The 1996 Stanford Cardinal football team represented Stanford University as a member of the Pacific-10 Conference (Pac-10) during 1996 NCAA Division I-A football season. Led by second-year head coach Tyrone Willingham, the Cardinal compiled an overall record of 7–5 with a mark of 5–3 in conference play, placing third in the Pac-10. Stanford was invited to the Sun Bowl, where the Cardinal defeated Michigan State. The team played home games at Stanford Stadium in Stanford, California. Wiki link