3 Reasons Stanford Football Fans Should Enjoy Success While It Lasts

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Prior to 2009, Stanford had not had a winning season since 2001. 2011 has been a magical season for Stanford thus far, but what happens when their star quarterback Andrew Luck leaves for the NFL after the season? 

Stanford has a great opportunity in 2011 to run the table and contest for a national championship. The time is now for the Cardinal as there is no telling what the future holds. 

Here are the three reasons that Stanford fans should enjoy success and Andrew Luck while they are here. 

David Shaw Is Largely Unproven

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Before 2011, David Shaw had no head coaching experience of any kind. While 2011 has been a success thus far, you can't assume it's because David Shaw is a guru. 

Shaw waltzed into a beautiful spot as the head coach of Stanford. He was gift-wrapped an NFL starting quarterback and a pretty good team. 

Shaw's experience will be a major factor going forward as Stanford will lose Luck next year. Things will get rough quick for the rookie head coach. 

The Pac-12 Is Tough

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The Pac-12 is no walk in the park. Oregon and USC always put forth very competitive teams, while Arizona State and Washington both are programs on the rise. 

There is no debating that the Pac-12 is one of the toughest conferences in the nation. Stanford will have to compete with Oregon year in and year out for the Pac-12 North title. 

Expect for Stanford to digress once Andrew Luck heads off to the NFL. The rest of the Pac-12 will not wait for Stanford during this transition period. 

Andrew Luck Is Headed to the NFL After the Season

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Andrew Luck is arguably the best quarterback in college football today. There is no denying that Luck will be the No. 1 draft pick in the 2012 NFL draft. 

The question following the season will be who will take over at quarterback when Andrew Luck is gone?

According to gostanford.com, there are a total of eight quarterbacks on the roster including Andrew Luck. Two of the quarterbacks listed are juniors, but there is no telling who will start for Stanford in 2012.

There will certainly be growing pains once Andrew Luck leaves for the NFL next year.