Wednesday, November 16, 2005

AP: Stanford's Edwards ready for Big Game

GREG BEACHAM

SAN FRANCISCO - Trent Edwards mostly kept his left hand hidden from view while he spoke about his chances of playing for Stanford in the 108th Big Game. Perhaps the quarterback was simply resting comfortably - or perhaps he didn't want the California players also in the restaurant dining room to have any idea whether he'll be ready to play in the Cardinal's biggest game of his breakout season. Edwards' left hand was swollen and bruised after another game of pounding in last week's gritty road victory over Oregon State. Edwards is right-handed, so he says there's no way he'll miss the Big Game - but the injury still makes it tough to grip the ball and take snaps. "Everybody wants to know how bad it is, and it's not as bad as you think," Edwards said. "I don't think there's anything that could keep me off that field on Saturday. I can't make a fist, but as long as I don't have to punch anybody, I'll be fine." He has taken more serious lumps during his three rocky seasons with Stanford, from losses and interceptions to the nasty thigh bruise he incurred as a backup late in the 2003 Big Game. He was in the hospital for several days while recovering from the resulting internal bleeding. He sat out last season's 41-6 loss to Cal with a shoulder injury, so he's hoping his first start against the Golden Bears on Saturday at Stanford Stadium goes a whole lot better than the Cardinal's last two games against their cross-Bay archrivals. But no matter the result or the condition of his hand, the junior is healthier and happier than he's ever been at Stanford - and he's already looking forward to a senior season when he might emerge as an NFL prospect under coach Walt Harris' tutelage. "I'm enjoying football a lot more this year than in years past," Edwards said. "This is a whole lot more of what I came here for. It's the coaches and the seniors on this team who have created an atmosphere that you want to be around. This is a winning atmosphere." Stanford (5-4, 4-3 Pac-10) needs one victory in its final two games to earn its first postseason berth since the 2001 Seattle Bowl in coach Tyrone Willingham's last season. After three losing years under fired Buddy Teevens, the Cardinal have recovered from a humiliating early-season loss to Division I-AA UC Davis.

Unless Edwards can beat Cal or No. 6 Notre Dame next weekend, the Cardinal will be stuck home in December for another year. But the season still wouldn't be a failure for a former Los Gatos star who could have regretted his decision to stay close to home for college after being recruited across the nation. "There's so much more energy," Edwards said. "There's so much more life. You get more attention from friends and relatives, from people on the street. That's why I came to Stanford: For the chance to be proud of what we're doing here and where we're going." Edwards has completed 62 percent of his passes for 1,708 yards and 15 touchdowns this season after beating out T.C. Ostrander for the job in training camp. Though he can be a classic pocket passer, Edwards is an excellent athlete who rushed for 92 yards against Washington State on Oct. 8, leading the club. Edwards has matured in several directions this season, from his locker-room leadership to his on-field maturity. Harris has been thrilled by Edwards' growth and continued health, despite his bruised hand. "He's something great back there when he's got all his receivers and all his health," Harris said. "He's become a leader for this club in getting the things we want to get accomplished as coaches. He's a smart kid. You only have to tell him once, and that's great for a busy coach."

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