Notre Dame and Stanford is a battle that goes back almost 100 years. The two schools first played each other on January 1, 1925. The Fighting Irish won the first meeting 24-17.

The two teams have played 32 times. Notre Dame leads the All-Time series 19-13. Notre Dame won 7 straight games from 2002 to 2008. However, Stanford has won the last three meetings.

The two play for “The Legends Trophy” the winner gets to display it on their campus for the year. The trophy is an Irish crystal ball that sits on top a California redwood base.

One of the most famous games took place in 2012. Undefeated #7 Notre Dame hosted Stanford, for a night game in a downpour. It was an all time battle that went into Overtime. The Notre Dame Defense lead by Manti Te’o stopped Stanford on a 4th and goal from the 1 yard line to preserve the 20-13 victory!

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=2s9yfl9MXJo

It’s Stanford Week…

It's Stanford week, so naturally, we had to make some adjustments to Stanford Hall's name. #GoIrish ☘️ pic.twitter.com/fjbqMev8Nu — Notre Dame Football (@NDFootball) September 27, 2018

This Saturday night the two will square off again. The first Top 10 matchup at Notre Dame Stadium since 2005.

Stanford is coming off a huge comeback win against Oregon last Saturday night in Eugene. The game looked completely out of reach but QB K.J. Costello and star RB Bryce Love had other thoughts…

Image – Newsday

Costello threw for 327 yards and 3 touchdowns while Love added 89 yards and a score on the ground. They battled back and won the ballgame 38-31 in overtime. Will that win catapult more success heading to South Bend or will they be spent?

Notre Dame is coming off their best offensive performance of the season at Wake Forest. Even after starting the season 3-0 (and a huge win against Michigan) Coach Kelly made a tough decision to change quarterbacks.

Image – IndyDaily

The offense wasn’t getting it done through the air under Wimbush so the team is now led by Ian Book. Who threw for 325 yards and 2 touchdowns, adding 43 yards on the ground and 3 more touchdowns. The Irish put up a season best 56 points.

Both teams are heading into this game on highs. Both teams are heading into this game 4-0, and both teams are heading into this game with the College Football Playoff in their sights.

The keys to the game for the Irish to win will be containing Bryce Love. Linebackers Drue Tranquil and Te’von Coney will have to be on their games to shut down the Heisman hopeful.

The Irish will also have to get pressure on QB K.J. Costello and knock him off his spot. The Irish have one of the country’s best defensive lines, lead by Senior Jerry Tillery. However, the Stanford O line is also talented… So the battle in the trenches should be great all night.

…Good old fashion smash mouth football.

The Irish also get back their dynamic speedster running back Dexter Williams, who was suspended the first four games of the season. This should add another great weapon coming out of the backfield to go along with Tony Jones Jr and Jafar Armstrong.

I believe the Irish have the defense to stop the potent Stanford attack, but if they aren’t careful their Big WR’s and TE’s could cause big problems..

The stadium will be rocking again, as they are having another Green Out! This should help the defense tremendously. Hopefully lead to a couple of turnovers and short fields for Ian Book and the offense.

https://twitter.com/barstoolirish/status/1043968323170512898?s=21

I am going into this game optimistic but nervous as an Irish fan. I believe ND will sing their Alma Mater after a victory but I feel like it’s going to get a dog fight.

Make sure you don’t miss this one!

7:30PM on NBC.

GO IRISH BEAT cardinal!

-Kevin “That Guy”

Feature Image – Sportsweek

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