sell the play fake.  Costello (even in 2018 when he had a decent season) would go through the motions, but it was pretty obvious it was a pass play.  And then last year we didn't have a running back who would pull 8 into the box anyways.

BC

[BostonCard]

The play at 39 seconds was a play action pass against 8 in the box.  That was a play that Hogan made a living out of, and basically rode to a PER of over 170 in 2015.  Unfortunately, starting in 2016 we have not had QB's who could sell the play fake.  Costello (even in 2018 when he had a decent season) would go through the motions, but it was pretty obvious it was a pass play.  And then last year we didn't have a running back who would pull 8 into the box anyways.

BC

[Papa John]

<snip> Shaw was demoted in his final year as "OC."<snip>

I've heard allusions to Shaw's 2010 demotion, but I can't find any official record of it. Can someone explain to me what happened?

[Papa John]

<snip> Shaw was demoted in his final year as "OC."<snip>

I've heard allusions to Shaw's 2010 demotion, but I can't find any official record of it. Can someone explain to me what happened?