[FarEastStanfan]

A few things.  First, Shaw was slow in adapting to the earlier calendar. His reluctance to bring in visitors before the early commitment period has hurt us. In addition, we are less successful than we were in the first half of the 2010’s; kids being recruited now were 10 the last time we went to a Rose Bowl. Also, I think the pandemic has hurt Stanford more than other schools, because we recruit nationally, and many student-athletes have responded to the pandemic by staying closer to home.

As far as I know, admissions has not hurt us any more than usual.

BC

I agree with all of the above, but especially your point about the dearth of major bowl appearances in the last 10 years. I think one reality with Stanford is the program is always just a few mediocre (not even bad) seasons away from doubts being raised in the minds of recruits about the long-term strength of the program. OTOH, programs like USC and Notre Dame can go through extended down periods and scandals and still always seem to be on the cusp of a renaissance. Basically, to keep gathering truly excellent recruiting classes, Stanford is under extra pressure to maintain not just a good, but a great record, nearly every year.

[FarEastStanfan]

A few things.  First, Shaw was slow in adapting to the earlier calendar. His reluctance to bring in visitors before the early commitment period has hurt us. In addition, we are less successful than we were in the first half of the 2010’s; kids being recruited now were 10 the last time we went to a Rose Bowl. Also, I think the pandemic has hurt Stanford more than other schools, because we recruit nationally, and many student-athletes have responded to the pandemic by staying closer to home.

As far as I know, admissions has not hurt us any more than usual.

BC

I agree with all of the above, but especially your point about the dearth of major bowl appearances in the last 10 years. I think one reality with Stanford is the program is always just a few mediocre (not even bad) seasons away from doubts being raised in the minds of recruits about the long-term strength of the program. OTOH, programs like USC and Notre Dame can go through extended down periods and scandals and still always seem to be on the cusp of a renaissance. Basically, to keep gathering truly excellent recruiting classes, Stanford is under extra pressure to maintain not just a good, but a great record, nearly every year.