[teejers1]

Speaking of things that drive fans crazy: referring to "those who want a new head coach at Stanford."  Do you really think there is anyone who feels that way?  Maybe a wingnut or two, but the overwhelming majority sentiment is that Shaw has done a very good job as Stanford's Head Coach.

My (oft-stated) objections are: 

(i) what I see as the most basic of coaching errors that do not give Stanford the best chance to win.  At Utah was one such example.  The back-to-back games against SC were others.  Of course, some may say "hindsight bias," blah, blah, blah, but that is not the case.  And yes, we don't know what would have happened without the Most Basic Brainlocks, but the point is, it shouldn't be an issue in the first instance.

(ii) an insufficient recognition that the Stanford football program - despite the winning - is on shaky ground.  Why is a small stadium hosting a winning team rarely (if ever) filled up on game day?  There are, of course, multiple reasons for this.  But I submit that part of the problem is a 'run between the tackle' offense that doesn't excite those watching.  I mean, think about this team without Bryce Love - would it be enjoyable to watch?  Love has singularly made this a remarkable and fun team to watch.

If the multitude of close wins Stanford has had turn into close losses, then where will the program be?  It may seem like hyperbole, but it's possible that David Shaw will be the winningest coach in Stanford history AND the coach who presides over the demise over the program.

(iii) sufficient appreciation of roster talent and setting expectations accordingly.  Shaw absolutely deserves credit for generally keeping the pipeline of talent on the roster at all-time highs (in my non-expert opinion).  But with heightened talent, is it also not reasonable to expect increased W/L records?  Thus, to some extent, the comparison to coaches of yesteryear is not quite apples to oranges.

Having said all of the above, a coach's job is to recruit good players and field a winning team, and Coach Shaw has certainly done that very well.  And that's appreciated and to be applauded. 

And btw, I agree that this team could end up 7-5 through no fault of Shaw & Co. (i.e., no obvious blunders).  There are a lot of good opponents remaining on the schedule. 

Here's hoping for 9-3 (10-2 seems almost like too much to ask).

[teejers1]

Speaking of things that drive fans crazy: referring to "those who want a new head coach at Stanford."  Do you really think there is anyone who feels that way?  Maybe a wingnut or two, but the overwhelming majority sentiment is that Shaw has done a very good job as Stanford's Head Coach.

My (oft-stated) objections are: 

(i) what I see as the most basic of coaching errors that do not give Stanford the best chance to win.  At Utah was one such example.  The back-to-back games against SC were others.  Of course, some may say "hindsight bias," blah, blah, blah, but that is not the case.  And yes, we don't know what would have happened without the Most Basic Brainlocks, but the point is, it shouldn't be an issue in the first instance.

(ii) an insufficient recognition that the Stanford football program - despite the winning - is on shaky ground.  Why is a small stadium hosting a winning team rarely (if ever) filled up on game day?  There are, of course, multiple reasons for this.  But I submit that part of the problem is a 'run between the tackle' offense that doesn't excite those watching.  I mean, think about this team without Bryce Love - would it be enjoyable to watch?  Love has singularly made this a remarkable and fun team to watch.

If the multitude of close wins Stanford has had turn into close losses, then where will the program be?  It may seem like hyperbole, but it's possible that David Shaw will be the winningest coach in Stanford history AND the coach who presides over the demise over the program.

(iii) sufficient appreciation of roster talent and setting expectations accordingly.  Shaw absolutely deserves credit for generally keeping the pipeline of talent on the roster at all-time highs (in my non-expert opinion).  But with heightened talent, is it also not reasonable to expect increased W/L records?  Thus, to some extent, the comparison to coaches of yesteryear is not quite apples to oranges.

Having said all of the above, a coach's job is to recruit good players and field a winning team, and Coach Shaw has certainly done that very well.  And that's appreciated and to be applauded. 

And btw, I agree that this team could end up 7-5 through no fault of Shaw & Co. (i.e., no obvious blunders).  There are a lot of good opponents remaining on the schedule. 

Here's hoping for 9-3 (10-2 seems almost like too much to ask).