Can the Irish Avoid a Scare from a Testy Rival? Notre Dame vs. Stanford Game Preview
The Notre Dame Fighting Irish are 5-0 and face a big-time matchup next week against BYU in Provo, which many consider the season's first true test.
Photo by Stan Szeto-Imagn Images
Before we get there, the Irish have some business to take care of with cross-country rival, the Stanford Cardinal. Although the rivalry doesn’t have the competitive juice it once did, this game is still a rivalry. It is enhanced by being the annual “Wear Green” game at the House that Rockne Built.
The Cardinal come into this game 2-3 and are led by first-year Head Coach and former Cardinal player, Tavita Pritchard. The Cardinal are in the middle of a program overhaul. It can be said they don’t score many points (averaging 21 per game), but they make up for it by allowing 33.5 points per game. Offensively, Running Back Micah Ford is the focus of the Cardinal attack. He has 425 yards on 99 attempts and three touchdowns.
Avoid the Trap
It’s well known that the Irish have a big game next week, and experts and so forth have already begun talking about the showdown with the Cougars. It is key for Notre Dame to ignore that noise and stay focused on Stanford.
Stanford knows what Notre Dame is playing for, and there is no higher motivation than playing spoiler for a rival. The Cardinal also could jumpstart their season with a win. They will be playing with proverbial house money here.
With Notre Dame being without a key starter defensively in Linebacker Kyngstonn Viliamu-Asa, Stanford could have designs to take advantage early. The Irish did show a lack of focus at times last week against North Carolina, allowing a season-high in points. They must stay focused on Stanford and take them out of the game quickly.
Rushing to Improvement
Over the past three games, the rushing attack has shown marked improvement. This is a great sign, especially against a solid defense such as North Carolina's. Running Back Jonaz Walton was key last week with 23 carries for 120 yards; he was especially key on the game-clinching drive that took over 8 minutes off the clock.
Against a questionable defense, Notre Dame should continue to improve upon this attack, especially with BYU on the horizon. This could be the game for Walton to solidify his status as RB1. For Aneyas Williams and Nolan James, they can continue to build confidence and show what they excel in for games down the road.
Stay Away From Freak Occurrences
The only way Stanford can stay in this game would be if Notre Dame goes completely against the grain. They would need to turn the ball over multiple times, the defense would need to have a meltdown, and the offense would have to be nonexistent. Crazier things have happened in college football, but that would be a lot of crazy in one game.
Not to rip apart the Cardinal too much, but there is just way too vast a gap in talent. One of those three things could happen, maybe two, but Stanford would need all three. I feel we saw Notre Dame’s lack-of-focus game last week against North Carolina, and they still won by double digits. I do not foresee another lack of focus, and the Irish know they have to take care of business.
My prediction: Irish win 52-10
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