Written by Robert Henry
The Notre Dame Fighting Irish are facing a season where they could very likely miss the post season if they don’t get their act in gear currently sitting at 2-4. This week the Stanford Cardinals come in after back to back terrible losses to Washington & Washington State. With that losses it gives the Fighting Irish good game footage to study, however it also almost guarentees the Cardinals come out of the game throwing punches as they try to save their season Saturday.
Brian Kelly’s squad took another loss last week to NC State but in their defense they played in terrible conditions due to Hurricane Matthew, I a 10-3 game that saw the only TD coming on the defensive side of the ball. While it seems bleak for the Fighting Irish, the Cardinals are struggling to keep it together as well. After suffering back-to-back losses from Washington and Washington State they went from a team looking at a playoff berth, to hoping to stay in the PAC-12 Title hunt. The last time the Irish met, Stanford was able to pull away with the win and ruin Notre Dame’s playoff chances.
The Fighting Irish may be starting off this season so far by losing four of their six game but they have a chance to turn it around with a win over the Cardinal. They only converted one of the 15 3rd-down chances they were given against NC State. But again this was in a torrential down pour. With all-negative aside, their offense has been pretty dynamic regardless of the losses. The defense for the Fighting Irish is the more likely suspects to blame. Notre Dame relieved defensive coordinator Brian VanGrorder of his duties two weeks ago and Greg Hudson took over but hasn't been able to get this defense back to form, we will see if two weeks on the job will end in a different result. With an inexperienced secondary and a poor pass rush they will be looking at upwards battles against USC, Miami and Virginia Tech.
The Stanford Cardinals are coming off back to back losses where their defense was quite overwhelmed by the offenses. The Stanford offensive line allowed four sacks to the Washington defense two weeks ago. Stanford can take the win this Saturday against Notre Dame if they can bring their defense to control the downs during their time. If they can turn up the offense and utilize their receivers so they can open up the run game they will have an easy time leaving South Bend with a win. The Cardinals will be tested with this game but if they can chalk up the last two losses as fluke’s and a learnig experience, they may be able to maintain a decent season.
Both Notre Dame University and Stanford University are looking down the path of a terrible season but they could turn it with a win. The Fighting Irish have struggled with their defense, ground game and coaching staff. However, if they can learn from the Stanford games they may be able to come up with a win. The same thing can be said for the Cardinals when they're looking at the Notre Dame film. All in all, both of these teams have fallen from the greatness that they were last year but we should see a battle between two amazing football programs.
Brian Kelly’s squad took another loss last week to NC State but in their defense they played in terrible conditions due to Hurricane Matthew, I a 10-3 game that saw the only TD coming on the defensive side of the ball. While it seems bleak for the Fighting Irish, the Cardinals are struggling to keep it together as well. After suffering back-to-back losses from Washington and Washington State they went from a team looking at a playoff berth, to hoping to stay in the PAC-12 Title hunt. The last time the Irish met, Stanford was able to pull away with the win and ruin Notre Dame’s playoff chances.
The Fighting Irish may be starting off this season so far by losing four of their six game but they have a chance to turn it around with a win over the Cardinal. They only converted one of the 15 3rd-down chances they were given against NC State. But again this was in a torrential down pour. With all-negative aside, their offense has been pretty dynamic regardless of the losses. The defense for the Fighting Irish is the more likely suspects to blame. Notre Dame relieved defensive coordinator Brian VanGrorder of his duties two weeks ago and Greg Hudson took over but hasn't been able to get this defense back to form, we will see if two weeks on the job will end in a different result. With an inexperienced secondary and a poor pass rush they will be looking at upwards battles against USC, Miami and Virginia Tech.
The Stanford Cardinals are coming off back to back losses where their defense was quite overwhelmed by the offenses. The Stanford offensive line allowed four sacks to the Washington defense two weeks ago. Stanford can take the win this Saturday against Notre Dame if they can bring their defense to control the downs during their time. If they can turn up the offense and utilize their receivers so they can open up the run game they will have an easy time leaving South Bend with a win. The Cardinals will be tested with this game but if they can chalk up the last two losses as fluke’s and a learnig experience, they may be able to maintain a decent season.
Both Notre Dame University and Stanford University are looking down the path of a terrible season but they could turn it with a win. The Fighting Irish have struggled with their defense, ground game and coaching staff. However, if they can learn from the Stanford games they may be able to come up with a win. The same thing can be said for the Cardinals when they're looking at the Notre Dame film. All in all, both of these teams have fallen from the greatness that they were last year but we should see a battle between two amazing football programs.