College Football Playoff: BCS Finally Adopts New Formula

You might have been bored by it all, unwilling to watch the one college sport that has fallen to its lowest, at a time thousands of fans have turned away from the chaos of a pedestrian and unpopular game for its latest hypocrisy.

In a sport of no structure but intense drama, in a sport of no legitimate playoff system but an unsound formula that defer schools hopes of fulfillment, implementing an eight-team playoff could rid the dysfunction as schools are entirely devoid of merit to rightly so vie for BCS bowl bids. The state of college football is disarray, with an epidemic of sullied computers and formulas mathematically deciding whether a program is worthy of playing on the national stage for a crystal football trophy.

In the creative world of innovation and technology, you can almost feel the BCS manipulating the more popular sport folks have grown attached to and immersed themselves in football, a far more appreciated game in the American culture — the primary sporting of pop culture. The 12-member BCS Presidential Oversight Committee, meeting some time on Tuesday, is likely going to approve a four-team playoff format. This is progress, a step closer toward a much-improved game with very little politics and more of a competitive balance. And so, reportedly, we notice the BCS commissioners and Notre Dame’s athletic director endorsed a four-team postseason arrangement a week ago.

“We’re very unified,” Big Ten commissioner Jim Delany told ESPN. “There are issues that have yet to be finalized. There’s always devil in the detail, from the model to the selection process, but clearly we’ve made a lot of progress.”

If it goes as plan, under a proposed plan, there will be two national semifinals games and a national championship game. The four teams would be selected by a special committee and would take effect after the 2014 season, once the current BCS deal expires. The semifinals would be played at existing bowl sites and rotate every season, and the championship would be held at a neutral site. A bidding process would determine where the game is played each year.

The BCS is dead. It’s a flawed system that can soon rest peacefully, and every PC involved in college athletics can crash for that matter, as we are eager to welcome a playoff. Now we all wait to find out when a consensus decision could be reached to institute a new system that should satisfy schools, students, alumni, fans and student-athletes across the nation. In a seemingly contrasted move, the sport is aiming for a change, a new direction, ways to mend the game and jettison blemishes that have slightly damaged tradition, honesty and integrity.

It’s too often that schools, such as small programs with no prestige, no television audiences and financial deficits, are snubbed and rarely earn national regards. And so, it’s no real surprise that establishing a potential playoff can resolve the confusion and allow every team a fair advantage, putting aside bigotry and bias, which has weakened the sport after a number of universities have been devoid of top-tier bowl games and victimized by BCS fraud. It’s all happening because, over the years as we all know by now, college football’s broken formula and polls has dictated what schools played in what specific bowl game. This is where the NCAA withstood an outcry and a drumbeat of criticism — especially from programs like Boise State, Utah and TCU. The little guys could finally earn a fair share of respect if the proposed plan is approved no later than Tuesday.

It’s not exactly the first thing that comes to mind on his agenda, but President Obama insisted a long time ago there should be a playoff system to determine a legitimate champion. It’s not only going to increasingly modify the brand and target a new audience but a TV deal may be worth $3 billion. The bidding networks are prepared to make a run at a television contract that caters to the four-team playoff system. Right now, Walt Disney holds the rights to every BCS bowl game and the national championship game.

The current deal is $155 million combined from Disney for its ESPN and ABC networks, but with the new playoff system — which includes three games and two semifinals and a championship game — it should demand a TV rights contract greater than the current deal. The value of the football is growing and more games are televised nationally, considering the popularity, especially if the playoff system is approved. And beyond everything, with negotiations beginning in fall, the BCS could extend a relationship with ESPN, a major sports broadcasting company that could pocket $3.2 billion from an expected eight-year deal. If ESPN wants rights, it will have to outbid Comcast, a company owning the largest TV network in the country.

This is a day folks can’t wait to see for themselves, confident a playoff would change the way they view the game. This is a day fans can’t wait to be a part of for themselves, optimistic a four-team seeded playoff would settle the argument by rescinding bowl games, which could come to an end sooner than later. That’s a day college football will change for the better and forever, calling forth a committee to determine a team’s fate. It’s a new era of college football, and a playoff system may arrive in a matter of days, even though the Bowl Chaotic System should have been shot down a long time ago in favor of the long overdue playoffs.

This means there’d be no more outrageous polls, schools getting snubbed, computer standings and automatic qualifications. All of this is history with a playoff system, but it must be ratified before anything else. Just think of all the money that would be generated. Just think of the vast majority of fans, many of whom would keep a close eye on football as the average fan is fueled by a playoff atmosphere from all the excitement and thrills.

There won’t be much controversy from the BCS. It can’t please everyone one. It shows favoritism toward the SEC Conference — whether it was Alabama or LSU — and fails to acknowledge those worthy of BCS merit. It is deeply in love with Ohio State and Big Ten schools, um, yes, a conference with its own television network. Those are Pac 12 schools left behind. The wavering status of the Bowl Championship Series is anything but well balanced and instead is prejudice. Always biased and never to be trusted, the BCS credibility has withered as fans are hysterical and requesting a playoff system.

That’s not to say the playoff system would be completely fair, but it would be more credible than the BCS nonsense. Controversy will always be — particularly in college sports — where a program can whine and moan about No. 1 and 2 seeding. It’s about time they implement a new system not so disoriented and jaundiced. It’s likely nobody wants to see UConn get hammered by Texas. Logic is, SEC and Big 12 schools would dominate and play for a number of national titles. And Pac 12 and Big 10 schools will have a fair advantage, too.

It’s time for a legitimate winner. Put aside the BCS fraud and play fair.

Matt Barkley Knows Staying in School Is Cool for USC

Yet, even as we grow attach to Matt Barkley – chanting, simply pleading for him to return next season as a senior – we now realize that he’s not a mercenary but feels there is unfinished business. The prestigious football institution is widely appreciated and nurtures the welfare of pedigree, remarkable dynasties, idealism and great pride at USC that has a strong influence on many student-athletes.

Such was Barkley, a three-year starting quarterback and team captain who led USC to a 10-2 record this season. It’s the beginning to a new tale — more precisely, as Barkley announced Thursday that he will return for a final college season. It began, like any other nerve-racking announcement, with a brief news conference and then he made the announcement standing at the podium in front of a Christmas tree surrounded by six Heisman trophies.

The swarms of reporters packed Heritage Hall, and when he conveyed that he will forgo entering the NFL draft and return for his senior season, he was cheered by spectators and then serenaded by the school band. He’s like the god of the city – a humbled icon in a town that canonize college football, where the folks are deprived of a pro football franchise.

And when he announced that he’ll come back next season – and thus favorites to win the national championship – Barkley delivered an early Christmas present to every Trojans fan. He walked onto campus and into Heritage Hall wearing a smile on Thursday, well-groomed and proud to acknowledge that he’ll be back next season to possibly lead the Trojans to a BCS bowl game.

If nothing else, USC is certainly more exciting and in prime contention as one of the top football programs in the nation, after the Trojans were in the second year of a two-year postseason ban for NCAA violations from Reggie Bush accepting improper benefits.

What the program retained was an NFL-ready quarterback, as well as a collegiate star on a mission to finish on top for what has the makings of a legendary tale, especially if he leads USC in its first year off probation and direct the well-respected team into national triumph. It comes as no surprise that he returned for the gratitude of USC fans, and more than ever, to compete for the crystal football.

“I know in my heart I have not yet finished my journey as a Trojan football player,” Barkley said. “The 2012 team has some serious unfinished business to attend to and I intend to play in it.”

The letters started arriving early in the mail on most mornings. The letter of recommendations were mailed and delivered to his house for signs of encouragement to coax Barkley in verbally committing and attending a university that expressed the deepest interest in the most decorated high school football player in Orange County history during four seasons at quarterback for Mater Dei.

He waited for his dream to turn into reality, and indeed, mastered an ultimate goal with his signed letter of intent. The ink was drying slowly, his signature was glowing brightly and he had chosen to exemplify the recent installment of much promise at USC. Before his commitment to the university where he has excelled to the fullest, he had attended commencement at Mater Dei. His graduation tassel was proudly beside him.

Barkley recalled as he entered as a non-redshirt freshman – and he felt honor and delighted when he earned the nod to be No. 4 Southern California’s starting quarterback in his first game. Embraced as the nation’s most coveted high school prospect, he’d believe he had the intangibles and worked out on campus. Barkley, ladies and gentlemen, is one of the best quarterbacks in the nation, and more importantly, has a chance to play for the championship. By now, it’s a clear explanation as to why he returned. And we now know that he turned down millions in NFL riches – for now, as he had been encouraged to go for money. But in the end, he stayed for pride and education.

The USC doors by all accounts were open and Barkley could have ventured to fulfill his lifelong dream in playing at the highest level. It’s good that he’s not money-hungry, all about fame and apparently not buying into the hype of being a top draftee in April. It’s good that he’s staying to fulfill his ambition on the collegiate level realizing top-dollars will be available next year, particularly if he can elevate his draft status next season.

Barkley, an unflappable kid and true leader poised for the moment, probably can lead USC to a national championship next season. The world is dominated with talk about Barkley, and now there’ll be plenty more Trojan Walks, in which he’ll stroll through a walkway of fans on his way to the Coliseum.

It’s exciting but he’s taking a risk by staying in school for another year, a dicey move if he sustains a career-threatening injury and devalues his chances in being picked as top player in the draft. While he’s not the first and only player to pass on an opportunity to turn pro, he’s at high risk of suffering a severe injury. He’s the most recent – and thus he’ll become the best quarterback arguably in the nation next season.

If he suffers an ailment, then he’d lower his draft status even with an unpredictable NFL draft class. There’s a strong chance the Southern California native and son of a former water polo star – a blonde with blue eyes, a devout Christian, can possibly win a 2012 national championship. There’s a strong chance he is a possible 2012 Heisman Trophy winner.


The most popular player, probably in the country now, is forever growing as a well-rounded athlete and has quarterbacked one of the highest-profile programs in the land. This is Hollywood, where so many athletic stars are treated like celebrities, in which they are in a sense, particularly Barkley.

He’s in a place of stars and where they blossom – he’s the star of a university and fits in perfectly with the crowd. Based on his blonde hair, white teeth and his emergence to stardom, he is one of the likable athletes in Southern California. It wasn’t long ago when a saddened Barkley called USC head coach Lane Kiffin to come to his house with his wife to meet him and his family to talk about his decision Wednesday evening.

So maybe it’s what came from everyone’s encouragement that helped Barkley make his choice, listening to all advice and now he’s staying. He asked Kiffin and USC athletic director Pat Haden for advice, making his decision a few days prior to the announcement.

It’s not easy turning down bundles of NFL money, but Barkley’s heart is with the Trojans and community, ready for his first and final opportunity – mind you – to lead USC to its first conference title and 12th national championship. Whether there is some good or bad to his decision, Barkley’s presence is felt and he can guide USC in one of the most historic moments in school history.

Ever thought?

“Our USC football team has been through some tough times, and we have preserved, but the 2012 team has some serious unfinished business to attend to, and I intend to play a part of it,” Barkley announced in his sentimental, eloquent speech. “So yes, I’ve firmly decided to forgo the NFL draft in 2012 and finish this exceptional and unique journey that I’ve had here at USC.”

This was even a proud moment for Kiffin, stepping onto the podium to share his kind words as the endless cheers and screams finally stopped. The point is, in what may have been his toughest decision ever, Barkley turned down high-draft pick money in guaranteed for an opportunity to fulfill his memorable journey at USC. Although a serious injury could permanently cripple the dream to play in the NFL and risk money, he’s on the verge of being regarded as one of the finest USC legends.

“I am prepared to play quarterback in the NFL, it is my dream to play quarterback in the NFL, and I intend to make that dream a reality,” Barkley said. “But I also know that I came to USC to compete and have a rare journey as a USC football player, earn a degree from this exceptional university and forge lifelong bonds with the Trojan family.”

The negative side is, he can turn out like former Trojans quarterback Matt Leinart. Years ago, he returned to school, lost the national title in a heartbreaking upset to Texas and lowered his draft stock, turning into an absolute bust.

For Barkley, this was a tough decision, very tough, a choice many student-athletes would not have chosen. This season, he threw for 3,528 yards, with 39 touchdown passes and just six interceptions.

“I love being a USC student-athlete, it is truly a once-in-a-lifetime experience, but I am not postponing my dream and objective of playing in the NFL for one year so that I can just have one more year of college life,” Barkley said. “I’m staying because I want to finish what I started … finish alongside the most dedicated and courageous teammates I could ever have, and know for a few short years, I dedicated myself fully to achieving all that I can as a USC football player.”

With the heavy expectations, Barkley told his coach he was staying by giving Kiffin a Christmas ornament and had him turn it over. It was his sweet way of saying he was staying for one more year. The back of the ornament read, “One more year.”

With LaMichael James, Ducks Fly but Needs To Win Big One

When LaMichael James was putting on weight in the offseason — as much as 20 pounds — he listened to heavy talk from detractors that he seemed significantly slower and sluggish. The best running back arguably in the nation famously elevated his stardom, but even more so, he became stronger and mightier, built with physique and stamina – not to mention his quickness.

Suddenly, he is the emblem of the university. So were the electrified fans at thrillingly a rambunctious stadium in a culture of a preoccupied sports fest town, where football has mounted on the pedestal. If we can insert clarity, judging his eye-catching, career-building, money-making audition in the inaugural Pac 12 championship game, he’d be regarded as the top running back in April’s draft.

He also now qualifies as the most incredibly electric and dynamic athlete in college football, an all-purpose tailback accessible of transforming a hapless team’s culture that has been deterred by inadequacies. The fireworks were fired, following the first ever championship game that brightened the sky in Eugene, Oregon.

By the end of the night, there were roses and more roses, dozens upon dozens of them to kick off a celebration. The championship game trophy was awarded to the University of Oregon, with a victory that validated the Ducks season. All along, the Ducks secured a place in the Rose Bowl. Not that such a bid would be disregarded in a sense, realizing that Oregon is the far more dominant powerhouses of the Pac 12, easily one of the deepest conferences in the nation. In what might have very well been his last time playing at Autzen Stadium, the fourth-year junior who is set to graduate this school year rhinoed his way past the defenders.

It was a night, not long after James became the program’s all-time leader in rushing yards, rushing touchdowns and scoring, that he carried 25 times for 219 yards and three touchdowns in an awesome performance. It was primal screams, heard loudly and decibels in a stadium that pushed a raucous environment with life and excitement.

This one was all about James, a Heisman hopeful after being a runner-up last season who continues to be a star running back within an elite conference. He rolled all over UCLA, he sprinted his way to the end zone several times and legitimized that he’s a football star, ready to translate his abilities on the pro level – now destined to be selected in the first round of the 2012 NFL Draft if he declares.

The unique quickness, explosiveness and vision are what separates James from the rest of the Pac 12 running backs, as the fastest if not the most dangerous rusher in the country. This is why the Ducks punched their ticket to their third straight BCS game, decisively defeating the Bruins 49-31 at home in front of a sellout crowd that went nuts. The folks of football realized it, probably because they witnessed James run past the Bruins defense in his neon-green uniform, looking stylish in those ridiculous uniforms that Nike unveils every so often.


Every time he trotted to the sideline, following one of his dazzling touchdown runs, the fans sitting near by screamed feverishly, rooting him on in his flawless rush attack on the night the game had many implications. It always has been, and it always will be fun to watch James, a well-rounded athlete who is irresistible and too fast to slow down. Understand this, though: You can’t stop him – you can only contain a specimen, a beast quicker than the average star running back in the nation.

He is, and until he decides to leave behind his collegiate career for his eventual employment days in the NFL – which he probably will – he’ll be the best player in the nation at his position. That said, if he does leave for the NFL at the end of this season, he’ll enter the draft among one of the well-respected prospects. But for now, he can potentially lead his team to win the biggest game, in hopes of capturing the honorable prize at the Granddaddy of them all. The proudest man on this night was head coach Chip Kelly, who is 0-2 in January, devoid of a BCS title in two tries.

“We’re just so excited to represent this university in the Rose Bowl,” said head coach Chip Kelly proudly. “Now we’re going to drink some Dr. Pepper and mail our Christmas presents with UPS.”

Drink all the Dr. Pepper you guys want. It is well-deserving. Mail all the Christmas presents you guys want. It is worth sending gifts to those in support.

Nothing would be worth a debate if James, a star in the eighth-ranked Oregon’s explosive spread, joining this year’s all-conference football team, is top-ranked in nearly every category. He is, after all, the national leader in rushing average and dictated the game’s complexion Friday night. He is, by all accounts, the focal point of not only Oregon but college football and, quite understandably, James is mentally and fundamentally ready to convert into the pros. That is because he’s agile and fearless, with a rational sense of the game.

“All-in-all, I think it’s been a strong season,” Scott said before the game. “The Pac-12 and the SEC are the only conferences to have three teams in the top 10. The conference is clearly establishing itself as a perennial, elite football conference.”

From the start, the Ducks were a bit careless, lacking a sense of urgency, having trouble with ball security and seemed uninspired but they turned it around with James’ surging speed. On the field, he didn’t quit. The Ducks didn’t quit. This was all some crazy night for UCLA, and increasingly to extend the horror, the Bruins turned it over four times. As the game ended, this is where Rick Neuheisel, fired last Monday by UCLA, pumped his fist and gazed at the ground, shouting in solidarity after Nelson Rosario made a one-handed touchdown catch in the final two minutes.

The ultimate confidence, aside from the classy ending for Neuheisel, came from James’ brilliance and he couldn’t be denied. Only now, the stakes become higher than before, and expectedly, he can lead the Ducks to victory in what would be one of the nicest, heartfelt wins. They’ll face Wisconsin or Michigan State, two well-balanced Big Ten teams, but surely enough – the Ducks will be favorites to win it all in Pasadena 30 days from now, giving each team more than enough time to improve and prepare for a big game. This time, of course, it’s now or never. The biggest game of James’ collegiate career awaits him Jan. 1st, 2012. It’s the highest ramifications, the highest stakes on the brightest stage, a national audience to watch a traditional bowl game on New Years Day. Thirty days from now, as he can rest and work in preparations, he’ll be in shape and durable for the challenge. This is no longer about individual achievements or the fastest runner in the country. This is about delivering and prevailing on the national stage.

“They just kept their eye on the prize and nothing will knock them down, said Kelly after Oregon trounced UCLA. “That’s something to be proud of… It’s about living in the moment and being a part of this group, and I’m really, really proud about what this group accomplished.”

Before the game, however, the Bruins never counted themselves out although they were the underdog in postseason history, but failed stopping an early fourth-and-1 that would have shifted momentum. The Bruins had no answer for Kelly’s offense on fourth down for much of the game.

“Those are huge plays because they’re giant momentum changers,” Neuheisel said.”Oregon is a very talented team.”

Yes sir. Oregon is very talented. Don’t forget that James is very talented.

If the Ducks can maintain momentum a month away from the game, then it is fair to assume that Oregon will win the Rose Bowl. If this team could bounce back from a heartbreaker after USC defeated the Ducks in their first ever home loss under Kelly, then they can win any team, despite the sloppy and poor start in the championship game. Everyone knows James is, once again, poised and a skilled running back and has put in the effort to become the first player in conference history to have three 1,500-plus yard rushing seasons. And then came this, the title game where he surpassed Marcus Allen on the career rushing list and moved into second place on the Pac 12 rushing touchdowns list.

If anything had it not been for him, the Bruins may have pulled off the upset. The Ducks, though their offense was too much for the Bruins too handle, were inconsistent on both sides of the ball and gave up 31 points to UCLA on sloppy mistakes – a weakness that could have doomed them. You don’t even have to argue that James was the best player on the field. It was his versatility and durability that slaughtered the Bruins.


Mostly, this was the superstar carrying the Ducks in critical moments, rising to the occasion as quarterback Darron Thomas became the school’s career leader in touchdown passes (63) and had a career-long run of 39 yards. He certainly wasn’t aiming to be the hero, nor was he the hero but he threw three touchdown passes on 20 of 36 passing for 219 yards. If nothing else was imposing, he had a touchdown run that came on an option play well-designed by Kelly and his high-powered offense.

The bad thing is, the Ducks are 0-15 against top 15 out-of-conference teams under Kelly. They’ve been here before. Kelly has been here before. LaMichael has been here before. It’s now time to win it all, when it matters the most.

The Pac 12 heavyweights are the Ducks, but they still need lots of work.

Andrew Staying In School Brings Luck to Stanford

His name is Andrew Luck, Stanford's NFL-ready gunslinger. Many were surprised when he chose the campus lifestyle over his Careerbuilder.com transition to the NFL, nonetheless used to the atmosphere at the university and loving every moment as a top star for a prominent school.

There, he's an asset for the well-known Pac-12 school -- and he can never breathe, rescuing a legit program from itself with his pro-like throwing motion and ability to avoid pressure in the pocket. Know what amazes me about Luck? He is not money-hungry and rather thrive for a higher education, and realize that the NFL is a propitious opportunity in the future, as long as Luck keeps accomplishing feats and literally lift his draft status to be considered a top prospect in the 2012 NFL Draft -- where he is believed strongly to land No. 1 in the draft.

That is among quarterbacks, projected to be the best pocket passer and all-encompassing star next April. But then -- he wasn't influenced or allured by money, and bypassed ultimately the richest deal on NFL payday, which cost Luck more than $40 million and possibly as much as $60 million.

Many were critical when Luck could have been the NFL's highest-paid rookie and decided to return to Stanford this fall as a fourth-year junior, in pursuit of a Pac-12 championship and a degree in architectural design. It seems that school comes first in Luck's view, an education significantly is his primary goal. But then, does he really need a backup plan??

He's already an elite quarterback with much potential to polish in the NFL as an immediate impact, during an era that the league is surrounded by the depth of first-class quarterbacks. The idea is also to win the stiffed-arm trophy, and he has the ambition in driving the Cardinal to a legitimate bowl game or even qualifying for individual accolades with his experience and a bright mind.

The students and alumni’s can dance, scream louder and celebrate the return of a valuable piece in Stanford's pursuit of a national title this season. The Stanford Tree, arguably one of the best mascots in all sports, can dance wilder than ever and perform silly antics near the sideline to entertain the feverish fans in Northern California.

It's now fair to openly admit Stanford is a football power of an evolving culture conducted by Luck and his capability to hurl downfield passes. It was not long ago that he finished as a Heisman runner-up -- but with that in mind -- he is favorite to win college football's most prestigious award. If it weren't for 2010 Heisman winner Cam Newton, in which Luck finished shy in the voting, he would have won the award and taken home a honorable trophy for such diligence, perseverance and craftiness.

What no one ever talks about is how Stanford is coming off its best season, a 12-1 season that ended with an Orange Bowl win against Virginia Tech. Above all, though, he chose to return and rebuffed interest in earnings of a massive paycheck. That's a rarity in the financial world we reside in today, but not in Luck's case, a star athlete at Stanford with the patience to work hard in school and then emerge into the professional ranks.

It wasn't only about the money or what he'd earn as an elite quarterback, it was about winning a national title and helping Stanford reach that point. Greater than all, it was about Luck mustering a foundation, well, to sought for a better tomorrow in the event he never advanced as a professional star. But, clearly and evidently, it's hard to imagine Luck becoming a bust.

All things seem possible, particularly when he was the element of Stanford ending the 2010 season ranked fourth. For now, it may sound weird, but he turned down money and really had school in mind all along and it's not too far-fetched to believe that Stanford is among the favorites to win a national title under Luck's final season in a Cardinal uniform. He had become one of the best quarterback's in Stanford history and to ever sustain so many feats at Stanford, a star liked on campus and the face of a university -- perhaps the biggest face -- since John Elway was at the helm.

He's an ideal competitor, a winner and a matured youngster of goodwill and civility leading an elite institution, worthy of the Heisman and other awards after staying in school. Not too many student athletes stay in college for a four-year term, but forgo their junior or senior seasons, just to collect bundles of cash whether they're having financial issues or happen to be just greedy for the love of money. Meanwhile, Luck isn't running for money, but chasing a dream.

He's not fleeing the university for millions, but staying for loyalty and royalty. He's not cutting his bond short at Stanford, but he's putting the Cardinal in good position to win a national title. It could happen, you know. As long as Luck exists, he can set a new culture for Stanford, a program that has become physical and fierce.

It's another promising season for Stanford, the team suddenly expected to win the Pac-12 title fortunate to possess a committed stud in Luck, turning down NO. 1 overall money and decided that he'd pursue football grandiosity and his degree over millions, while others would have delve for payments.

If there's one person who knows his quarterback, it's new Stanford coach David Shaw in the beginning of his regime, a successor to former coach Jim Harbaugh, who is now the 49ers head coach. As for Luck, he embraces the campus, immerses himself in textbooks and he arrives on time for practice to play an important role as a team leader.

By the time the year is over, he could be rightfully crowned a champ, despite that Stanford rebuilt an offensive line with a fully equipped rush attack. And, given his comeback to Stanford, we can't underestimate the Cardinal.

Not when there is much Luck.

And there's a whole lot of Luck.