[troyc]

New show is up! So much to cover:

+ the biggest soundbites and takeaways from David Shaw's Wednesday morning media conference, with his thoughts on what happens next for the Cardinal, how the Pac-12's no-fans policy this fall could affect potential trips to Seattle & Eugene, and the team's strengths & concerns

+ former Pac-12 Network host Mike Yam on what's at stake for the conference, how far the Card can go, his terrific run as the Pac-12 Network's top host, and what's next for him

+ what K.J. Costello's star turn for Mississippi State says about the Stanford program

Link below. Subscribe, download, listen, and enjoy!

Troy C

The TreeCast with Troy Clardy: Shaw Speaks, Yam Looks Ahead (September 30, 2020)

[troyc]

New show is up! So much to cover:

+ the biggest soundbites and takeaways from David Shaw's Wednesday morning media conference, with his thoughts on what happens next for the Cardinal, how the Pac-12's no-fans policy this fall could affect potential trips to Seattle & Eugene, and the team's strengths & concerns

+ former Pac-12 Network host Mike Yam on what's at stake for the conference, how far the Card can go, his terrific run as the Pac-12 Network's top host, and what's next for him

+ what K.J. Costello's star turn for Mississippi State says about the Stanford program

Link below. Subscribe, download, listen, and enjoy!

Troy C

The TreeCast with Troy Clardy: Shaw Speaks, Yam Looks Ahead (September 30, 2020)

[donkey687]

Troy- As usual, I enjoyed listening to the podcast on my morning run.  Mike Yam was a great guest. He will be missed on the Pac12 Network.

I think your concerns about Stanford fans reactions to KJ's performance was a little misguided. My perception is that most Stanford fans are excited to see KJ's success and are happy for him and understand his rationale for leaving.  While it does give the Shavita doubters fodder to point out the superiority of Leach's offensive system, KJ putting up big numbers wasn't a surprise to anyone.  I get excited to watch Davis play after seeing KJs success knowing that Davis was on a trajectory to beat out KJ this year had KJ stayed. Davis must be really good to do that. Go Stanford.

[donkey687]

Troy- As usual, I enjoyed listening to the podcast on my morning run.  Mike Yam was a great guest. He will be missed on the Pac12 Network.

I think your concerns about Stanford fans reactions to KJ's performance was a little misguided. My perception is that most Stanford fans are excited to see KJ's success and are happy for him and understand his rationale for leaving.  While it does give the Shavita doubters fodder to point out the superiority of Leach's offensive system, KJ putting up big numbers wasn't a surprise to anyone.  I get excited to watch Davis play after seeing KJs success knowing that Davis was on a trajectory to beat out KJ this year had KJ stayed. Davis must be really good to do that. Go Stanford.

[Phogge]

I'm sure Yam is a nice guy but you have to be kidding. Another mediocre Pac 12 personality. At least he is a bit better than the network's production values and abysmal features.

[Phogge]

I'm sure Yam is a nice guy but you have to be kidding. Another mediocre Pac 12 personality. At least he is a bit better than the network's production values and abysmal features.

[JJJ]

I will go on record as being happy with KJ's performance. No ill will to him and I wish him a lucrative and successful future in the NFL as well. He will always be "one of ours."

[JJJ]

I will go on record as being happy with KJ's performance. No ill will to him and I wish him a lucrative and successful future in the NFL as well. He will always be "one of ours."

[troyc]

Troy- As usual, I enjoyed listening to the podcast on my morning run.  Mike Yam was a great guest. He will be missed on the Pac12 Network.



I think your concerns about Stanford fans reactions to KJ's performance was a little misguided. My perception is that most Stanford fans are excited to see KJ's success and are happy for him and understand his rationale for leaving.  While it does give the Shavita doubters fodder to point out the superiority of Leach's offensive system, KJ putting up big numbers wasn't a surprise to anyone.  I get excited to watch Davis play after seeing KJs success knowing that Davis was on a trajectory to beat out KJ this year had KJ stayed. Davis must be really good to do that. Go Stanford.

Thank you for listening!

Right there with you on Davis. Can't wait to see what he and these WRs (along with Peat & Jones and a more seasoned o-line) can do. And I don't think Stanford fans have ill will towards KJ. But I was surprised by the volume of the folks who seemed so ready to turn how KJ did vs. LSU into a critique/indictment of Stanford's program. But, as I said on the show, that's what I get for checking social media & message boards right after games!

You do bring up something intriguing: is the Air Raid a superior offensive system? Mixed results, I'd say. If you love passing yards, yes. If you're a QB or a WR, yes. If you don't like seeing your QB get hit, no. If you want your QB to learn how to make great pre-snap decisions, probably not. If you like games that only run about three hours, no. Depends on what you're looking for (and whom you can recruit), I guess.

And while Leach's WSU teams gave Shaw's Stanford teams fits (don't forger that Alex Grinch had a lot to do with that, by the way), there is this.....

2012-19 (Leach Era at WSU)	P12 pass offense titles	Rose Bowl apps	P12FCG apps	record vs. closest P12 rival
Stanford	0	3	4	7-1 (vs. Cal)
WSU	7	0	0	1-7 (vs. UW)

The stats are there, but the championships & Big wins, to this point, are not. And, last I checked, SEC tends to have dudes who actually play defense. But, who knows? I still wish KJ all the success in the world, and hopefully he comes back to The Farm for his Pro Day and tears it up. (hopefully we even have Pro Days next spring...)

Yes, Yam will definitely be missed on the Pac-12 Network. Glad he could jump on the show. Great anchor, terrific ambassador, and an even better person. (then again, I'm a "mediocre Pac 12 personality" myself, so what do I know?)

Troy C

[troyc]

Troy- As usual, I enjoyed listening to the podcast on my morning run.  Mike Yam was a great guest. He will be missed on the Pac12 Network.



I think your concerns about Stanford fans reactions to KJ's performance was a little misguided. My perception is that most Stanford fans are excited to see KJ's success and are happy for him and understand his rationale for leaving.  While it does give the Shavita doubters fodder to point out the superiority of Leach's offensive system, KJ putting up big numbers wasn't a surprise to anyone.  I get excited to watch Davis play after seeing KJs success knowing that Davis was on a trajectory to beat out KJ this year had KJ stayed. Davis must be really good to do that. Go Stanford.

Thank you for listening!

Right there with you on Davis. Can't wait to see what he and these WRs (along with Peat & Jones and a more seasoned o-line) can do. And I don't think Stanford fans have ill will towards KJ. But I was surprised by the volume of the folks who seemed so ready to turn how KJ did vs. LSU into a critique/indictment of Stanford's program. But, as I said on the show, that's what I get for checking social media & message boards right after games!

You do bring up something intriguing: is the Air Raid a superior offensive system? Mixed results, I'd say. If you love passing yards, yes. If you're a QB or a WR, yes. If you don't like seeing your QB get hit, no. If you want your QB to learn how to make great pre-snap decisions, probably not. If you like games that only run about three hours, no. Depends on what you're looking for (and whom you can recruit), I guess.

And while Leach's WSU teams gave Shaw's Stanford teams fits (don't forger that Alex Grinch had a lot to do with that, by the way), there is this.....

2012-19 (Leach Era at WSU)	P12 pass offense titles	Rose Bowl apps	P12FCG apps	record vs. closest P12 rival
Stanford	0	3	4	7-1 (vs. Cal)
WSU	7	0	0	1-7 (vs. UW)

The stats are there, but the championships & Big wins, to this point, are not. And, last I checked, SEC tends to have dudes who actually play defense. But, who knows? I still wish KJ all the success in the world, and hopefully he comes back to The Farm for his Pro Day and tears it up. (hopefully we even have Pro Days next spring...)

Yes, Yam will definitely be missed on the Pac-12 Network. Glad he could jump on the show. Great anchor, terrific ambassador, and an even better person. (then again, I'm a "mediocre Pac 12 personality" myself, so what do I know?)

Troy C

[CompSci87]

We have some fans here who are never happy unless they can critique and indict the program and its head coach. Watch me get beat up as a Shawpologist for saying this. ;-)

[CompSci87]

We have some fans here who are never happy unless they can critique and indict the program and its head coach. Watch me get beat up as a Shawpologist for saying this. ;-)

[winflop]

First, I'm thrilled for KJ.

I agree with Troy that fans who are using KJ's performance to be critical of Shaw's offense are crazy. Apples & oranges. Both work.

That being said, I am still left to question why Shaw let KJ get away. He wasn't healthy last year, and we knew before last weekend how good KJ is when he's healthy. I hope Mills is great, but he hasn't played a full season without injury since he was a junior in HS. I know Mills has 2 years left vs. KJ's 1 year, but that's not enough for me given his fragility. Combined with having stayed with both Nunes and Chryst for way too long, I am left to question Shaw's judgment of QBs.

I also guffaw at Shaw's spin on the defense.

I really hope we have a winning record this season, and we damn well better get our Axe back!

[winflop]

First, I'm thrilled for KJ.

I agree with Troy that fans who are using KJ's performance to be critical of Shaw's offense are crazy. Apples & oranges. Both work.

That being said, I am still left to question why Shaw let KJ get away. He wasn't healthy last year, and we knew before last weekend how good KJ is when he's healthy. I hope Mills is great, but he hasn't played a full season without injury since he was a junior in HS. I know Mills has 2 years left vs. KJ's 1 year, but that's not enough for me given his fragility. Combined with having stayed with both Nunes and Chryst for way too long, I am left to question Shaw's judgment of QBs.

I also guffaw at Shaw's spin on the defense.

I really hope we have a winning record this season, and we damn well better get our Axe back!

[BostonCard]

That being said, I am still left to question why Shaw let KJ get away. He wasn't healthy last year, and we knew before last weekend how good KJ is when he's healthy. I hope Mills is great, but he hasn't played a full season without injury since he was a junior in HS. I know Mills has 2 years left vs. KJ's 1 year, but that's not enough for me given his fragility. Combined with having stayed with both Nunes and Chryst for way too long, I am left to question Shaw's judgment of QBs.

What's your proposed solution?  If Shaw has half a brain, he tells everyone that there is a competition for the starting spot and that the best QB will earn it.  Of course, if you are rational and have the option to become an almost certain starter at MSU without penalty, where you can put up a gajillion yards or stay at Stanford with no guarantees, it would take an extraordinarily confident or loyal person to stay.

The alternatives are to make KJ the starter, which is fine until his first bad game when everyone will wonder about why Shaw doesn't put Mills in, or lie to KJ.

BC

[BostonCard]

That being said, I am still left to question why Shaw let KJ get away. He wasn't healthy last year, and we knew before last weekend how good KJ is when he's healthy. I hope Mills is great, but he hasn't played a full season without injury since he was a junior in HS. I know Mills has 2 years left vs. KJ's 1 year, but that's not enough for me given his fragility. Combined with having stayed with both Nunes and Chryst for way too long, I am left to question Shaw's judgment of QBs.

What's your proposed solution?  If Shaw has half a brain, he tells everyone that there is a competition for the starting spot and that the best QB will earn it.  Of course, if you are rational and have the option to become an almost certain starter at MSU without penalty, where you can put up a gajillion yards or stay at Stanford with no guarantees, it would take an extraordinarily confident or loyal person to stay.

The alternatives are to make KJ the starter, which is fine until his first bad game when everyone will wonder about why Shaw doesn't put Mills in, or lie to KJ.

BC

[winflop]

That being said, I am still left to question why Shaw let KJ get away. He wasn't healthy last year, and we knew before last weekend how good KJ is when he's healthy. I hope Mills is great, but he hasn't played a full season without injury since he was a junior in HS. I know Mills has 2 years left vs. KJ's 1 year, but that's not enough for me given his fragility. Combined with having stayed with both Nunes and Chryst for way too long, I am left to question Shaw's judgment of QBs.

What's your proposed solution?  If Shaw has half a brain, he tells everyone that there is a competition for the starting spot and that the best QB will earn it.  Of course, if you are rational and have the option to become an almost certain starter at MSU without penalty, where you can put up a gajillion yards or stay at Stanford with no guarantees, it would take an extraordinarily confident or loyal person to stay.

The alternatives are to make KJ the starter, which is fine until his first bad game when everyone will wonder about why Shaw doesn't put Mills in, or lie to KJ.

BC

My understanding is that Shaw told KJ that Mills was the starter. I think Shaw at a minimum should have said there would be an open competition in spring ball. That's why I question his judgment.

[winflop]

That being said, I am still left to question why Shaw let KJ get away. He wasn't healthy last year, and we knew before last weekend how good KJ is when he's healthy. I hope Mills is great, but he hasn't played a full season without injury since he was a junior in HS. I know Mills has 2 years left vs. KJ's 1 year, but that's not enough for me given his fragility. Combined with having stayed with both Nunes and Chryst for way too long, I am left to question Shaw's judgment of QBs.

What's your proposed solution?  If Shaw has half a brain, he tells everyone that there is a competition for the starting spot and that the best QB will earn it.  Of course, if you are rational and have the option to become an almost certain starter at MSU without penalty, where you can put up a gajillion yards or stay at Stanford with no guarantees, it would take an extraordinarily confident or loyal person to stay.

The alternatives are to make KJ the starter, which is fine until his first bad game when everyone will wonder about why Shaw doesn't put Mills in, or lie to KJ.

BC

My understanding is that Shaw told KJ that Mills was the starter. I think Shaw at a minimum should have said there would be an open competition in spring ball. That's why I question his judgment.

[BostonCard]

https://www.sfchronicle.com/collegesport...873128.php

Shaw's quotes here suggest that Costello wasn't playing because he was injured.

“This entire year, I’ve felt for him,” Stanford head coach David Shaw said after Saturday’s season-ending loss to Notre Dame. “It’s difficult when you can’t attain your aspirations, even more so when you don’t even have an opportunity to go after those.”
...
“You never question his heart,” said Shaw of Costello, who tried to help backup Davis Mills with protection and coverage changes during Saturday’s 45-24 defeat. “It’s really easy to lose focus and drift off, but I commend him for staying involved and staying connected to his teammates.”

And this article suggested that Costello was the incumbent, at least in the "short-term"

https://goldengatesports.com/2019/12/19/...ting-role/

Head coach David Shaw was committed to Costello in the short-term, but there was no guarantee that Mills wouldn’t be given a shot down the line — especially if Costello struggled.

That's a far cry from "Shaw told KJ that Mills was the starter."

BC

[BostonCard]

https://www.sfchronicle.com/collegesport...873128.php

Shaw's quotes here suggest that Costello wasn't playing because he was injured.

“This entire year, I’ve felt for him,” Stanford head coach David Shaw said after Saturday’s season-ending loss to Notre Dame. “It’s difficult when you can’t attain your aspirations, even more so when you don’t even have an opportunity to go after those.”
...
“You never question his heart,” said Shaw of Costello, who tried to help backup Davis Mills with protection and coverage changes during Saturday’s 45-24 defeat. “It’s really easy to lose focus and drift off, but I commend him for staying involved and staying connected to his teammates.”

And this article suggested that Costello was the incumbent, at least in the "short-term"

https://goldengatesports.com/2019/12/19/...ting-role/

Head coach David Shaw was committed to Costello in the short-term, but there was no guarantee that Mills wouldn’t be given a shot down the line — especially if Costello struggled.

That's a far cry from "Shaw told KJ that Mills was the starter."

BC

[BobK]

Yet Shaw decided on Mills as the starter as told elsewhere.

[BobK]

Yet Shaw decided on Mills as the starter as told elsewhere.

[Goose]

KJ isn't stupid. If he stayed at Stanford and lost the competition (if there was to be one) as starter, his future draft position is severely negatively impacted. He would have no "next year" to go someplace else. Going elsewhere where he knew that he was going to be the starter had to be number one priority. He had no margin for error. Maybe if Shaw promised him the starting job, he could remain at Stanford. However, do you take the risk that you get replaced by Mills after a bad game and never see the field again? I think not. Granted, that could happen if you transfer as well, in theory, but if you are clearly better than the alternatives it isn't probable. At Stanford, KJ wasn't clearly better than Mills, so it could happen.

Shaw OTOH has a problem if he promises KJ the starting job. Mills would now be in a position that year after next would be his only chance as a starter without any guarantee that he wouldn't be overtaken by McKee. Under those conditions, Mills might have considered transferring. Shaw could have been left with only McKee if both guys decided they were better off elsewhere.

I think everybody concerned is better off the way it turned out, and I think all three would agree that is the case. KJ got his degree and can go study football in another system. Adds to the resume for sure. Mills is the obvious starter and has two years to establish his reputation. Shaw doesn't risk a QB controversy or both guys leaving. Best of all possible outcomes.

[Goose]

KJ isn't stupid. If he stayed at Stanford and lost the competition (if there was to be one) as starter, his future draft position is severely negatively impacted. He would have no "next year" to go someplace else. Going elsewhere where he knew that he was going to be the starter had to be number one priority. He had no margin for error. Maybe if Shaw promised him the starting job, he could remain at Stanford. However, do you take the risk that you get replaced by Mills after a bad game and never see the field again? I think not. Granted, that could happen if you transfer as well, in theory, but if you are clearly better than the alternatives it isn't probable. At Stanford, KJ wasn't clearly better than Mills, so it could happen.

Shaw OTOH has a problem if he promises KJ the starting job. Mills would now be in a position that year after next would be his only chance as a starter without any guarantee that he wouldn't be overtaken by McKee. Under those conditions, Mills might have considered transferring. Shaw could have been left with only McKee if both guys decided they were better off elsewhere.

I think everybody concerned is better off the way it turned out, and I think all three would agree that is the case. KJ got his degree and can go study football in another system. Adds to the resume for sure. Mills is the obvious starter and has two years to establish his reputation. Shaw doesn't risk a QB controversy or both guys leaving. Best of all possible outcomes.

[lex24]

If Shaw believed Mills was going to be the starter then the right thing to do was tell that to KJ so he could choose if he wanted to go into the portal.  Personally I think even if KJ was told it was an open competition he would’ve gone into the portal. He spent the previous year being hurt and had one more to show pro scouts what he can do. And he wants to play in the NFL.

 The portal changes things. Being completely honest with the player in that position is in my opinion pretty damn important. It’s their future.

[lex24]

If Shaw believed Mills was going to be the starter then the right thing to do was tell that to KJ so he could choose if he wanted to go into the portal.  Personally I think even if KJ was told it was an open competition he would’ve gone into the portal. He spent the previous year being hurt and had one more to show pro scouts what he can do. And he wants to play in the NFL.

 The portal changes things. Being completely honest with the player in that position is in my opinion pretty damn important. It’s their future.

[teejers1]

If Shaw believed Mills was going to be the starter then the right thing to do was tell that to KJ so he could choose if he wanted to go into the portal.  Personally I think even if KJ was told it was an open competition he would’ve gone into the portal. He spent the previous year being hurt and had one more to show pro scouts what he can do. And he wants to play in the NFL.

 The portal changes things. Being completely honest with the player in that position is in my opinion pretty damn important. It’s their future.

Lex, Lex, Lex . . . I agree with you 100%!!

[teejers1]

If Shaw believed Mills was going to be the starter then the right thing to do was tell that to KJ so he could choose if he wanted to go into the portal.  Personally I think even if KJ was told it was an open competition he would’ve gone into the portal. He spent the previous year being hurt and had one more to show pro scouts what he can do. And he wants to play in the NFL.

 The portal changes things. Being completely honest with the player in that position is in my opinion pretty damn important. It’s their future.

Lex, Lex, Lex . . . I agree with you 100%!!

[gailtate]

We have some fans here who are never happy unless they can critique and indict the program and its head coach. Watch me get beat up as a Shawpologist for saying this. ;-)

I'm elated when when Stanford wins and always frustrated when it loses games to evenly-matched opponents who are better-coached and better prepared. And, other than the UW game last year, I can't remember a single ShawVita game in which Stanford out-coached and upset a heavily favored opponent.

---

Troy- As usual, I enjoyed listening to the podcast on my morning run.  Mike Yam was a great guest. He will be missed on the Pac12 Network.



I think your concerns about Stanford fans reactions to KJ's performance was a little misguided. My perception is that most Stanford fans are excited to see KJ's success and are happy for him and understand his rationale for leaving.  While it does give the Shavita doubters fodder to point out the superiority of Leach's offensive system, KJ putting up big numbers wasn't a surprise to anyone.  I get excited to watch Davis play after seeing KJs success knowing that Davis was on a trajectory to beat out KJ this year had KJ stayed. Davis must be really good to do that. Go Stanford.

Thank you for listening!

Right there with you on Davis. Can't wait to see what he and these WRs (along with Peat & Jones and a more seasoned o-line) can do. And I don't think Stanford fans have ill will towards KJ. But I was surprised by the volume of the folks who seemed so ready to turn how KJ did vs. LSU into a critique/indictment of Stanford's program. But, as I said on the show, that's what I get for checking social media & message boards right after games!

You do bring up something intriguing: is the Air Raid a superior offensive system? Mixed results, I'd say. If you love passing yards, yes. If you're a QB or a WR, yes. If you don't like seeing your QB get hit, no. If you want your QB to learn how to make great pre-snap decisions, probably not. If you like games that only run about three hours, no. Depends on what you're looking for (and whom you can recruit), I guess.

And while Leach's WSU teams gave Shaw's Stanford teams fits (don't forger that Alex Grinch had a lot to do with that, by the way), there is this.....

2012-19 (Leach Era at WSU)	P12 pass offense titles	Rose Bowl apps	P12FCG apps	record vs. closest P12 rival
Stanford	0	3	4	7-1 (vs. Cal)
WSU	7	0	0	1-7 (vs. UW)

The stats are there, but the championships & Big wins, to this point, are not. And, last I checked, SEC tends to have dudes who actually play defense. But, who knows? I still wish KJ all the success in the world, and hopefully he comes back to The Farm for his Pro Day and tears it up. (hopefully we even have Pro Days next spring...)

Yes, Yam will definitely be missed on the Pac-12 Network. Glad he could jump on the show. Great anchor, terrific ambassador, and an even better person. (then again, I'm a "mediocre Pac 12 personality" myself, so what do I know?)

Troy C

Troy: great TreeCast, as usual. Must comment, however, re your WSU comparison, that it's the recent trend vs. the Cougs that concerns me. Like, those four consecutive losses since 2016? The bigger-picture trajectory is troubling, too. Hope ShawVita can right the ship. Just wish I had more confidence.

[gailtate]

We have some fans here who are never happy unless they can critique and indict the program and its head coach. Watch me get beat up as a Shawpologist for saying this. ;-)

I'm elated when when Stanford wins and always frustrated when it loses games to evenly-matched opponents who are better-coached and better prepared. And, other than the UW game last year, I can't remember a single ShawVita game in which Stanford out-coached and upset a heavily favored opponent.

---

Troy- As usual, I enjoyed listening to the podcast on my morning run.  Mike Yam was a great guest. He will be missed on the Pac12 Network.



I think your concerns about Stanford fans reactions to KJ's performance was a little misguided. My perception is that most Stanford fans are excited to see KJ's success and are happy for him and understand his rationale for leaving.  While it does give the Shavita doubters fodder to point out the superiority of Leach's offensive system, KJ putting up big numbers wasn't a surprise to anyone.  I get excited to watch Davis play after seeing KJs success knowing that Davis was on a trajectory to beat out KJ this year had KJ stayed. Davis must be really good to do that. Go Stanford.

Thank you for listening!

Right there with you on Davis. Can't wait to see what he and these WRs (along with Peat & Jones and a more seasoned o-line) can do. And I don't think Stanford fans have ill will towards KJ. But I was surprised by the volume of the folks who seemed so ready to turn how KJ did vs. LSU into a critique/indictment of Stanford's program. But, as I said on the show, that's what I get for checking social media & message boards right after games!

You do bring up something intriguing: is the Air Raid a superior offensive system? Mixed results, I'd say. If you love passing yards, yes. If you're a QB or a WR, yes. If you don't like seeing your QB get hit, no. If you want your QB to learn how to make great pre-snap decisions, probably not. If you like games that only run about three hours, no. Depends on what you're looking for (and whom you can recruit), I guess.

And while Leach's WSU teams gave Shaw's Stanford teams fits (don't forger that Alex Grinch had a lot to do with that, by the way), there is this.....

2012-19 (Leach Era at WSU)	P12 pass offense titles	Rose Bowl apps	P12FCG apps	record vs. closest P12 rival
Stanford	0	3	4	7-1 (vs. Cal)
WSU	7	0	0	1-7 (vs. UW)

The stats are there, but the championships & Big wins, to this point, are not. And, last I checked, SEC tends to have dudes who actually play defense. But, who knows? I still wish KJ all the success in the world, and hopefully he comes back to The Farm for his Pro Day and tears it up. (hopefully we even have Pro Days next spring...)

Yes, Yam will definitely be missed on the Pac-12 Network. Glad he could jump on the show. Great anchor, terrific ambassador, and an even better person. (then again, I'm a "mediocre Pac 12 personality" myself, so what do I know?)

Troy C

Troy: great TreeCast, as usual. Must comment, however, re your WSU comparison, that it's the recent trend vs. the Cougs that concerns me. Like, those four consecutive losses since 2016? The bigger-picture trajectory is troubling, too. Hope ShawVita can right the ship. Just wish I had more confidence.

[Spiny_Norman]

Troy: great TreeCast, as usual. Must comment, however, re your WSU comparison, that it's the recent trend vs. the Cougs that concerns me. Like, those four consecutive losses since 2016? The bigger-picture trajectory is troubling, too. Hope ShawVita can right the ship. Just wish I had more confidence.

The biggest factor in Stanford's recent losing streak vs. WSU has not been the offense. It's the defense's inability to stop WSU. In 2017, WSU went 95 yards for the winning TD in the 4th quarter. Stanford had been something like 48-0 or 49-0 under Shaw when entering the 4th quarter with a lead before that. In 2018, Stanford again gave up a 4th quarter lead and lost as WSU went 50 yards in about a minute for the winning FG. In 2019, Davis Mills set a school record for passing yards with 504 yards in the air. WSU passed for even more, 520 yards, over 600 yards of total offense. Stanford has been mostly powerless to stop Leach's Air Raid. Hoping for better results against the new WSU coach.

[Spiny_Norman]

Troy: great TreeCast, as usual. Must comment, however, re your WSU comparison, that it's the recent trend vs. the Cougs that concerns me. Like, those four consecutive losses since 2016? The bigger-picture trajectory is troubling, too. Hope ShawVita can right the ship. Just wish I had more confidence.

The biggest factor in Stanford's recent losing streak vs. WSU has not been the offense. It's the defense's inability to stop WSU. In 2017, WSU went 95 yards for the winning TD in the 4th quarter. Stanford had been something like 48-0 or 49-0 under Shaw when entering the 4th quarter with a lead before that. In 2018, Stanford again gave up a 4th quarter lead and lost as WSU went 50 yards in about a minute for the winning FG. In 2019, Davis Mills set a school record for passing yards with 504 yards in the air. WSU passed for even more, 520 yards, over 600 yards of total offense. Stanford has been mostly powerless to stop Leach's Air Raid. Hoping for better results against the new WSU coach.

[winflop]

If Shaw believed Mills was going to be the starter then the right thing to do was tell that to KJ so he could choose if he wanted to go into the portal.  Personally I think even if KJ was told it was an open competition he would’ve gone into the portal. He spent the previous year being hurt and had one more to show pro scouts what he can do. And he wants to play in the NFL.

 The portal changes things. Being completely honest with the player in that position is in my opinion pretty damn important. It’s their future.

I've heard nothing that suggests that Shaw was anything but completely above board with KJ - and others who went into the portal as well as those who chose to stay. If I had I'd be jumping up and down calling foul. I just question the decision he made, and I'm concerned because it's part of a pattern of at least three bad QB judgments.

I've not heard any reports that Shaw told KJ that he would be the starter or that there would be an open competition - telling a player to focus on getting healthy is not telling them that they'll be the starter when they're healthy.

[winflop]

If Shaw believed Mills was going to be the starter then the right thing to do was tell that to KJ so he could choose if he wanted to go into the portal.  Personally I think even if KJ was told it was an open competition he would’ve gone into the portal. He spent the previous year being hurt and had one more to show pro scouts what he can do. And he wants to play in the NFL.

 The portal changes things. Being completely honest with the player in that position is in my opinion pretty damn important. It’s their future.

I've heard nothing that suggests that Shaw was anything but completely above board with KJ - and others who went into the portal as well as those who chose to stay. If I had I'd be jumping up and down calling foul. I just question the decision he made, and I'm concerned because it's part of a pattern of at least three bad QB judgments.

I've not heard any reports that Shaw told KJ that he would be the starter or that there would be an open competition - telling a player to focus on getting healthy is not telling them that they'll be the starter when they're healthy.

[JohnR34231]

We have some fans here who are never happy unless they can critique and indict the program and its head coach. Watch me get beat up as a Shawpologist for saying this. ;-)

Agree. I'm glad I'm not the only one who finds this tiresome.
P.S. Nobody is suggesting that Shaw should be immune from criticism. It's just that when people seize every opportunity to take a swipe at him it gets old.

[JohnR34231]

We have some fans here who are never happy unless they can critique and indict the program and its head coach. Watch me get beat up as a Shawpologist for saying this. ;-)

Agree. I'm glad I'm not the only one who finds this tiresome.
P.S. Nobody is suggesting that Shaw should be immune from criticism. It's just that when people seize every opportunity to take a swipe at him it gets old.

[Mick]

Today's MSU opponent is Arkansas.  Arkansas lost to Georgia 37-10 in the first game, and Georgia's QB went 20/29 for 211 yards, 2 TDs and 1 INT.

MSU is now ranked #16.

[Mick]

Today's MSU opponent is Arkansas.  Arkansas lost to Georgia 37-10 in the first game, and Georgia's QB went 20/29 for 211 yards, 2 TDs and 1 INT.

MSU is now ranked #16.

[Treebound]

I'm thrilled for KJ and hope he has a great year!  I think Shaw was upfront with him - at best it would be a competition, with Mills having a slight edge to start based on where they were at the end of last season.  KJ knew that the Pirate was going to run Air Raid and highlight his arm, Shawvita would likely be more of the same conservatism.  He made his bet and I'm happy for him, but concerned for us given Mills injury history.

We open away at Oregon.  Not going to be an easy first game with so many changes and departures.  Maybe we get lucky with both teams still working through the cobwebs.  Was hoping Little would rejoin and I was surprised by Adebo.     The biggest question in my mind is Tavita and the play calling - yet again.  We no longer have the TWU, smash mouth brand of football.    We haven't been able to enforce our will and if most of us can sit on the rails and still call most of the plays, the D coordinators will be at the ready yet again.    Player development, toughness and EUTM would go a long way in my mind.  I'm hopeful, but not as optimistic as in past years.  With the NFL starting to test positive more and more, we may not get to Nov 7, but if we do...just bring our damn axe home, please.

[Treebound]

I'm thrilled for KJ and hope he has a great year!  I think Shaw was upfront with him - at best it would be a competition, with Mills having a slight edge to start based on where they were at the end of last season.  KJ knew that the Pirate was going to run Air Raid and highlight his arm, Shawvita would likely be more of the same conservatism.  He made his bet and I'm happy for him, but concerned for us given Mills injury history.

We open away at Oregon.  Not going to be an easy first game with so many changes and departures.  Maybe we get lucky with both teams still working through the cobwebs.  Was hoping Little would rejoin and I was surprised by Adebo.     The biggest question in my mind is Tavita and the play calling - yet again.  We no longer have the TWU, smash mouth brand of football.    We haven't been able to enforce our will and if most of us can sit on the rails and still call most of the plays, the D coordinators will be at the ready yet again.    Player development, toughness and EUTM would go a long way in my mind.  I'm hopeful, but not as optimistic as in past years.  With the NFL starting to test positive more and more, we may not get to Nov 7, but if we do...just bring our damn axe home, please.