Here's the new fashion in Palo Alto.

Stanford tries to follow up the big opening of the Harbaugh era, the 24-23 upset that kept USC out of the BCS title game, beginning Thursday against Oregon State.

Coach Jim Harbaugh said the Cardinal remain on the rise Tuesday:

"We know that we're a much better football team than we were last year at this time. We've made a lot of good strides. Without a doubt, we are getting better."

Tavika Pritchard, who lead the upset at the Coliseum, was named the starting quarterback Monday over Alex Loukas and Michigan transfer Jason Forcier.