No. 14 Stanford (-2) @ No. 9 Notre Dame TV: NBC 3:30pm Saturday
Daniel: We’re about to find out a ton about Notre Dame the next few weeks with Stanford and then Florida State coming up on their schedule. Some of ND’s hype came after the impressive win over Michigan than, in hindsight, isn’t really that impressive at this point. Stanford, meanwhile, lost its toughest test against USC, but pulled out a win last week against a decent Washington squad. Both teams have put up some really impressive numbers on defense and have a quarterback that can make enough plays to win the game. This is pretty much a pick’em game in my eyes. I just don’t like picking against Stanford in general, so I’ll take the better-coached team and say The Cardinal finds a way to win a crazy one at the end. Winner: Stanford 14-13
Houston: I may live to regret it, but I am buying the Everett Golson hype. Through four games this season, the senior has thrown for 1,142 yards, 11 touchdowns and only two interceptions to lead the Irish to a 4-0 start. Stanford’s defense has been absolutely sensational this year, but Notre Dames has been solid as well – albeit against worse competition. Stanford’s offense has struggled all year and I think they are in for another tough afternoon in South Bend on Saturday. This game will be extremely close with Golson making a great play late to put the Irish in a position to win the game. If this game were in Palo Alto, I’d pick the Cardinal, but I think Notre Dame gets it done at home. Winner: Notre Dame 17-14
Reed: This is a doozy. Stanford’s defense has given up just 16 points this season but their offense has struggled inexplicably. They’re turning the ball over entirely too much and bogging down once they cross midfield. Notre Dame has been impressive against poor competition so far this season. We’ll learn a ton about both of these teams this week. Stanford’s defense, which leads the nation, should be the difference in this one as long as they take care of the football. They’re more tested and should get the W in what is likely to be an ugly game. Winner: Stanford 20-17
Chad: Taking Stanford here. Bottom line. They’re physical and can punch you in the nose on both sides of the ball. Stanford may have lost to USC in a close one at home, 13-10, but they look to be one of the more successful teams on the road. Again, a very physical defense and the first real test for Notre Dame. I’m not convinced Notre Dame is worthy of the No. 9 spot in the polls and they’ll get the chance to prove me wrong this weekend. Winner: Cardinal 35-21
