[JohnR34231]

For me, this loss didn't hurt as much as against Washington (who I really feel we would beat 8 or 9 times out of 10).

ND has some definite strengths and made plays (maybe a little bit lucky) beyond just breaking a poor tackle like the UW receiver and Sankey did. They won the game more than Stanford lost it.

The Big Game is actually really big, imo. Win, and I'm sure this team will finish the season strong. Lose, however, and I do think there is potential for a lot of dissension and disappointment that will be tough to rally against. Many of us remember 1997, when the team started 4-1 but then lost five straight.

Agree. Although it would have been a great victory, there really is nothing to be ashamed about in taking a top ten team into overtime on their home field.  Also, given the ND defense's stinginess this year, our offensive performance was probably a bit more excusable.
This game would have been nice to win, Washington was one we should have won.

Also agree the Kal game is really, really big. Win it and 8-4 (or maybe even 9-3) is reachable. Lose it, and I'm afraid we are looking at 7-5 or 6-6.

P.S. If we fail to get an offensive touchdown (perish the thought) against the Bares, and Shaw still refuses to give anyone else a shot at QB, consider me to have jumped on the "Is he the right guy for the job" bandwagon.

[JohnR34231]

For me, this loss didn't hurt as much as against Washington (who I really feel we would beat 8 or 9 times out of 10).

ND has some definite strengths and made plays (maybe a little bit lucky) beyond just breaking a poor tackle like the UW receiver and Sankey did. They won the game more than Stanford lost it.

The Big Game is actually really big, imo. Win, and I'm sure this team will finish the season strong. Lose, however, and I do think there is potential for a lot of dissension and disappointment that will be tough to rally against. Many of us remember 1997, when the team started 4-1 but then lost five straight.

Agree. Although it would have been a great victory, there really is nothing to be ashamed about in taking a top ten team into overtime on their home field.  Also, given the ND defense's stinginess this year, our offensive performance was probably a bit more excusable.
This game would have been nice to win, Washington was one we should have won.

Also agree the Kal game is really, really big. Win it and 8-4 (or maybe even 9-3) is reachable. Lose it, and I'm afraid we are looking at 7-5 or 6-6.

P.S. If we fail to get an offensive touchdown (perish the thought) against the Bares, and Shaw still refuses to give anyone else a shot at QB, consider me to have jumped on the "Is he the right guy for the job" bandwagon.