ISD Game Predictions: Stanford
It’s Friday, and that means it’s that time again! The Irish gain some confidence after a dominating win at Wake Forest last week, while the Cardinal showed their mental and physical toughness by outlasting Oregon last Saturday. Both teams are ranked in the Top 10. Both teams are undefeated and playing to keep their playoff hopes alive. Which team will come out on top?
Mike Frank
I’ll be honest. I’m picking Stanford for two reasons. The first is Stanford has proven they’re a mentally and physically tough team, and Notre Dame has lost to this team the last three years because they haven’t been as mentally and physically tough.
I do believe Notre Dame is the more talented, complete team, but this game always seems to go south for the Irish. I haven’t felt this good about Notre Dame’s chances in this game in quite awhile, but Irish fans always doubt and discount Stanford, and we’re usually left scratching our heads at the end of this one.
The second reason? It’s pretty simple. Considering all the other idiots from the Four Idiots show aren't watching the game with me, and the Irish almost always lose when that happens, I have to do something! I picked against the Irish for Michigan, and that worked out pretty well, so I’m doing the same! If the Irish lose, blame Seano, Mark and Jimmah, not me. You NEVER mess with a winning streak!
Stanford: 34 Notre Dame: 30
Jamie Uyeyama
Stanford's offense can keep opposing coaches up at night. Teams have taken away Bryce Love from beating them and they still have the other pieces on the roster to put up points. They are going to be tough to stop.
Fortunately Notre Dame has the kind of defense that can slow them down. So much is going to depend on the pass rush this game and if the Irish can get to KJ Costello. I think they will and that means the passing game won't be as potent as it has been.
On the other side of the ball I see areas that Notre Dame can attack up front in the running game and I believe they can exploit some coverage matchups. Oregon certainly did.
I don't see Notre Dame making the same critical mistakes the Ducks did. The Irish get the win in a very physical game.
Notre Dame: 31 Stanford: 20
Matt Freeman
It’s a ruckus environment inside Notre Dame Stadium as the 4-0 Irish welcome 4-0 Stanford. This game is exactly why Notre Dame signed Tony Jones Jr. You want four yards and a cloud of dust, well, you’ll get your wish this week.
Notre Dame holds Bryce Love in check as the senior rushes 21 times for 79 yards, but he scores two touchdowns. The good news for the Irish is Ian Book picks the Stanford defense to shreds. The junior quarterback finishes 21-for-26 for 278 yards and 3 scores. Jones finishes off the Cardinal with a 13-yard score in the fourth quarter to send Irish fans into a frenzy.
Justin Yoon continues his assault on the record book with field goals from 28, 44 and 38 yards, but he does miss from 61 to end the first half.
Notre Dame: 37 Stanford: 17
Christian McCollum
Brian Kelly proves he made the switch from Brandon Wimbush to Ian Book at just the right time as Book makes the crucial plays down the stretch to provide the Irish with the victory.
Book makes key completions midway through the fourth quarter to help lead the Irish to the go-ahead touchdown in the fourth quarter. Stanford has a chance to go back ahead after Notre Dame fails on a two-point conversion that would have pushed the lead to a touchdown, but the Irish defense comes up with a big stop at midfield on fourth down.
Kelly trusts Book to put the ball in the air, securing a pair of first downs that allow Notre Dame to run out the clock.
Book finishes with more than 250 yards and a touchdown while Tony Jones Jr. scores twice.
Drue Tranquill and Te'von Coney lead Clark Lea's defensive effort that bottles up Bryce Love, but does surrender a couple big plays through the air to KJ Costello and JJ Arcega-Whiteside.
Notre Dame: 26 Stanford: 21