First and foremost, there’s a logical explanation for Stanford’s 40-12 win shellacking of Virginia Tech in the Orange Bowl.
It was the orange helmets. That was a bad move.
Moving on, the speculation and guessing about the futures of both Jim Harbaugh and Andrew Luck were already hitting their peak in the days prior to tonight’s bowl game. What began as a rumor that Harbaugh could succeed an ousted Rich Rodriguez at Michigan has now spread into a general factoid that Harbaugh will, indeed, be somewhere other than The Farm next season.
Whether that “somewhere” is Michigan, or the NFL, obviously is yet to be determined. Although given Randy Edsall‘s untimely bolt for Maryland, we might find out Harbaugh’s destination sooner rather than later.
And what a night for Luck, too, who went 18-of-23 for 287 yards and 4 touchdowns. Then again, when you’re able to run the ball and pass protect like the Cardinal did, anyone can look like a No. 1 draft pick.
Luck’s decision on whether or not to jump for the NFL will be a tough one. On one hand, there’s little else Luck needs to prove at Stanford, especially if Harbaugh decides to leave. However, the potential of an NFL lockout could keep Luck in school. Besides, barring the risk of injury, there’s nothing wrong with Luck 1) getting another year of experience at the collegiate level and 2) finishing school and getting his degree.
No matter what happens with Harbaugh and Luck, together they provided one of the more exciting teams to watch this college football season, and I’m sure people would be equally happy if both decided to stay at Stanford.
But, one or both probably won’t. So, in Seinfeld-esque fashion, let’s say goodbye and reminisce on what was likely the last time we’ll see Harbaugh and Luck together at Stanford.