It was a classic example of the myth that a short pass is equivalent to a run. Since early last season USC has become increasingly dependent on flanker outs and bubble screens. And no doubt there's some temptation there, with Lee and Woods. But as USC resembled a Big 12 team more and more, the glass jaw was readily apparent. Many of the sharper fans on their message boards were concerned. Tonight USC tried to pretend physical for the bulk of three quarters. They had plenty of great sticks. But Stanford didn't have to role play. Their essence is brute physical. Once USC dropped the fake field goal in the end zone for a potential 21-7 edge, Stanford smacked them in the mouth for the remainder of the game and USC steadily caved.
Stanford is one of the most fascinating teams in modern memory. Harbaugh's blueprint placed so many talented and physical linebackers, fullbacks and tight ends on that roster it's scary. It's so refreshing to watch that smart brute basic style as opposed to the spread garbage that clutters the screen all day. If anything, the roster is improved from the Luck years. That game wouldn't have been competitive tonight with Luck out there. The awesome recruiting has now expanded to offensive linemen and running backs, plus the defensive backs are playing tighter and more aggressively to the receiver, apparently after the Blackmon abuse in the Fiesta Bowl last season. Harbaugh is obviously fantastic with the 49ers but I wish he'd remained a college coach for two decades, the most unapologetically in your face approach since Jimmy Johnson. Not sure if David Shaw can maintain the level.
It was a classic example of the myth that a short pass is equivalent to a run. Since early last season USC has become increasingly dependent on flanker outs and bubble screens. And no doubt there's some temptation there, with Lee and Woods. But as USC resembled a Big 12 team more and more, the glass jaw was readily apparent. Many of the sharper fans on their message boards were concerned. Tonight USC tried to pretend physical for the bulk of three quarters. They had plenty of great sticks. But Stanford didn't have to role play. Their essence is brute physical. Once USC dropped the fake field goal in the end zone for a potential 21-7 edge, Stanford smacked them in the mouth for the remainder of the game and USC steadily caved.
Stanford is one of the most fascinating teams in modern memory. Harbaugh's blueprint placed so many talented and physical linebackers, fullbacks and tight ends on that roster it's scary. It's so refreshing to watch that smart brute basic style as opposed to the spread garbage that clutters the screen all day. If anything, the roster is improved from the Luck years. That game wouldn't have been competitive tonight with Luck out there. The awesome recruiting has now expanded to offensive linemen and running backs, plus the defensive backs are playing tighter and more aggressively to the receiver, apparently after the Blackmon abuse in the Fiesta Bowl last season. Harbaugh is obviously fantastic with the 49ers but I wish he'd remained a college coach for two decades, the most unapologetically in your face approach since Jimmy Johnson. Not sure if David Shaw can maintain the level.
**** nice post
It was a classic example of the myth that a short pass is equivalent to a run. Since early last season USC has become increasingly dependent on flanker outs and bubble screens. And no doubt there's some temptation there, with Lee and Woods. But as USC resembled a Big 12 team more and more, the glass jaw was readily apparent. Many of the sharper fans on their message boards were concerned. Tonight USC tried to pretend physical for the bulk of three quarters. They had plenty of great sticks. But Stanford didn't have to role play. Their essence is brute physical. Once USC dropped the fake field goal in the end zone for a potential 21-7 edge, Stanford smacked them in the mouth for the remainder of the game and USC steadily caved.
Stanford is one of the most fascinating teams in modern memory. Harbaugh's blueprint placed so many talented and physical linebackers, fullbacks and tight ends on that roster it's scary. It's so refreshing to watch that smart brute basic style as opposed to the spread garbage that clutters the screen all day. If anything, the roster is improved from the Luck years. That game wouldn't have been competitive tonight with Luck out there. The awesome recruiting has now expanded to offensive linemen and running backs, plus the defensive backs are playing tighter and more aggressively to the receiver, apparently after the Blackmon abuse in the Fiesta Bowl last season. Harbaugh is obviously fantastic with the 49ers but I wish he'd remained a college coach for two decades, the most unapologetically in your face approach since Jimmy Johnson. Not sure if David Shaw can maintain the level.
**** nice post
It was a classic example of the myth that a short pass is equivalent to a run. Since early last season USC has become increasingly dependent on flanker outs and bubble screens. And no doubt there's some temptation there, with Lee and Woods. But as USC resembled a Big 12 team more and more, the glass jaw was readily apparent. Many of the sharper fans on their message boards were concerned. Tonight USC tried to pretend physical for the bulk of three quarters. They had plenty of great sticks. But Stanford didn't have to role play. Their essence is brute physical. Once USC dropped the fake field goal in the end zone for a potential 21-7 edge, Stanford smacked them in the mouth for the remainder of the game and USC steadily caved.
Stanford is one of the most fascinating teams in modern memory. Harbaugh's blueprint placed so many talented and physical linebackers, fullbacks and tight ends on that roster it's scary. It's so refreshing to watch that smart brute basic style as opposed to the spread garbage that clutters the screen all day. If anything, the roster is improved from the Luck years. That game wouldn't have been competitive tonight with Luck out there. The awesome recruiting has now expanded to offensive linemen and running backs, plus the defensive backs are playing tighter and more aggressively to the receiver, apparently after the Blackmon abuse in the Fiesta Bowl last season. Harbaugh is obviously fantastic with the 49ers but I wish he'd remained a college coach for two decades, the most unapologetically in your face approach since Jimmy Johnson. Not sure if David Shaw can maintain the level.