Harbaugh was 4-8 his first year and 5-7 his second year at Stanford, I'm pretty sure they were not ranked in the top ten in either his first or second season there. With that said he is still an amazing coach.
When I say Shafer, I mean "Shafer and Staff", I should have been more explicit....and the facilities, and having a better group of ACs who excel at recruiting.
I don't think anybody has expressed that it is all about Shafer, just that the results are improved. I know things seem gloomy after Saturday, but the young skilled talent plus the starters on BOTH sides of the ball we return [7-8 on both sides of the ball] plus a very solid incoming class is exciting to think about.
The season isn't over yet. Bowl eligibility is still attainable, especially if we TCB on Saturday.