STANFORD FOOTBALL
Cardinal Rising


Stanford football's return to relevance and respectability seems to have arrived. The Cardinal, which hasn't had a winning season since 2003, seems inexorably bound for Top 25 territory. As we went to press, coach Jim Harbaugh's team had just upset 24th-ranked Washington, which was riding high from its stunning and decisive previous-week upset of then-No. 3 USC.

The Cardinal players have clearly bought into former NFL QB Harbaugh's philosophy, and why not? The coach's career was characterized by his gritty, never-say-die play and a relentless work ethic, and his charges reflect that all-for-one approach every time they take the field.

With an improving offense that features the slashing runs of Toby Gerhart, and a stubborn defense anchored by the likes of Sione Fua and Delano Howell, this is a team that figures to raise eyebrows and make noise in the competitive Pac-10 in 2009.

Single-game tickets for all remaining Stanford football games this season are available for purchase at the Stanford Athletic Ticket Office, online at GoStanford.com or over the phone by calling 1-800-STANFORD.

General admission single-game tickets are available for as low as $12 for adults and $8 for children. Reserved seats are available for as low as $15.

In addition, groups of 20 or more may purchase discounted single-game tickets for the UCLA, Arizona State and Oregon games. Groups can be accommodated for the Notre Dame game, but no discount will apply. Group tickets range between $12 and $65 depending on the game.

Tickets for the 112th Big Game against California on Nov. 21 are available on a season-ticket or mini-plan package only.

The annual Reunion Homecoming Game is slated for Oct. 24 against Arizona State, with kickoff set for 7:15. Stanford will also host Oregon on Nov. 7 before closing out the regular season with a pair of home dates against Cal in the 112th Big Game on Nov. 21 and Notre Dame on Nov. 28.

As a reminder, The Walk, one of Stanford's time-honored traditions, will begin two hours prior to the scheduled kickoff time. Head coach Jim Harbaugh and all Stanford players will walk through campus to the stadium and will be led by prominent football alumni.

For additional ticket information, visit GoStanford.com or call 1-800-STANFORD.