Blue & Gold Illustrated: America's Foremost Authority on Notre Dame Football
Issue link: https://comanpub.uberflip.com/i/605097
GAME PREVIEW: STANFORD On PaPer BY BRYAN DRISKELL STANFORD RUNNING GAME VS. NOTRE DAME RUN DEFENSE The Cardinal struggled to run the ball in 2014, averaging just 158.8 yards per game for the worst performance during head coach David Shaw's first four seasons. After the first two games this year — in which Stanford averaged 107.5 yards per contest and 3.2 yards per rush — it looked like those struggles would continue. That's when Shaw turned the rushing attack over to sophomore running back Christian McCaffrey. Since then, Stanford has averaged 254.5 yards per game and McCaffrey has emerged as a Heisman Trophy candidate. He had racked up 1,354 yards on the ground through 10 contests, and led the nation in all‑purpose yards per game (241.8). Notre Dame continues to be inconsistent with its rushing defense. The Irish were gashed on the ground by USC (150 yards) and Pittsburgh (175 yards), but shut down Temple (107 yards) and Wake Forest (121 yards). The defensive line — led by Shel‑ don Day (13.5 tackles for loss through 10 games) and Romeo Okwara (12.5) — has played well, but more is needed from the linebackers and safeties. Advantage: Stanford STANFORD PASSING GAME VS. NOTRE DAME PASS DEFENSE When the Cardinal runs the ball effectively, it is far more successful passing the football. The goal is to throw the ball less, but to create big plays down field or to McCaffrey out of the backfield. When fifth‑year senior quarterback Kevin Hogan attempts fewer than 20 passes, Stanford has averaged 45.8 points per game. Stanford ranked just 70th in passing yards per game (222.2) through Nov. 14, but its 161.6 pass efficiency rating was 14th nationally and its 66.5‑per‑ cent completion rate was 15th. There are weapons at Hogan's disposal at every position. McCaffrey led the team with 33 receptions for 367 yards and two scores, while senior wideout Michael Rector has been a big‑play threat. Through 10 games, Rector had 26 grabs for 416 yards (16.0 yards per catch) and four touchdowns. In addition, junior Austin Hooper — who had 26 catches for 379 yards and five scores — is one of the best pass catch‑ ing tight ends in the country. Notre Dame's pass defense has steadily improved over the last month. After giving up 440 yards to USC, the Irish held their next three opponents to just 210.0 yards per game and a 47.8‑percent completion rate, and has picked off three passes while allowing just two passing touchdowns. The Irish racked up eight sacks and 15 QB hurries during that stretch, which has helped fuel Notre Dame's improvements. Advantage: Notre Dame Junior Austin Hooper is one of the best pass catch- ing tight ends in the nation, hauling in 26 recep- tions for 379 yards and five touchdowns through 10 games. PHOTO BY STANFORDPHOTO.COM