Cardinal rules: a Pac-12 homecoming for Tiger

• By Ryan Ballengee
• Oct 7, 2011 8:13 PM ET

SAN MARTIN, Calif. – Some of the motivation in Tiger Woods competing at the Frys.com Open is its proximity to his alma mater, Stanford.

Woods said Wednesday he was hoping to take in the Cardinal's weekend football game against Colorado. The two-hour, 20-minute fog delay Friday morning, however, will prevent Woods from at least catching the kickoff of the contest.

Perhaps a consolation prize came to Woods in his Friday gallery en route to a 3-under 68 at CordeValle. Former Stanford football coach Ty Willingham was an honorary observer for the group. Donning Washington Huskies purple – the color from his last head coaching gig – Willingham received a hug from Woods after the world No. 51 made a closing birdie to get under par for the tournament.

Woods was also trailed by former Stanford teammate and close friend Jerry Chang, something the 14-time major winner clearly noticed while grouped with UCLA stud Patrick Cantlay.

"[I]t's always nice to come back here and to play in front of people I know," Woods said. "I saw Coach out here, so it's always good."

The partisan crowd was a big appeal to Woods "I think it's awesome because a lot of people are wearing Stanford (gear),” he said. “It's great to have them out here supporting, and it's been a great atmosphere."

As enjoyable as it was for Woods to see a lot of crimson and visible S's in the crowd, he seems to have made a friend in Cantlay, who trails Woods by two shots after a second-round 74. The two talked at length walking down the fairways on Friday. The chemistry would seem natural given their similar vernacular in describing their opening rounds – and the projected ascension of the 19-year-old.

Woods may have gotten the better of Cantlay over the past two days – 73-68 to 69-74 – but the amateur can retort by claiming a longer cuts-made streak: five to one.