David Shaw
FILE - Michigan coach Jim Harbaugh stands on the field as players warm up for an NCAA college football game against Nebraska on Oct. 9, 2021, at Memorial Stadium in Lincoln, Neb. Harbaugh is The Associated Press college football coach of the year after leading the Wolverines to their first Big Ten title in 17 years and a berth in the College Football Playoff. (AP Photo/Rebecca S. Gratz, File)
Being Harbaugh: Quirky, competitive, ingenious, disruptive

By Ralph D. Russo Dec. 28, 2021 03:06 PM EST

Notre Dame's George Takacs (85) celebrates with Michael Mayer (87) after catching a touchdown pass against Stanford during the first half of an NCAA college football game in Stanford, Calif., Saturday, Nov. 27, 2021. (AP Photo/Jed Jacobsohn)
No. 5 Notre Dame beats Stanford 45-14, awaits playoff fate

By Josh Dubow Nov. 27, 2021 11:22 PM EST

Notre Dame quarterback Jack Coan prepares to throw a pass against Stanford during the first half of an NCAA college football game in Stanford, Calif., Saturday, Nov. 27, 2021. (AP Photo/Jed Jacobsohn)
Notre Dame at Stanford 11/27/2021

Nov. 27, 2021 08:41 PM EST

Notre Dame head coach Brian Kelly leaves the field following an NCAA college football game against Georgia Tech, Saturday, Nov. 20, 2021, in South Bend, Ind. Notre Dame won 55-0. (AP Photo/Darron Cummings)
No. 5 Notre Dame looks to keep playoff hopes vs. Stanford

By Josh Dubow Nov. 26, 2021 03:17 PM EST

FILE - Stanford's Tanner McKee looks to pass against California during the first half of an NCAA college football game in Stanford, Calif., on Nov. 20, 2021. Stanford has embraced bringing in players such as McKee after their two-year Mormon missions, valuing their life experience. (AP Photo/Jed Jacobsohn, File)
Stanford's Latter-day Saints players share life experiences

By Janie Mccauley Nov. 26, 2021 03:45 AM EST

FILE - Southern California coach Clay Helton watches warmups on the field before the team's NCAA college football game against Stanford on Sept. 11, 2021, in Los Angeles. Former Southern California coach Helton was hired by Georgia Southern on Tuesday, Nov. 2, to lead the Eagles, seven weeks after he was fired by USC. (AP Photo/Marcio Jose Sanchez, File)
Pac-12's head coach vacancies are likely to grow

By Anne M. Peterson Nov. 23, 2021 11:01 AM EST

California's Chase Garbers throws a pass against Stanford during the first half of an NCAA college football game in Stanford, Calif., Saturday, Nov. 20, 2021. (AP Photo/Jed Jacobsohn)
Garbers returns from COVID to lead Cal past Stanford 41-11

By Josh Dubow Nov. 20, 2021 10:28 PM EST

Stanford's Tanner McKee looks to pass against California during the first half of an NCAA college football game in Stanford, Calif., Saturday, Nov. 20, 2021. (AP Photo/Jed Jacobsohn)
California at Stanford 11/20/2021

Nov. 20, 2021 08:03 PM EST

California head coach Justin Wilcox, center, stands on the sideline during the first half of an NCAA college football game against Oregon State in Berkeley, Calif., Saturday, Oct. 30, 2021. (AP Photo/Jed Jacobsohn)
Cal excited to return for Big Game after COVID break

By Josh Dubow Nov. 18, 2021 12:55 PM EST

Stanford running back Nathaniel Peat (8) rushes 18 yards for a touchdown during the second half of an NCAA college football game against Oregon State on Saturday, Nov. 13, 2021, in Corvallis, Ore. Oregon State won 35-14. (AP Photo/Amanda Loman)
Oregon State beats Stanford, 35-14, to become bowl eligible

By Gary Horowitz Nov. 13, 2021 08:57 PM EST

Oregon State quarterback Chance Nolan (10) runs into the end zone for a touchdown against Stanford during the first half of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Nov. 13, 2021, in Corvallis, Ore. (AP Photo/Amanda Loman)
Stanford at Oregon State 11/13/2021

Nov. 13, 2021 07:23 PM EST

Oregon State defensive back Ian Massey, front, heads off the field as fans celebrate after double overtime of an NCAA college football game against Colorado, Saturday, Nov. 6, 2021, in Boulder, Colo. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski)
Stanford looks to rebound against Oregon State

By Anne M. Peterson Nov. 11, 2021 06:02 PM EST

Cincinnati defensive lineman Jabari Taylor (90) celebrates after securing a fumble in the end zone during the second half of an NCAA college football game against Tulsa Saturday, Nov. 6, 2021, in Cincinnati. (AP Photo/Jeff Dean)
AP Top 25 Takeaways: Surprise contenders Wake, MSU upset

By Ralph D. Russo Nov. 06, 2021 09:41 PM EDT

Utah quarterback Cameron Rising hands off to running back TJ Pledger (5) during the second quarter of the team's NCAA college football game against Stanford, Friday, Nov. 5, 2021, in Stanford, Calif. Pledger ran 96 yards for a touchdown. (AP Photo/D. Ross Cameron)
Thomas' 4 TD runs lead Utah past Stanford 52-7

By Josh Dubow Nov. 06, 2021 01:51 AM EDT

Stanford quarterback Tanner McKee (18) walks with the aid of a crutch before the team's NCAA college football game against Utah, Friday, Nov. 5, 2021, in Stanford, Calif. (AP Photo/D. Ross Cameron)
Utah at Stanford 11/5/2021

Nov. 05, 2021 11:17 PM EDT

Stanford quarterback Tanner McKee passes against Washington during the first quarter of an NCAA college football game in Stanford, Calif., Saturday, Oct. 30, 2021. (AP Photo/John Hefti)
Utah looks to maintain division lead in visit to Stanford

By Josh Dubow Nov. 04, 2021 05:28 PM EDT

Oregon running back Travis Dye (26) celebrates a touchdown during the second quarter of an NCAA college football game against Colorado, Saturday, Oct. 30, 2021, in Eugene, Ore. (AP Photo/Andy Nelson)
Oregon opens at No. 4 in CFP rankings, travels to Washington

By Pat Graham Nov. 04, 2021 02:01 AM EDT

FILE - Texas linebacker DeMarvion Overshown pauses after taking the field before an NCAA college football game against Oklahoma State in Austin, Texas, Oct. 16, 2021. A year after the NCAA gave athletes Election Day off, football teams all over the country were practicing on the first Tuesday in November. Although the NCAA's Election Day rule remains in place, teams could pursue waivers if they wanted to practice. Texas practiced in the morning, which was fine with Overshown. “We still have all afternoon to go and vote and stuff,” he said. "It works better for us anyways, keep the normal schedule, not try to mix things up right in the middle of the season.” (AP Photo/Chuck Burton, File)
College teams receive waivers for Election Day practice

By Noah Trister Nov. 02, 2021 06:26 PM EDT

Washington quarterback Dylan Morris looks for a receiver the second quarter against Stanford in an NCAA college football game in Stanford, Calif., Saturday, Oct. 30, 2021. (AP Photo/John Hefti)
Morris' late TD lifts Washington past Stanford 20-13

Michael Wagaman Oct. 31, 2021 02:13 AM EDT

Washington running back Cameron Davis (22) reacts after scoring a touchdown during the second half of the team's NCAA college football game against Arizona on Friday, Oct. 22, 2021, in Tucson, Ariz. (AP Photo/Chris Coduto)
Stanford, Washington have faced similar struggles

By Michael Wagaman Oct. 28, 2021 02:53 PM EDT