2. Stanford Cardinal Previous rank: 3 After playing in three consecutive BCS bowl games and winning the Rose Bowl Game presented by Vizio this past season, Stanford signed the country's No. 40 recruiting class, according to ESPN RecruitingNation. But don't think for a second that its low ranking really matters. Stanford continues to do more with less than perhaps any Football Bowl Subdivision program in the country. Even after losing three underclassmen (tight ends Zach Ertz and Levine Toilolo and cornerback Terrence Brown) to the NFL draft, the Cardinal should be a contender for a Pac-12 title in 2013. The Cardinal must also replace senior tailback Stepfan Taylor, who ran for 1,530 yards with 13 touchdowns, but quarterback Kevin Hogan figures to get better with more experience. Cardinal coach David Shaw and his staff signed only 12 recruits, but receiver Francis Owusu and three tight ends might provide some immediate help.

Stanford and Hawaii volleyball just concluded a two-night series. I don't even know what I can say about it anymore. These guys played with hunger, with passion, with heart, with determination. It was thrilling. It made my heart soar. It brought me to tears. It really did, because it so does remind me why I'm a volleyball fan, and a fan of sports in general. I know everybody in America is geared up for that football game in a few hours, but I hope you always remember that sports don't have to mean millionaires squabbling with billionaires. That raw love of the game is still something that exists, and that it is a fiercely beautiful thing to behold. Whatever your chosen sport or sports, I hope you have the moments like I had tonight. Moments that make you not only want to heap praise upon your sporting heroes, but to thank them. To thank them for giving so much, for everything they do. I can count on my fingers the number of times I've ever felt the way I do after this match, and last night's, and it is truly one of the best feelings in the world. If anyone ever questions why I'm a sports fan...it's nights like this that are the answer. This is why sports are worth it.

Given Stanford’s recent success on the field during Pac-12, outside conference and bowl game play, it’s hard to believe that in the last decade, the Stanford football program has had only four winning seasons. In fact, each of those winning seasons has come in the last four years. How then, has Stanford reached this level of success in such a short period of time?

Very entertaining match. Mason were a little bit in over their heads, but still this one counts for a bit more than last night's win over Grand Canyon or next Friday's match with Division III UC Santa Cruz. Conference play begins for the Cardinal next Saturday against Pacific, who also beat Mason this weekend (the Patriots are 0-2 on the season). This is an exciting team, but whether they have enough to get past UC Irvine or BYU, the big conference heavyweights, to make it to the NCAA tournament remains to be seen.

Interesting article about Stanford assistant coach Pep Hamilton, and his ties to DC netting Hogan.

A look at Stanford’s and Wisconsin’s bases of operation, during Rose Bowl week in LA. Includes team hotels, practice sites and original up close video of Coach David Shaw and the entire Stanford program exiting their custom charter buses, shortly before the beginning of practice. Also includes original video of Barry Alvarez and Russell Wilson form last season’s Rose Bowl lead up.