Game Thread | No. 18 Notre Dame at Stanford

No. 18 Notre Dame (8-3) at Stanford (3-8)

Stanford Stadium | 7:00 PM ET | PAC 12 Network  | Line: Notre Dame -24.5 | O/U: 51.5

Game Week Articles | Roster | Depth Chart | Schedule 

How to watch the Pac-12 Network for free

Five Players To Watch

Notre Dame RB Audric Estime
Surprisingly snubbed as a semi-finalist for the Doak Walker award, Estime could go off in this game against a suspect run defense. Stanford's secondary has had issues tackling and Estime is one of the toughest backs to tackle in the country.

Stanford WR Elic Ayomanor
Ayomanor is in a different tier compared to everyone else on Stanford's offense. He's had eight receptions of 30+ yards in the last two months, which puts him up there with the best in the country. Look for them to force feed him the football. He's averaged 11 targets per game in their last six games. 

Notre Dame DE Javontae Jean-Baptiste
Stanford is playing a true freshman at left tackle and their right tackle is a first-year starter who has struggled against any team with legit players at defensive end. JJB has proven he is a legit force and he could be in line for a monster game. Stanford's two starting tackles combined to give up nine pressures against Cal.

Stanford Edge Tevarua Tafiti
Tafiti has been one of the bright spots for Stanford's defense in the second half of the season. 17 of his 19 pressures have come in the last six games with him taking over as a starter at their hybrid defensive end/linebacker position. HIs motor shows up and they'll need him to have the game of his life against Notre Dame.

Notre Dame OT Joe Alt
There's no big one one-on-one match-up for Alt this week, but he deserves the spotlight regardless because this is likely the last time we see him in a Notre Dame uniform. As a projected top-10 pick, he very well could opt out of Notre Dame's bowl game. Keep your eyes on Alt as much as possible and enjoy watching a left tackle play at an elite level. 

Quotes of the Week

Notre Dame head coach Marcus Freeman:
“Really motivated to play for the Legends Trophy. For many of the games that were last year, I understand how disappointing that loss was for them and there won’t be a lack of motivation this week to go compete for that trophy in this great rivalry that dates back many years. We understand how important that is to this university and our football program. 

“Looking forward to getting back today studying and learning from the opportunities we had vs. Wake Forest, but also turning the page and getting ready for this great opportunity on Saturday.” 

Notre Dame offensive coordinator Gerad Parker:
”You have to stay true to this thing. Believe in your staff and players. Empower people around you and stay the course. And even at 42 years old say, ‘Hey, we’re doing the right things. You’ve got to believe in this thing.’ Empower people to feel like they belong on that football field for reasons; to make good plays and do that.

“I hope that’s what they feel. I hope that’s what we continue to do for this one and our bowl game. Just continue for this offense to take steps toward what everybody wants it to. And then I hope it creates a little bit of this momentum and multiplying effect to where you’re going to see where we’ll all be very proud of when this thing finishes.” 

Notre Dame defensive coordinator Al Golden:
“Execute right from the get-go. Play fast. Play with clarity. Do the little things right, right from the get-go. Don't need an event to create a certain response. I think that's a fair way of looking at it. We don't need a negative event to all of a sudden lock us in, like, we got to be ready to go. And I think our guys know, obviously we lost to Stanford a year ago. Now we're going out there. There could be perceived distractions because of the timing of the game, and that's not part of our M.O. We gotta eliminate all that and get ready to play our best game.”

Notre Dame tight end Eli Raridon:
”It was unreal. I honestly don’t remember the touchdown. I kind of blacked out there, but obviously a really cool moment for me and my family. I’m super grateful for the opportunities I’ve been given by my coaches and my teammates. I’m super thankful for them believing in me through everything I’ve been through. It’s been cool.” 

Notre Dame center Ashton Craig:
”I would say probably playing with length in pass protection. And then in the run game, guard really helped me get my steps down and just being able to play physical and not worry about snapping. It’s kind of given me that feel of coming off the ball as hard as I can and trying to move guys up front.”

Notre Dame defesnive end Javontae Jean-Baptiste:
”When I made a decision, I just took it all just being open-minded, just being prepared for whatever happens and just make the best of what I can do in every situation that I'm in. So, I say it's been a great experience for me. A lot of relationships and connections made and just being able to build bonds with people who want the same mission as me and just wanting to push me as much I just want to push them to be great. And I feel like that's just what Notre Dame embodies, so I feel like it was good decision.”

Notre Dame defensive lineman Rylie Mills: 
”I think it starts this week in practice, we got to come out, everything we do, I think there needs to be an emphasis about the start of practice, starting faster and harder. Then in the game, it's got to be everyone knows what we're doing and you gotta come out there fast.” 

TEAM STATS

For Your Nerves 

VIDEOS

Notre Dame Fighting Irish 16'' x 22'' Holiday Marquee Sign