PLAYERS TO WATCH
–RB Bryce Love was productive at Oregon after his return from injury, with 89 rushing yards and a touchdown, but the passing game was the star of the show. Love’s career has been consistent at Stanford in that there has rarely been a string of games without a monster game (or at least a triple-digit yardage game) from the talented tailback. The Irish’s defense does present a challenge for Love and company, as it has held opponents to under 20 points per game.
–LB Joey Alfieri had the signature defensive play against Oregon, and may need to deliver another monster defensive play for Stanford to beat two ranked opponents back-to-back weeks on the road. Alfieri has 20 tackles, 2.5 sacks and a fumble recovery this season (the 80-yard touchdown recovery and return against Oregon). Alfieri, Sean Barton and Bobby Okereke have been the heart of the defense as senior linebackers, playmakers and pass-rushers when needed.
–QB K.J. Costello, while his winning TD pass against Oregon in OT wasn’t perfect, still managed 327 passing yards and three touchdowns in a hostile environment (and after facing a 24-7 halftime deficit). On the season, Costello has thrown for 1,056 yards, 10 touchdowns and three interceptions.
–K Jet Toner has converted all 13 of his extra-point attempts and 5 of 6 field goal tries, including a long make of 46 yards. In a showdown of two Top 10 teams with proud defenses, a kicker could make or break Stanford’s bid to start 5-0.
SERIES HISTORY: Notre Dame leads the all-time series 18-13 but Stanford has won the past three matchups (matching its longest streak in the series). The Irish once won seven in a row from 2002-2008.
QUOTE TO NOTE: “First of all, none in the first half. We didn’t do our jobs very well. All I told them at halftime, is don’t be surprised in the middle of the fourth quarter if it’s a tight game. If we just do our jobs and play well. I tell you what, our running back is special. We didn’t play well enough up front, but if he gets enough opportunities, he’s going to make special plays.” — Stanford coach David Shaw, on the maturity and poise showed by his team at Oregon
