Game Preview: Stanford
Fifth-year senior linebacker Shayne Skov led Stanford with 81 tackles through 10 games, and he also had
nine stops for loss, 3.5 sacks, two forced fumbles and two fumble recoveries.
photo courtesy stanford
able for the Cardinal (13 of 15 on attempts inside 50
yards through 10 games), but it is difficult to find a
kicker as clutch as Irish junior Kyle Brindza. In a close
game, he could be the difference-maker.
Advantage: Even
Coaching
David Shaw is in his third season leading Stanford
and has never lost more than two games in a season.
Notre Dame would be the first team to defeat the
Cardinal in consecutive seasons since he took over
for Jim Harbaugh.
Irish head coach Brian Kelly has often discussed his
desire for the program to match Stanford's physical
approach. He is 1-2 against Stanford heading into the
regular-season finale.
Advantage: Even
Intangibles
In terms of bowl opportunities, this game is meaningless for Notre Dame, but a victory over Stanford
could signal that the Irish program is strong heading
into 2014 despite what many view as a disappointing
regular season. The Irish need a win in Palo Alto, Calif., to avoid dropping another game this November,
a month in which Notre Dame has thrived under
Kelly.
Advantage: Even
