[FarmBoy]

If Stanford reverts to this level of play and loses one more game than they would by not playing an LA school, then a cascade could be initiated that eventually results in a new lower norm.

Then why not just play a bunch of patsies? We could take it further: replace Notre Dame on the schedule with Sacramento St as the non-conference rival. We'll keep in winning and increase our chances for bowl eligibility. Personally, that's not a game I want to watch in perpetuity.

Or, think about it this way: what's the one event everyone invariably points to as the "start" of Stanford's emergence? 2007 @ US.C. If Stanford hadn't been playing the Trojans that year, we lose that opportunity to make a statement that we "bow to no program." Big games are big opportunities. (yes, saying that "the greatest upset of all time" is the bedrock of the current program is oversimplifying, but there's not denying it played a role.)

[FarmBoy]

If Stanford reverts to this level of play and loses one more game than they would by not playing an LA school, then a cascade could be initiated that eventually results in a new lower norm.

Then why not just play a bunch of patsies? We could take it further: replace Notre Dame on the schedule with Sacramento St as the non-conference rival. We'll keep in winning and increase our chances for bowl eligibility. Personally, that's not a game I want to watch in perpetuity.

Or, think about it this way: what's the one event everyone invariably points to as the "start" of Stanford's emergence? 2007 @ US.C. If Stanford hadn't been playing the Trojans that year, we lose that opportunity to make a statement that we "bow to no program." Big games are big opportunities. (yes, saying that "the greatest upset of all time" is the bedrock of the current program is oversimplifying, but there's not denying it played a role.)