GAME BREAKDOWN
KEY MATCHUP: Notre Dame linebackers vs. Stanford RB Bryce Love. It is no secret that Love has big-play potential and is capable of turning any modest run into a long touchdown. But Love’s production has slipped this season, likely in part because of an inconsistent offensive line, and Notre Dame has a chance to limit his production thanks to star-quality linebackers such as Te’Von Coney and Drue Tranquill.
DRAFT SLANT: Is Notre Dame WR Miles Boykin an NFL prospect? Why not? The Fighting Irish have a long history of producing professional-quality wideouts, and Boykin has emerged as Notre Dame’s No. 1 target this season. He leads the club with 167 yards on nine catches — a terrific average of 18.6 yards per reception.
ROSTER REPORT:
–OT Tommy Kraemer did not start last week because of a sprained ankle, and his status is uncertain for Saturday’s game against Stanford. Kraemer is a 6-foot-6, 316-pound junior who shined as a high school player in Cincinnati.
–OT Trevor Ruhland could see more playing time this week if Kraemer is unable to go because of a sprained ankle. Ruhland is a 6-foot-4, 295-pound senior from Cary-Grove High School in the far northwest suburbs of Chicago.
–RB Dexter Williams could play this week even though he has fallen behind Jafar Armstrong and Tony Jones Jr. on the depth chart. Williams will not get a heavy workload but could be used to spell his teammates, head coach Brian Kelly said.
