Notre Dame vs. Stanford PreviewOctober 10, 2012
By: Jordan Marks
It has been some time since Notre Dame has been this good. They appear to be on a roll to a national championship like season. Everything is in line, strength in schedule, tough road games and a great defense; all they have to do is win. The #17 Stanford Cardinals definitely have something to say about that.
The 4-1 Cardinals fly into South Bend, ready to go to war with the undefeated Irish. Stanford is a mediocre team at best. They do not stand out statistically in any certain category. However, their team experience over the past few years, coupled with the criticism that they would not be anything without Andrew Luck, has made this team come together to prove critics wrong.
After upsetting, at the time, #2 USC at home, Stanford took to the road for their first time this season and failed to beat Washington. They then followed that loss with an overtime win over Arizona. This game in South Bend will be the Cardinals second road game, and is definitely one they will have to be on their A+ game for. The Ivy League school will need to rely on it’s running back, Stepfan Taylor, to keep the #2 ranked Irish defense honest to allow Josh Nunes some passing lanes.
Notre Dame is looking to continue their primetime prowess, having already beaten two top 25 teams. Defense will be their key. Lead by Heisman Trophy Candidate, Manti Teo, this defense hopes to stifile the Cardinals by applying pressure to Nunes. If the Irish can’t get this defense going, it could be a long night for them.
Look for Cardinals to try and score quick and fast as Notre Dame has yet to allow more than two TDs in a game. This boxing match will be one of the best games to watch this Saturday, and should come down to the wire.
Notre Dame 20-17
