BGI Staff Predictions: Notre Dame vs. Stanford

NOTRE DAME 27, STANFORD 23: I don’t know what is more likely or unlikely: Notre Dame losing three consecutive home games for the first time since the train wreck 3-9 campaign in 2007, or Stanford losing three straight games for the first time since Jim Harbaugh’s second season in 2008.

My first instincts about the October schedule were lose at North Carolina State, beat Stanford and lose to Miami. The Irish could win this game by 20 or lose it by 20. Because the coin came up heads for home team, this is the selection.

NOTRE DAME 30, STANFORD 23: It would seem many of the predictions in this game are focused too much on Notre Dame's struggles the first four weeks. Not enough is put on Stanford's struggles this season. Stanford has yet to top 27 points in a game, but many seem to think Stanford is going to roll up a ton of points and yards. On paper, it would seem highly unlikely that Stanford will have that kind of performance, but of course, the same argument could have been made about Michigan State and Duke coming into those games, and we all know how they turned out.

Notre Dame is playing for its postseason life, and this is arguably the biggest current rivalry on the schedule. Returning to home and avoiding a hurricane will have a major impact on the Irish defense. This will also be the first game fans get a glimpse of the improved Irish defense, which will mostly keep Stanford in check outside of a few big plays.

As long as Kizer is efficient and protects the football, Notre Dame should be able to move the ball enough to out-score the Cardinal.

STANFORD 30, NOTRE DAME 27: With the Irish looking for revenge after a heartbreaking defeat at the hands of Stanford last season, a loss that eliminated Notre Dame from playoff contention, Saturday’s game will surely be hard-fought. Star Stanford running back Christian McCaffrey was held in check last year by the Irish defense, and though his status for this year’s game is still questionable after sustaining an injury last week against Washington State, I expect him to play and have a large impact on the game.

Notre Dame’s defense, though it showed improvement in recent weeks, will struggle to contain McCaffrey, the best individual talent the Irish will see this season. Tackling will again be an issue for the young defense, and McCaffrey will expose those weaknesses.

Offensively, Notre Dame should find some success through the air, but Stanford’s ability to rush the passer will give the Irish offensive line some problems. With Stanford’s offense able to control the clock in this one, Notre Dame will have to take advantage of its chances with the ball.

STANFORD 31, NOTRE DAME 30: Stanford’s defense has struggled defending the pass this season giving up 258.8 yards per game, which bodes well for Irish quarterback DeShone Kizer. The Cardinal are also banged up in the secondary making their task of slowing down the Irish passing game a bit more challenging. The team has been able to put pressure on the quarterback and could affect Kizer and the timing in the passing game.

Stanford’s offense hasn't broken out just yet and this could be the game it happens. Ryan Burns has been efficient this year despite not putting up the big numbers. The Irish did a good job against McCaffery last season. If he is able to go, can the Irish do it again? Notre Dame’s defense has shown some improvement the last couple of weeks, but given the conditions of the NC State game it is difficult to determine the exact degree of the improvement.

If McCaffery does not play Stanford may have a tough time winning this game given the plays he can make on offense and special teams. Even though the Cardinal offensive line is not up to typical standards, they are facing a Notre Dame unit, which has struggled to record sacks in the first half of the season.

Even banged up I think McCaffery is the difference in the game and will make the deciding play for the Cardinal to walk out of South Bend with a close victory over the Irish.

STANFORD 44, NOTRE DAME 42: The obvious thing to look at in this game is what Christian McCaffrey may be able to do to this struggling Notre Dame defense. McCaffrey hasn’t had the Heisman-worthy season a lot of people were expecting, but then again, nobody on Duke or Michigan State has either.

I think McCaffrey is due for a big game, and unfortunately for Notre Dame I think it’s’ coming on Saturday. DeShone Kizer and the Notre Dame offense will have no problem scoring points, but just as Duke and Michigan State did, I think Stanford will do just enough to walk out of Notre Dame stadium with a victory.

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