Cavalier Corner Digital

11.27.13.Stanford Preview

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✦ top storylines: notre dame vs. stanford ATTENTION IRISH FANS Packages are available for all Notre Dame home games during the 2013 season 2013 HOME GAMES Aug. 31 Sept. 21 Sept. 28 Oct. 19 Nov. 2 Nov. 23 David Shaw directed Stanford to its first Rose Bowl victory in more than 40 years last season, and he is one of four individuals to lead a team to back-to-back BCS bowls in their first two seasons as a college head coach. ALL HOME GAME PACKAGES INCLUDE photo courtesy stanford in pass protection versus Stanford's irresistible force as aggressive pass rushers. Notre Dame's pass blocking has been the immovable object, it's greatest strength of the 2013 season. Notre Dame is second in the country in fewest sacks yielded (seven) — and no other team surrendered fewer sacks in as many pass attempts (348). Stanford's pass rush has been the irresistible force, ranking among the nation's elite. The Cardinal's 34 sacks — 13 by fifth-year senior outside linebacker Trent Murphy — are eighth in the country. Two years ago, an early hit on then Irish sophomore quarterback Tommy Rees shook him up and eventually shelved him for the entire second half during the 28-14 Stanford victory. Brian Kelly compares the 6-6, 261-pound Murphy to Irish tight end Troy Niklas in his stature, with an ability to dominate either as a pass rusher or the ability to drop into coverage. Plus, Kelly noted how Murphy plays with a "really, really bad attitude" — in a good way. "He sets the tone of their defense because he plays so physical, and he's long, he's athletic and he just creates … he allows the defense to give you a lot of different looks," Kelly said. "The multiple looks that they have start with Trent Murphy's ability to set the edge with his size but also drop [into coverage]. That's pretty good stuff." To take some of the burden off Rees, Notre Dame's running game cannot afford to be pedestrian and must at least provide a quality complement to the aerial attack. Once Stanford forces a team to throw when it has to, and not when it wants to, then it usually is in its element. ✦ Temple Michigan State Oklahoma USC Navy B.Y.U *Game Tickets end zone to the 40 yard line. *Two Nights Hotel *Great Customer Service Please visit www.diamondtravel.com for complete details 1.602.870.9197 DIAMOND TRAVEL 25 YEARS IN BUSINESS ✦ Page 9

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