ISD Game Predictions: Stanford

It’s Friday again, and that means game time once again.  The Irish are trying to extend their three-game winning streak with a win over Stanford.  The Cardinal are looking for their second win of the season after another disappointing loss last week.  Which team comes out on top?

Mike Frank

I think this game is a real test to where the Irish program is mentally.  This is the type of game where the Irish have started slow in the past…coming off an emotional, hard-fought game against a ranked opponent on the road to the friendly confines of home and a lesser opponent.  We know what happened the last time this scenario was presented—we’d all like to forget.  

I expect we will get Stanford’s last gasp for life in this game early.  I don’t expect an extended fight from the Cardinal if Notre Dame can control the game early, but that’s the real “if” in this game.  If the Irish come out focused and play a clean game like last week, this one could be over at half time.  Will it be?  

I expect a few bumps early, but then the Irish pull away at the end.  If it’s hammer down the entire time, I think we have something to get excited about.

Notre Dame 37, Stanford 17

Jamie Uyeyama 

Stanford stinks up front. That's the main reason why they've been bad since 2019 and are a shadow of the program they were during the previous decade. 

They won't be helped by losing a couple of more starters on the offensive line. I think the Notre Dame pass rush is going to go off in this game and Tanner McKee is going to struggle. They might have a big play or two with those big receivers, but he just won't have the time to make the throws down field that he wants to.

Stanford's defense might be worse than North Carolina. I don't see the Irish offense having many problems consistently moving the ball and the backs will go wild. Look out for Chris Tyree to break a long run and for Drew Pyne to connect on a couple of deep balls.

Notre Dame 41, Stanford 17

Christian McCollum

The Irish continue to roll and what's most encouraging is that they still have room to improve. 

Al Golden's unit delivers its most dominating performance to date and come up with three takeaways while completing shutting down the Cardinal attack. Stanford's lone touchdown comes after a turnover sets the Cardinal up in plus-territory. Jaden Mickey comes up with a pick and Isaiah Foskey proves why he's a top NFL prospect with multiple sacks, including a strip-sack.

Offensively, it's another efficient outing from Drew Pyne who throws for 250 yards and two touchdowns without an interception. Jayden Thomas continues to break out and catches a touchdown while freshman Tobias Merriweather gets on the board for one of his own. But it's the ground game with Logan Diggs and Audric Estime that proves most dominant.

Notre Dame 31, Stanford 13

Greg Flammang 

After an awful start to the season at 0-2, Notre Dame has returned to it’s expected form, winning the last three games while establishing itself as a power team on offense. It’s an open question whether that form can continue, but any trouble should not come this week against Stanford. The Cardinal are 1-4, coming off of a devastating loss against Oregon State last week, and are riddled with injuries. 

The Cardinal have a functional passing attack with Tanner McKee, but that’s been the case the last couple of seasons with Davis Mills at quarterback, and the Irish had no trouble dispatching of David Shaw’s troops. 

Notre Dame should be able to control this game upfront on both sides and that will always be a formula for success for the Irish football team. 

Notre Dame 41, Stanford 21

Andrew Mentock

For the first time all season, Notre Dame gets out to a lead from the jump and goes onto a comfortable double-digit victory.

The Irish are particularly stifling on defense, sacking Stanford QB Tanner McKee on five-plus occasions. 

Notre Dame 38, Stanford 17

Matt Freeman

Notre Dame has momentum and it starts with the run game. I expect another good performance from the Irish offense and while the Stanford defense is lousy, the Cardinal offense does present some challenges with its scheme. 

Al Golden's defense has been very consistent in terms of points given up and that will be enough for the Irish to top Stanford once again. 

Notre Dame 34, Stanford 20