Game Thread | (16) Notre Dame at Stanford

(16) Notre Dame at Stanford  

Stanford Stadium |4:00 p.m. ET | FOX

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Can They Do It?

Notre Dame has been on a roll in the month of November, but can the Irish pass the final test on Saturday in Palo Alto? The Cardinal is a shell of the program they were (for at least this year), so on paper, Notre Dame should be able to cruise to a victory. 

However, it’s never that easy. Brian Kelly has yet to win at Stanford and Senior Day is always tricky, especially when the seniors don’t have a bowl game to look forward to next month. 

Stanford’s receivers could give Notre Dame some challenges, but the Irish secondary has seen better and better quarterbacks. 

The weather will likely have an impact, which favors Notre Dame as Stanford can’t run the football to save its life. 

Five Players To Watch

Notre Dame DE Ade Ogundeji
Not only did Ogundeji have a breakout game against Boston College, but the uncertain status of Myron Tagovailoa-Amosa and Jayson Ademilola could mean a different role this week. He's a candidate to slide inside to play 3-technique. Wherever he is lined up, he'll have a chance to make a big impact.

Stanford WR Simi Fehoko
Fehoko is big (6'4" 226) and he can stretch the field. He's averaging 27.9 yards per catch. If Stanford is going to have a shot at pulling off the upset, they'll need a big week from him.

Notre Dame S Kyle Hamilton
In the last three weeks, Stanford has practically given up on running the football. They are throwing it over 67% of the time, which means we may see even more of Hamilton playing than usual. That's always led to good things for Notre Dame. 

Stanford TE Colby Parkinson
He's the most talented tight end the Irish will face in 2019 and a tough matchup for linebackers and safeties. Clark Lea will likely bracket him in the red zone.

Notre Dame WR Chase Claypool
Stanford has been decimated with injuries in the secondary and without Paulson Adebo, they don't have anyone who can match up one on one with Claypool. They're either going to have to roll coverage towards him as much as possible or take their chances against one of the best receivers in the country.

Quotes of the Week

OL Josh Lugg:
"It's the last week of November and our fifth game. We have to keep doing what we've been doing and attacking." 

LB Bo Bauer:
"Honestly, I feel at home out there. It’s kind of like a peaceful, tranquil place for me out there when I hear everybody screaming. When I’m running down (in kickoff coverage), I expect myself to make the tackle all the time." 

DT Kurt Hinish: 
"Just using technique and being extremely tenacious. That's what it boils down to. Coach Elston always says in order to hold a double-team down and be a bad dude in the middle, you have to be a prick." 

For Your Nerves