Preview: #14 Stanford vs. #9 Notre Dame
Date: 10/4/14
Time: 3:30 PM ET
Television: NBC (National)
Spread: Stanford -2
Players to Watch
Ty Montgomery, Wide Receiver (Stanford)
Notre Dame has a very strong front seven, so Montgomery will have to be a focal point of the Stanford’s offensive gameplan. He will need to get open to give Hogen open windows, as he likely won’t have much time to throw.
Peter Kalambayi, Linebacker (Stanford)
Kalambayi leads the Cardinal this season with four sacks, and will be a key to Stanford’s success. They will need to get pressure and force Golson into mistakes, and Kalambayi is their best pass rusher thus far.
Everett Golson, Quarterback (Notre Dame)
After missing 2013 due to suspension, Golson has been on fire early this season for the Irish, throwing for 1,142 yards and 11 touchdowns, and contributed four more touchdowns on the ground. He had been turnover-free during the first three games, but struggled at points against Syracuse, tossing two interceptions.
Jaylon Smith, Linebacker (Notre Dame)
Smith is an incredibly rangy linebacker with first round potential when he’s eligible to enter the draft in 2016. He’s incredibly quick, reads the play well, and makes an impact in both the running game, and in coverage.
Stanford’s Offense vs Notre Dame’s Defense
Notre Dame’s front seven is strong, with players like Smith, Sheldon Day, and Ishaq Williams. They will be able to penetrate in the running game. However, Stanford has shown this year that they can carry a consistent running game, so they will be able to run, but they will need to rely on Kevin Hogen and the passing offense to keep the balance. With KaVarie Russell still out for the Irish, Ty Montgomery will need to take advantage and make plays downfield.
Notre Dame’s Offense vs Stanford’s Defense
As mentioned earlier, Golson has started this season on fire for the Irish, making himself the focal point of Notre Dame’s passing game. He made some mistakes against Syracuse, but also completed 25-consecutive passes during the game, so he was able to still have a strong game.
Stanford has a very strong secondary, with Wayne Lyons, Alex Carter, and Jordan Richards, but they may not have the speed in the front seven to contain Golson in the pocket. The Cardinal will need to get pressure and force Golson to stay in the pocket, where he can only hurt them with his arm.
Game Preview
We’re starting to move deeper into the season, and teams are starting to find their rhythm. Notre Dame started the season hot, and haven’t slowed down. Stanford suffered an early season hiccup against USC, but have been able to rebound with a tough victory over Washington last week.
The key to the game will be Everett Golson. If he is able to move around and make plays, and if Stanford can’t create pressure, Notre Dame will be able to win easily. Notre Dame is very talented on offense, and Golson knows how to use his weapons. However, Stanford will make it tough. Their front seven is fundamentally sound and plays within the scheme well, always holding their gaps.
The Irish defense has been noticeably better since last season, as more of their young players have started to see the field. But with Ty Montgomery lining up at wide receiver for Stanford, they will have a tough time chasing him around.
Ultimately, though Notre Dame has been strong offensively this season, Stanford does a great job slowing teams with high-octane offensive gameplans.
Implications
Obviously, for these teams, winning this rivalry is far more important than national implications, but Notre Dame is still undefeated and very much in the hunt for the Inaugural Playoff. A win against the Cardinal will only strengthen their resume.
Final Prediction
Stanford- 21 vs. Notre Dame- 17