[Austroturf]

But in a Pac-12 that currently does not boast strong defenses, they are riding high.

Tonight's game epitomized how Stanford, along with many teams in the Pac-12, has become a Big 12esque offense/team. And with it comes the regression on defense, as most Big-12 spread offense teams correspondingly struggle on defense. 

The Pac-12 is basically the Big 12 with Pac-12 after dark games.

Good point.  And good comparison.  

I am just surprised that Shaw has allowed the defense to get to this point.  Shaw's football DNA has always been: trust the D to get the stop.  For that, you need a solid unit on that side of the ball.  As stated earlier, maybe we just cannot successfully recruit for those key positions anymore (not enough Stanford-caliber high-school recruits who are bruisers on defense).  Or we cannot develop the Trent Murphys, Blake Martinezes and Shayne Skovs of earlier defensive units.  I have no insight into the cause of the problem; but we do have a problem.  

And of course in such a conference, a former BIG 12 coach is ruling the roost.  It hurts double that this loss was to Leach for a third straight time.  Looks like we have endured plenty of payback for that squeaker in 2015.

[Austroturf]

But in a Pac-12 that currently does not boast strong defenses, they are riding high.

Tonight's game epitomized how Stanford, along with many teams in the Pac-12, has become a Big 12esque offense/team. And with it comes the regression on defense, as most Big-12 spread offense teams correspondingly struggle on defense. 

The Pac-12 is basically the Big 12 with Pac-12 after dark games.

Good point.  And good comparison.  

I am just surprised that Shaw has allowed the defense to get to this point.  Shaw's football DNA has always been: trust the D to get the stop.  For that, you need a solid unit on that side of the ball.  As stated earlier, maybe we just cannot successfully recruit for those key positions anymore (not enough Stanford-caliber high-school recruits who are bruisers on defense).  Or we cannot develop the Trent Murphys, Blake Martinezes and Shayne Skovs of earlier defensive units.  I have no insight into the cause of the problem; but we do have a problem.  

And of course in such a conference, a former BIG 12 coach is ruling the roost.  It hurts double that this loss was to Leach for a third straight time.  Looks like we have endured plenty of payback for that squeaker in 2015.