Here are some of my thoughts about the UW game.
- I know every commentator was saying this, but it was nice to see "Stanford football." I realize that some on the board have been calling for Shaw to open it up, and I agree if that fits our personnel. But for reasons that we can debate elsewhere, I think that we do best as a team when we run, run, play-action with a smart and accurate passer, tight ends, and a fullback. (Of course, we need to recruit that personnel and have a good strength program.) Not only does it run clock and shorten games, but it also de-spirits the other team and beats up their defensive front as time goes on.
- I thought the offensive line did awesome, of course. Looks like the experience from last year and the beef they added are paying off. And they performed well not just in the run game, but they protected well, too. I spent a little time zeroing in on the line play, and two who stood out to me were Dalman and Bragg. Dalman is awesome. Like All-America awesome. Tenacious and smart and unafraid. And Bragg is just a hammer.
- Austin Jones looked great. He wanted the ball, too. Ran really hard, and has some speed and great body control. There were a few times where I wish that he wouldn't have insisted on running into where the hole was designed and plugged, but overall, a great game. He'll learn from the fumble. Peat has some wheels; I hope we take advantage of that.
- It really is a bummer about Wilson, Wedington, and OSB. But if there is one position on the team in which we can absorb losses, it's WR. Especially with the emergence of Brycen Tremayne, we have some athletes there. I just hope their long-term health is ok. Higgins looked good. It's just one(?) more game...
- I thought that Mills looked fantastic. Had control of the huddle. Had command of the play clock and the audibles at the LOS. And, man, his passes are just on point. Most precise passer that we've had since Andrew. Not as mobile as Kevin, of course, but a great passer. Did you see him step up in the pocket and evade rushers? Really good.
- How about that front seven! No pass rush, but I don't think that was the defensive design. We stopped the run really well, except for a few quarterback get-aways when we lost contain. But, overall, it was so fun having a team that could stop the run. I loved it.
- Here's my progression of thoughts about Thomas Schaffer over the years: 1) How cool! We have an Austrian on or team! That's so nice for him. 2) Wow, looks like he might see some garbage time snaps! That's so nice for him. 3) Hmm. I guess he has a little skill! We have another body! That's so nice for us! 4) Oh my gosh, he's a player. We are so lucky to have him on our team. Seriously, I don't know where we'd be without Schaffer. On a defensive line that has zero depth, Schaffer is not merely filling in; he's making plays.
- That had to have been Curtis Robinson's best game in a Stanford uniform. He actually looked like a real Stanford "Mike" linebacker. Not a perfect game, but really good. Some of his angles may have been off, but he didn't miss tackles. Where was Gabe Reid? (I mean that rhetorically. I saw him in the game.)
- The defensive backs still have some issues, especially safety. Not a surprise, I know. Cornerbacks did ok, better in tackling than in coverage. Safeties... What are we going to do there next year? It's going to keep being a problem until it's addressed. I don't think Williamson and McGill are the answers.
- Special teams played really well. Booker with another block - has that ever happened, three in a season? - and really good returns. I remember worrying about Alamar. No more.
- Good job, coaches, getting the players ready in imperfect conditions and executing a great game plan. Now get out there and recruit off this win!