Blue and Gold Illustrated

Oct. 6, 2014 Issue

Blue & Gold Illustrated: America's Foremost Authority on Notre Dame Football

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GAME PREVIEW: STANFORD Notre Dame ranked second nation‑ ally last year in fewest sacks allowed (eight) and permitted only one ver‑ sus Stanford. That was highlighted by the performance of graduated first‑round draft pick Zack Martin's against the graduated second‑round pick Trent Murphy, the nation's sack leader who referred to Martin as the best blocker he had ever faced. T h i s y e a r, N o t re D a m e ' s p a s s protection has not been as stout, yielding four sacks to Purdue. That prompted some position switches along the line, including moving sophomore tackle Steve Elmer back to guard. Stanford will bring the heat again, and its pass defense was No. 1 in the country after the first three games while giving up the fewest yards (66.0 per game). That includes ju‑ nior cornerback Alex Carter — son of 1994 first‑round Irish cornerback Tom Carter — on the back end. Yet Notre Dame quarterback Ever‑ ett Golson has often been the most dangerous when he is flushed out of the pocket and has to ad‑lib. Getting the upper hand in this cat‑ egory should have a major impact on the outcome. ✦ Predictions Douglas Farmer: Notre Dame 27, Stanford 21 Finally, Notre Dame faces its first opponent this year worthy of measuring-stick consideration. A home crowd that remembers the 2012 rendition's end will provide a comfort level that should help the Irish overcome genuine adversity for the first time this season. Look for Everett Golson to dazzle at least once, likely when the game hangs in the balance. Tom Loy: Notre Dame 24 Stanford 20 Notre Dame needs to win the turnover battle, Everett Golson has to outperform Kevin Hogan in the quarterback matchup, and the playmakers across the Irish offense will need to have their best game of the season. If Notre Dame can defeat the Cardinal, there is no reason to believe the Irish won't be looking at an undefeated matchup against No. 1 Florida State. Andrew Owens: Notre Dame 31, Stanford 20 The Cardinal has bested the Irish in four of the five past meetings, led by a suffocating defense that has forced at least two turnovers in every game of the series during the Brian Kelly era. Stanford's defense is good but not elite like its recent versions. Expect the Irish to top the Cardinal for the second straight time at home. Lou Somogyi: Notre Dame 24, Stanford 17 Offensive line play is what to watch. In February 2012, Stanford's offensive line haul was considered one of the best ever in college football. All are starting now as juniors while collectively trying to assert themselves. Notre Dame had to redesign its offensive line during the bye because it knew it had to be better against the physical, tenacious, hard-charging defense of Stanford.

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