“The Big Game” hasn’t had much riding on it since the band took the field in 82’ but this year on of the hottest teams/coaches, are the Stanford Cardinal and their head coach Jim Harbaugh. Peaking at the right time, or perhaps just a little bit late, the Cardinal have won 3 straight including big wins over Oregon and USC, and find themselves needing a win and a little love to get to the Rose Bowl for the first time since 2000. On the strength of their 51-42 win over the Ducks the Cardinal have the tie-breaker in the event both teams end up at 8-3, but for that to happen Stanford must first win The Big Game with Cal and then get some much needed love from Oregon State, who beat the cardinals earlier in the year by 10 points and travel to Eugene to close out their season next week. It could happen but the Cardinals’ chances would be much better if the Beavers were at home, just the same it’s been a great run for Stanford and their coach, but they should enjoy both while they can, as USC will probably re-load next year and Harbaugh will be on the road to a marquis program come February.  

Pac-10 Conference Standings