[NDIrish]

I think it is safe to say ND has not seen a defense like Stanford's this year.  24 points against Stanford is wishful thinking based on how both teams have played so far this year.  ND has not shown much of a running game this year.  Stanford's pass defense is only giving up 74 ypg and that includes against two very good passing offenses ($c and Washington).

I think the key to this game will be how Stanford's offense performs inside of ND's 35 yard line.  If you have watched Stanford this year, no revelation there.  They have all the tools: wideouts, tight ends, offensive line, speed, and QB.  If there is a missing piece, it is a pile driving running back.  The question is will they cough up penalty flags and footballs or put the ball in the end zone.  The only thing that has held back Stanford's offense this year is itself.  Neither u$c nor UW did it without a major assist from Stanford themselves.  The trend towards disciplined, mistake free performance we Card fans have grown accustomed to is in a positive direction.  If that continues against ND, then I am expecting a final score of something like 24-13 Stanford wins.

Ill give you holding USCs passing, but i think our is better - better qb and receivers, and i question UW as a very good passing team is a stretch (ranked 112).  I do believe the redzone performance will win the game, and thats why i think we will win.

[NDIrish]

I think it is safe to say ND has not seen a defense like Stanford's this year.  24 points against Stanford is wishful thinking based on how both teams have played so far this year.  ND has not shown much of a running game this year.  Stanford's pass defense is only giving up 74 ypg and that includes against two very good passing offenses ($c and Washington).

I think the key to this game will be how Stanford's offense performs inside of ND's 35 yard line.  If you have watched Stanford this year, no revelation there.  They have all the tools: wideouts, tight ends, offensive line, speed, and QB.  If there is a missing piece, it is a pile driving running back.  The question is will they cough up penalty flags and footballs or put the ball in the end zone.  The only thing that has held back Stanford's offense this year is itself.  Neither u$c nor UW did it without a major assist from Stanford themselves.  The trend towards disciplined, mistake free performance we Card fans have grown accustomed to is in a positive direction.  If that continues against ND, then I am expecting a final score of something like 24-13 Stanford wins.

Ill give you holding USCs passing, but i think our is better - better qb and receivers, and i question UW as a very good passing team is a stretch (ranked 112).  I do believe the redzone performance will win the game, and thats why i think we will win.