1. Perspective

The first drive started out with the fresh aromas of a new fall breeze. Things were moving, and McCaffrey and others even displayed new numbers on their jerseys. The leaves were seemingly turning cardinal colors. And then—the red zone. Settling for a field goal after the ease of the first drive was ominous, and all too familiar.

Afterwards, things just got worse, and Stanford lost its opening game for the first time since 2007.

We saw this same game before. Last year against Utah. Last year against Arizona State. Last year against Notre Dame. We’ve seen the combination of ridiculously bad execution from the players and poor decisions from the coaches.

I’m not sure how I’m going to find the energy for the blog this year. It isn’t entirely bandwagon related—my teaching schedule has increased and it is going to be tough for me to find the time. But I’m also just wondering what there will be to write about. What will be new and interesting this year? I honestly don’t know at this point.

2. Coaching: Stubborn Is As Stubborn Does

David Shaw is still too—I don’t know…what is a word that means the exact opposite of dynamic?—to be in charge of offensive in-game decisions. Nothing changes for him during the game. When the offense is struggling, you might think we would roll out some different looks, or take a few shots downfield, or take some risks on 4^th down. Not with Shaw. 3^rd and 14? Let’s get five yards of field position with a run play. 4^th and 5 from Northwestern’s 37, while trailing 10-3? Eh… punt. 17 yards of field position! What about a long pass attempt? We only threw one long pass all game. (Rector dropped a sure touchdown pass from Hogan.)

I tuned in for a bit of the UCLA-Virginia game. I wanted to root for the Pac-12 in a few games and I also wanted to see UCLA’s true freshman quarterback Josh Rosen. On UCLA’s first offensive play, Jim Mora let Rosen drop back and air out a 50-yard pass downfield. It was a thing of beauty, only to be dropped by an inexperienced receiver. But Rosen got many more opportunities to throw the long ball, and the UCLA offense had a great day. Jim Harbaugh used to let Andrew Luck open the game with a deep bomb. I still remember a beauty to Chris Owusu against Oregon State in 2009. (Strangely enough, Owusu dropped it also.)

Shaw needs to accept the fact that our run game is nothing like it was a few years ago. For that matter, our defense isn’t as good either. Stanford needs to adapt. Our team does not fit into the same molds made from guys like Tyler Gaffney and Shayne Skov. We need to evolve.

After the game, Jon Wilner of the San Jose Mercury News asked Shaw if he was holding plays back for future games. Shaw rattled off some formations Stanford used, then said, “Tell me what you think I should run, and I’ll get it in next week’s game plan.”

Here is a short-list put together in about ten seconds: misdirection plays, wheel routes, stop-and-go routes, lots more deep routes, screens to tight ends, screens to McCaffrey, Hogan roll-outs, a Ryan Burns or Keller Chryst series, a halfback pass, a run on 3^rd and 5 to set up another run on 4^th and short, a surprise onside kick… anything… just something to keep us awake at least.

3. Defense: Another Solid Performance

Northwestern gained 225 yards on the ground, but took 54 attempts to do so. Stanford’s 4.2 yards allowed per rush was actually about average among games played between FBS teams. The real number here is that Stanford allowed only 16 points in a road game. Only 16 points—despite getting no turnovers and dropping two potential interceptions in the end zone. The defense played their hearts out and gave us a chance to win.

4. Offense: Fundamentals Are Important

Don’t drop passes. Don’t throw the ball out-of-bounds. Eat organic brown rice and wash down with Guinness. Fundamentals, people.

5. Up Next: UCF (0-1)

UCF lost to at home to Florida International last week. Time for a good tailgate on Saturday—the main event is not a hot ticket right now.