[OutsiderFan]

How long has Stanford employed data analysts to help inform what Stanford should do on the football field in given situations?

Not to oversimplify things, but when it comes to run-pass ratio, it should be really simple. If there are 8 in the box, you pass, period. To avoid stacked boxes - so you can run - you spread the field and pass more, especially early in games.

This doesn't mean you can't line up in tight, predominant run personnel and formations. The data is very clear that you just cannot run into stacked boxes, ever, if you desire gaining yards, first downs, and points.  If you just want to run clock, and don't need to score, then fine, run into stacked boxes just to see if your OL can impose its will on the defense.

I have to believe Shaw has learned and internalized what the data says. The fact he's simplified the offense to get younger guys on the field faster, demonstrates a willingness to evolve. As does the fact Stanford threw the ball much more last year after the run game faltered. Now, if we see a further demonstration of understanding that it's better to pass to set up the run, and use play action passing more, then we'll see Stanford's full potential on offense. I'm optimistic this is the Stanford offense we will see this year.

[OutsiderFan]

How long has Stanford employed data analysts to help inform what Stanford should do on the football field in given situations?

Not to oversimplify things, but when it comes to run-pass ratio, it should be really simple. If there are 8 in the box, you pass, period. To avoid stacked boxes - so you can run - you spread the field and pass more, especially early in games.

This doesn't mean you can't line up in tight, predominant run personnel and formations. The data is very clear that you just cannot run into stacked boxes, ever, if you desire gaining yards, first downs, and points.  If you just want to run clock, and don't need to score, then fine, run into stacked boxes just to see if your OL can impose its will on the defense.

I have to believe Shaw has learned and internalized what the data says. The fact he's simplified the offense to get younger guys on the field faster, demonstrates a willingness to evolve. As does the fact Stanford threw the ball much more last year after the run game faltered. Now, if we see a further demonstration of understanding that it's better to pass to set up the run, and use play action passing more, then we'll see Stanford's full potential on offense. I'm optimistic this is the Stanford offense we will see this year.