Washington-Stanford Provides The Litmus Test For Two Emerging Programs

Interestingly enough, for those that have followed these two programs over the last couple years, is that this game has finally gained relevance. It seems very obtuse to say that after these have been some of the bottom feeders in the Pac-10 over the last couple years. However, it's also true that it is an important game for each program. The goals for these programs, realistic goals instead of the fearless optimism of fans, is to get to the promised land of bowl games. While each program has their marquee win against USC, real winning consistency is still not quite in their grasp. To get there, each program has to win these kinds of games, the games against the middle of the pack Pac-10 teams.  I would hazard a guess that neither of these teams is going to challenge for a Rose Bowl berth, but based on current play each can challenge for a lesser bowl. If a bowl comes, it will be games like this that the pundits will say got them to the bowl, despite Washington having beate...