Vegas says... -
OutsiderFan - 08-27-2012
The sportbooks predict a final score of something like:
San Jose State
13
    Stanford
39
Would y'all be happy with this score versus the Spartans?
Re: Vegas says... -
FarmBoy - 08-27-2012
I would take it. If the offense can score 35+ pts I'll be pretty happy, especially if the production is balanced. I would love for Nunes to get a couple of TD passes in and build confidence in his leadership.
13 pts by SJSU would be about the limit before I'd start worrying if our D was going to live up to the hype, unless the majority of points are scored in the final quarter against 3rd and 4th string players. If SJSU were able to score 20+ pts against our boys, I would worry what Barkeley and company are able to do.
But mostly, I want to get a convincing win without any injuries. And no QB controversies.
I hate point spreads - Redrum - 08-27-2012
Yes, I know the function they serve in the sideshow of sports betting. The problem with point spreads is they can (and often do)
turn a perfectly entertaining and worthy victory into a disappointing thing.  It's like cheering for a kid hitting a home run in Little League...and having your neighbor in the stands say 'Well, you know. He's just going to die of cancer some day."
Re: Vegas says... -
OutsiderFan - 08-27-2012
The score is representative of how competitive teams are, particularly in college football, when how impressive you win is factored into beauty contest poll voting that determines BCS games and ultimately playoff berths.
I'm pretty much thinking anything over 13 points allowed and fewer than 35 points scored would be cause for concern, regardless of whether there were point spreads for betting purposes or not.Â
Last year the score was 57-3. I'm fairly certain Stanford doesn't want to give up more than 10 points to SJS to feel good about the defense. Remember, SJS is breaking in a new QB and starting 3 new OL. Honestly, more than 10 points would be cause for alarm on defense, IMO, and even 10 would cause doubt the defense is poised to be great.
Re: Vegas says... -
fullmetal - 08-27-2012
I want to see the defense post a shutout, and I'd like to see it done with the second and third teamers as well. An elite defense is, imho, the one thing that will cure doubts about Oregon/U$C, etc.
Re: Vegas says... -
FarmBoy - 08-27-2012
2nd teamers definitely matter. If SJSU's 2nd team beats ours, that's a big problem. If we're up 35-7 in the 4th quarter and we have 3rd and 4th string guys in, and SJSU is playing their 1st string and drive the field for a TD, I won't feel good about it, but it won't impact my outlook for the season.
I imagine winning by a large margin will have a significant psychological effect on the team. Hopefully it would do more to boost their confidence than inflate their egos. If rumors of discord over the pick of Nunes for starter are correct, winning big with an efficient offense could establish his leadership.