[OutsiderFan]

Judging from board activity this week, it seems the level of enthusiasm for this football season has taken a dip, but what is the general mood of the fan base?

Are people still pumped up to watch the remaining 7 or 8 games?

Has a "wait until next year" mindset set in?

Is this ND game now looked at as more of an exhibition given it has no bearing on conference and bowl seedings or playoff contention?

Are people just no longer interested in watching boring offense?

I dont' see the usual calls for coach heads that follow debacles like the last two games were.  It seems there is a collective resignation that this season is a disappointment, but nobody is too upset given how well the program has performed since 2009.  It almost feels a little bit like the Giants bowing out to the Cubs the way they did.  Yes, you are upset about the awful bullpen, but the team has provided so many great moments over the last six seasons that you can't really be all that upset with a meltdown after such recent high achievement.

It all makes me wonder how Stanford fans are feeling about the team and the emotional state of the fan base. 

[OutsiderFan]

Judging from board activity this week, it seems the level of enthusiasm for this football season has taken a dip, but what is the general mood of the fan base?

Are people still pumped up to watch the remaining 7 or 8 games?

Has a "wait until next year" mindset set in?

Is this ND game now looked at as more of an exhibition given it has no bearing on conference and bowl seedings or playoff contention?

Are people just no longer interested in watching boring offense?

I dont' see the usual calls for coach heads that follow debacles like the last two games were.  It seems there is a collective resignation that this season is a disappointment, but nobody is too upset given how well the program has performed since 2009.  It almost feels a little bit like the Giants bowing out to the Cubs the way they did.  Yes, you are upset about the awful bullpen, but the team has provided so many great moments over the last six seasons that you can't really be all that upset with a meltdown after such recent high achievement.

It all makes me wonder how Stanford fans are feeling about the team and the emotional state of the fan base. 

[Phogge]

By the start of the 4th Q the usually somewhat boisterous sunny side was almost silent. One guy in 234 was still involved but in a "Can you believe this?" The shady side was already on their way home.

The offense is not yet in a "shotgun draw" state but if this stuff continues it might get to the stage where I'm the only person in 234 in the fourth Q just like in the WSU game in 2006.

The off season will be ok if they can sign some linemen. They may need a stud RB too. I may go into hibernation until The Masters anyway.

[Phogge]

By the start of the 4th Q the usually somewhat boisterous sunny side was almost silent. One guy in 234 was still involved but in a "Can you believe this?" The shady side was already on their way home.

The offense is not yet in a "shotgun draw" state but if this stuff continues it might get to the stage where I'm the only person in 234 in the fourth Q just like in the WSU game in 2006.

The off season will be ok if they can sign some linemen. They may need a stud RB too. I may go into hibernation until The Masters anyway.

[BobK]

Our group in 235 stayed to the end as you know.  Cheered the TD at the end, then again after the replay and booeed the no XP try.
The Giants took our breath away, in two ways. 

[BobK]

Our group in 235 stayed to the end as you know.  Cheered the TD at the end, then again after the replay and booeed the no XP try.
The Giants took our breath away, in two ways. 

[washingtonismoney]

I wouldn't necessarily mind seeing a shakeup in the offensive coaching staff but I'm pretty much resigned about this season unless the team gets a lot healthier.

[washingtonismoney]

I wouldn't necessarily mind seeing a shakeup in the offensive coaching staff but I'm pretty much resigned about this season unless the team gets a lot healthier.

[Stymie]

I've only watched two games this year, SC and UCLA on TV in Florida. Both were good wins against good opposition, even though there was less discipline than normal and far less "intellectual brutality" on our side and far more "senseless brutality" on the other sides.  Simply we got out-intimidated against two teams we had dominated for some time.  I had listened to the KSU game and thought that we did OK, but struggled to win.

Then, I went en famille to visit my eldest daugher who is now working and living in Sweden, and I woke up in the middle of the night and turned on the computer.  It was 30-0 and not for the good guys.  I listened for the next Stanford drive which got us to 30-6 and decided to stay up just in case that my click had given them some mojo, but I was wrong.  Last weekend I was back in Scotland and woke up again in the middle of the night to see if we could get the mojo back against Wazzu, at home.  I was wrong.

This year is now a complete clusteryouknowthenoun.  I frankly do not expect nor wish that we somehow turn around Battleship USS Shaw over the next few months.  I want us to stabilize, and don't care whether or not we go to any bowl game.  So:

1. Let our injured players heal.  And I include McCaffrey in this pool.
2. Let Burns and Chryst continue to do as best they can, but do not expect either one to be the starting QB next year.  And, as a corollary, do not burn Costello's redshirt unless Burns and Chryst clompletely flame out.
3. Get a complete new offensive coaching team, all of whom need to be able to direct a balanced offense.  After 5 or so years of us flimflamming other teams with our Jumbo boreathon, the opposing DC's seem to have found a way to beat it.  We need to change and the time to start is now!
4. Defense is generally OK.  We have two DL studs (but we are completely screwed if either one gets injured) and the secondary (when not injured) could be our best ever.  As for linebackers, PK was great two years ago but has stalled since then.  JA and MT are doing OK and SB and CT seem to have potential, but there are too many in that 3-deep that are not stepping up to the plate (as it were).

End of Rant!

Stymie

[Stymie]

I've only watched two games this year, SC and UCLA on TV in Florida. Both were good wins against good opposition, even though there was less discipline than normal and far less "intellectual brutality" on our side and far more "senseless brutality" on the other sides.  Simply we got out-intimidated against two teams we had dominated for some time.  I had listened to the KSU game and thought that we did OK, but struggled to win.

Then, I went en famille to visit my eldest daugher who is now working and living in Sweden, and I woke up in the middle of the night and turned on the computer.  It was 30-0 and not for the good guys.  I listened for the next Stanford drive which got us to 30-6 and decided to stay up just in case that my click had given them some mojo, but I was wrong.  Last weekend I was back in Scotland and woke up again in the middle of the night to see if we could get the mojo back against Wazzu, at home.  I was wrong.

This year is now a complete clusteryouknowthenoun.  I frankly do not expect nor wish that we somehow turn around Battleship USS Shaw over the next few months.  I want us to stabilize, and don't care whether or not we go to any bowl game.  So:

1. Let our injured players heal.  And I include McCaffrey in this pool.
2. Let Burns and Chryst continue to do as best they can, but do not expect either one to be the starting QB next year.  And, as a corollary, do not burn Costello's redshirt unless Burns and Chryst clompletely flame out.
3. Get a complete new offensive coaching team, all of whom need to be able to direct a balanced offense.  After 5 or so years of us flimflamming other teams with our Jumbo boreathon, the opposing DC's seem to have found a way to beat it.  We need to change and the time to start is now!
4. Defense is generally OK.  We have two DL studs (but we are completely screwed if either one gets injured) and the secondary (when not injured) could be our best ever.  As for linebackers, PK was great two years ago but has stalled since then.  JA and MT are doing OK and SB and CT seem to have potential, but there are too many in that 3-deep that are not stepping up to the plate (as it were).

End of Rant!

Stymie

[stupac2]

I wouldn't necessarily mind seeing a shakeup in the offensive coaching staff but I'm pretty much resigned about this season unless the team gets a lot healthier.

Same. We at least got to see a few good wins before the season went all game of thrones on us, I'm hoping that the backups getting experience and seeing some adversity helps for the less-brutal odd-year schedule next year. I think the ease of the injury excuse may prevent Shaw from thinking too hard about his staff, but he's been taking plenty of the blame in public statements so maybe not.

[stupac2]

I wouldn't necessarily mind seeing a shakeup in the offensive coaching staff but I'm pretty much resigned about this season unless the team gets a lot healthier.

Same. We at least got to see a few good wins before the season went all game of thrones on us, I'm hoping that the backups getting experience and seeing some adversity helps for the less-brutal odd-year schedule next year. I think the ease of the injury excuse may prevent Shaw from thinking too hard about his staff, but he's been taking plenty of the blame in public statements so maybe not.

[Phogge]

Disagree about the LB's. The outside guys have been torched the last two weeks. Example: Getting turned in on sweeps. The inside guys are AWOL.

[Phogge]

Disagree about the LB's. The outside guys have been torched the last two weeks. Example: Getting turned in on sweeps. The inside guys are AWOL.

[thunder_chik]

2016 = "The Great Regression".  Very possible to see us 6-6 for the season (Beavers, Kal, Rice being our other Ws).
I hope I am wrong, and that we at least get to watch some "fun" football the next few weeks. ;)

[thunder_chik]

2016 = "The Great Regression".  Very possible to see us 6-6 for the season (Beavers, Kal, Rice being our other Ws).
I hope I am wrong, and that we at least get to watch some "fun" football the next few weeks. ;)

[Snorlax94]

Yes, there's no denying it's a disappointing year. There was this feeling that there was a special opportunity this year because of the expectation that Christian will head to the NFL next year. Perhaps he'll surprise us and stay, in which case the team will be truly stacked next year, but it would be a pleasant surprise based on what his father has said.

I still feel there is a lot of football left to play, and in my mind, the season can still be a positive one if the team can end up at a good bowl game.

I tend to be less upset at the coching staff so far -- we will see starting this weekend how the team does with some of its injured players back, against probably the worst team we've played thus far.

Down years are common in college football, part of students graduating and going to the NFL. Of the past 8 cfp teams, look at where Oregon, Florida State, and Oklahoma are now. With Stanford's admission standards, I don't expect them to be able to load up year-after-year like Alabama, Ohio State or Clemson.

We'll learn a lot more about the team during these next 2 games.

[Snorlax94]

Yes, there's no denying it's a disappointing year. There was this feeling that there was a special opportunity this year because of the expectation that Christian will head to the NFL next year. Perhaps he'll surprise us and stay, in which case the team will be truly stacked next year, but it would be a pleasant surprise based on what his father has said.

I still feel there is a lot of football left to play, and in my mind, the season can still be a positive one if the team can end up at a good bowl game.

I tend to be less upset at the coching staff so far -- we will see starting this weekend how the team does with some of its injured players back, against probably the worst team we've played thus far.

Down years are common in college football, part of students graduating and going to the NFL. Of the past 8 cfp teams, look at where Oregon, Florida State, and Oklahoma are now. With Stanford's admission standards, I don't expect them to be able to load up year-after-year like Alabama, Ohio State or Clemson.

We'll learn a lot more about the team during these next 2 games.

[slide]

...The inside guys are AWOL but at least fresh (due to the substitution patterns).

:)

[slide]

...The inside guys are AWOL but at least fresh (due to the substitution patterns).

:)

[fullmetal]

I'm reserving final judgment until the team gets healthy again, but my opinions on the playcalling and state of the lines (mostly OL) are well-known and not too controversial.

Agreed on saving Costello's redshirt unless both Burns and Chryst get hurt--but will Costello even stay four years?  No sense in pulverizing him behind that OL though.

There was a series in the WSU 2H that others have touched on.  Threw on 1st-10 out of the power-I formation, then ran it on 2nd down out of the power-I, and then missed a third down throw out of the shotgun.  Throwing out of power-I is amazing!  And following it up with a run is likewise good.  Forcing bad defensive choices from a position of strength is good.  That's not quite the same as misdirection.  But trying to do either from a position of mediocrity leads to blown up reverses, bad wildcat runs, and other such tackles for loss.

Someone mentioned the lack of creativity in the WR route trees/schemes.  I agree.  What happened to that wheel route combo that sprung McCaffrey for a TD?  It's not like that's a good-for-only-one-use formation or play.  And surely if we line up in that formation, the defense will shade over to cover the flat, so why not exploit that?

No one will be in town to host the alumni club game watch party this weekend, so I might have to make it no-host.  There goes the bandwagon.

[fullmetal]

I'm reserving final judgment until the team gets healthy again, but my opinions on the playcalling and state of the lines (mostly OL) are well-known and not too controversial.

Agreed on saving Costello's redshirt unless both Burns and Chryst get hurt--but will Costello even stay four years?  No sense in pulverizing him behind that OL though.

There was a series in the WSU 2H that others have touched on.  Threw on 1st-10 out of the power-I formation, then ran it on 2nd down out of the power-I, and then missed a third down throw out of the shotgun.  Throwing out of power-I is amazing!  And following it up with a run is likewise good.  Forcing bad defensive choices from a position of strength is good.  That's not quite the same as misdirection.  But trying to do either from a position of mediocrity leads to blown up reverses, bad wildcat runs, and other such tackles for loss.

Someone mentioned the lack of creativity in the WR route trees/schemes.  I agree.  What happened to that wheel route combo that sprung McCaffrey for a TD?  It's not like that's a good-for-only-one-use formation or play.  And surely if we line up in that formation, the defense will shade over to cover the flat, so why not exploit that?

No one will be in town to host the alumni club game watch party this weekend, so I might have to make it no-host.  There goes the bandwagon.

[Papa John]

Less than 10 months ago, I watched in person as Stanford routed Iowa in the Rose Bowl. A few weeks ago, I returned to the Rose Bowl (stadium) and watched a stirring comeback versus an overly aggressive, motivated UCLA team. The coaching staff has not forgotten how to coach. The team will get healthy and will improve. If McCaffrey sticks around for one more year, Stanford will win the Pac-12 in 2017.

So I would say that my mood is the same as the adjective that I used to describe myself in my Stanford application for undergraduate admissions in 1980: Hopeful.

[Papa John]

Less than 10 months ago, I watched in person as Stanford routed Iowa in the Rose Bowl. A few weeks ago, I returned to the Rose Bowl (stadium) and watched a stirring comeback versus an overly aggressive, motivated UCLA team. The coaching staff has not forgotten how to coach. The team will get healthy and will improve. If McCaffrey sticks around for one more year, Stanford will win the Pac-12 in 2017.

So I would say that my mood is the same as the adjective that I used to describe myself in my Stanford application for undergraduate admissions in 1980: Hopeful.

[Treebound]

Between the WSU game and the Giants 9th inning debacle, I have definitely not been a happy camper this week.  I knew that this schedule with an unproven QB would be tough.  I felt like 2-3 losses was realistic, but I had hoped for better, especially after the UCLA comeback. 

I'm disappointed in how we lost to the WA schools.  Completely man handled at the line of scrimmage.  There is no smashmouth if your line is consistently getting smashed first.  I felt sorry for CMac last game and I'm glad Shaw gave him a rest in the second half. 

I'm curious as to what was said by the team and the team leaders after this last loss and I'm curious to see how Shaw and staff adjust - THEY NEED TO!  Injuries, inexperience, yes we have them, but we need to adjust based on what we have versus trying the same approach as last year.  We need more counter plays and some well timed play action, but most of all we need to play with more intensity and attitude.  This is still a very good team and they need to believe that.  Hopeful, yes, that's me, but I'm hoping that the team is committed to improving each week and bringing their best for each other.   

[Treebound]

Between the WSU game and the Giants 9th inning debacle, I have definitely not been a happy camper this week.  I knew that this schedule with an unproven QB would be tough.  I felt like 2-3 losses was realistic, but I had hoped for better, especially after the UCLA comeback. 

I'm disappointed in how we lost to the WA schools.  Completely man handled at the line of scrimmage.  There is no smashmouth if your line is consistently getting smashed first.  I felt sorry for CMac last game and I'm glad Shaw gave him a rest in the second half. 

I'm curious as to what was said by the team and the team leaders after this last loss and I'm curious to see how Shaw and staff adjust - THEY NEED TO!  Injuries, inexperience, yes we have them, but we need to adjust based on what we have versus trying the same approach as last year.  We need more counter plays and some well timed play action, but most of all we need to play with more intensity and attitude.  This is still a very good team and they need to believe that.  Hopeful, yes, that's me, but I'm hoping that the team is committed to improving each week and bringing their best for each other.   

[North Woods]

The first few games weren't necessarily pretty, but at least it felt like the team was there to compete and expected a high standard from each other. We got wins against solid teams in part through grit. The past two have obviously been impacted by injuries, but even so those who played looked somewhat shellshocked too often.

My hope for the rest of the season mostly comes down to attitude. The team needs to decide that they have too much talent (including backups) to be mediocre. I want them to show determination that they will reestablish an identity. The view from the outside to us and recruits should be that the Washington/WSU games were outliers both this year and in the trajectory of our program. I'm okay with another couple losses if they are losses where we are fighting until the end. I want to see signs that next year we will bounce back.

[North Woods]

The first few games weren't necessarily pretty, but at least it felt like the team was there to compete and expected a high standard from each other. We got wins against solid teams in part through grit. The past two have obviously been impacted by injuries, but even so those who played looked somewhat shellshocked too often.

My hope for the rest of the season mostly comes down to attitude. The team needs to decide that they have too much talent (including backups) to be mediocre. I want them to show determination that they will reestablish an identity. The view from the outside to us and recruits should be that the Washington/WSU games were outliers both this year and in the trajectory of our program. I'm okay with another couple losses if they are losses where we are fighting until the end. I want to see signs that next year we will bounce back.

[StanfordIndians1]

Well from a reader and someone who doesn't post much......Why don't all you doubters stay away for the rest of the season?  Go watch hockey. I am sure the amateur 20 year old kids playing and representing Stanford would agree.  Small minority of you want an "attitude change" and most u whiners are unbelievable on here.  Why not be a true fan and stay till the end?

Years of crappy teams (then a great run the last 5 years )and now we hit a speedbump so let's bag on the kids and team and lets complain.  Yes I know, that's your right as a fan.  But last time I checked you aren't  taking a snap or playing in the game. I am sure it means more to the kids that have spent thousands of hours training for these short 4 months.

Some members think they know the game so well and well -you don't.  I as a true fan will continue to support. And I know 100% that if we run the table and end up 10-2 then you will be the first back on the bandwagon.  I for one will cheer them on like crazy from The East Coast! #noroomforbandwagonfans.  #Ionlysupportifwewin #itsaboutme

[StanfordIndians1]

Well from a reader and someone who doesn't post much......Why don't all you doubters stay away for the rest of the season?  Go watch hockey. I am sure the amateur 20 year old kids playing and representing Stanford would agree.  Small minority of you want an "attitude change" and most u whiners are unbelievable on here.  Why not be a true fan and stay till the end?

Years of crappy teams (then a great run the last 5 years )and now we hit a speedbump so let's bag on the kids and team and lets complain.  Yes I know, that's your right as a fan.  But last time I checked you aren't  taking a snap or playing in the game. I am sure it means more to the kids that have spent thousands of hours training for these short 4 months.

Some members think they know the game so well and well -you don't.  I as a true fan will continue to support. And I know 100% that if we run the table and end up 10-2 then you will be the first back on the bandwagon.  I for one will cheer them on like crazy from The East Coast! #noroomforbandwagonfans.  #Ionlysupportifwewin #itsaboutme

[thunder_chik]

Although I am disappointed in the team's performance the last two games, I am still a loyal fan and plan to watch and/or listen to as many of our remaining games as I can.  In the words of the great Dodger announcer, Vin Scully (may he enjoy his retirement!):  "Good is not good when better is expected."  I hope our team plays better the rest of the season, whether it's Ls or Ws.

[thunder_chik]

Although I am disappointed in the team's performance the last two games, I am still a loyal fan and plan to watch and/or listen to as many of our remaining games as I can.  In the words of the great Dodger announcer, Vin Scully (may he enjoy his retirement!):  "Good is not good when better is expected."  I hope our team plays better the rest of the season, whether it's Ls or Ws.

[SUBuddha]

I have faith, but when the mood on the board is such as it has been I tend to avoid coming in as often. I am a Shaw believer and get very annoyed at the Shawgren meme. I will be watching every game and am still trying to make the journey for another home game. Sadly I am going to miss the game here in Tucson due to a family Disney trip that my wife planned for that weekend. You can guarantee that if I can find a way to watch I will.

The team is down, not out.

[SUBuddha]

I have faith, but when the mood on the board is such as it has been I tend to avoid coming in as often. I am a Shaw believer and get very annoyed at the Shawgren meme. I will be watching every game and am still trying to make the journey for another home game. Sadly I am going to miss the game here in Tucson due to a family Disney trip that my wife planned for that weekend. You can guarantee that if I can find a way to watch I will.

The team is down, not out.

[Mick]

I've been a fan sine 1970.  I've watched them through Christiansen and Walsh and Dowhower and Wiggin and Dennis and Ty and Buddy and Walt and Jim and David.  And I suspect almost all of us here will do so.

Which will not prevent us from offering the occasional, ill-considered recommendation.  Like hiring Greg Roman, toutes suites

[Mick]

I've been a fan sine 1970.  I've watched them through Christiansen and Walsh and Dowhower and Wiggin and Dennis and Ty and Buddy and Walt and Jim and David.  And I suspect almost all of us here will do so.

Which will not prevent us from offering the occasional, ill-considered recommendation.  Like hiring Greg Roman, toutes suites

[82lsju]

well my optimism is waning, but I still won't pick us to loss in the predictions threa....d

I'll still be at all the home games (heck I've been to most of the home games since 1979)

I really really hope we win Big Game......

[82lsju]

well my optimism is waning, but I still won't pick us to loss in the predictions threa....d

I'll still be at all the home games (heck I've been to most of the home games since 1979)

I really really hope we win Big Game......

[JJJ]

hosting a telecast viewing party, and not picking against the alma mater. #stubbornfan

[JJJ]

hosting a telecast viewing party, and not picking against the alma mater. #stubbornfan