[Mick]

I watched the team very closely.  They were gassed from about six minutes to go in the third quarter, and MAN were they tired in the entire fourth quarter.

I can't say whether the team is in shape or not, or what kind of shape they're in.  But they died in the fourth quarter, much as they have died in previous fourth quarters this year.

 I was thinking of Justin Skule, the rookie LT who took over for All-Pro Joe Staley on the 49ers last week.  For three quarters his name was never mentioned and his man didn't beat him.  Then, the fourth quarter.  Three penalties in five plays.  One hold, you could tell he was too tired to move his legs, and maybe that's to be expected for a guy who almost never gets in.  

That was the sense that I got from Stanford last night, offense and defense.  Their early defense was unbelievably tough.  And then...lactic acid set in.

[Mick]

I watched the team very closely.  They were gassed from about six minutes to go in the third quarter, and MAN were they tired in the entire fourth quarter.

I can't say whether the team is in shape or not, or what kind of shape they're in.  But they died in the fourth quarter, much as they have died in previous fourth quarters this year.

 I was thinking of Justin Skule, the rookie LT who took over for All-Pro Joe Staley on the 49ers last week.  For three quarters his name was never mentioned and his man didn't beat him.  Then, the fourth quarter.  Three penalties in five plays.  One hold, you could tell he was too tired to move his legs, and maybe that's to be expected for a guy who almost never gets in.  

That was the sense that I got from Stanford last night, offense and defense.  Their early defense was unbelievably tough.  And then...lactic acid set in.