[standfan]

By the way,  it is a myth the refs were NDs because they were from the ACC.  Stanford was called for one penalty the whole game.  Great, being a ND homer I generally take the position opposing teams, of equal ability must play perfect games to beat ND.  Stanford certainly did that on offense Saturday night.  Don't forget ND got screwed at Florida State last year for the infamous pick play at the end of the game*.  So yes, the refs didn't see and so on.
OK.  Let's suppose ND had played as well on offense as Stanford did Saturday night; 1 penalty, no turnovers and scored touchdowns on all its red zone trips and the series fumbled at the 23.  ND wins 55-38

*Since the called pick play; I have seen it a million times in college and pro games since then and have never seen it called.  In fact, most often those calling the games on TV describe the "rub" or "pick" as if it is a normal pattern.

That analysis ignores the fact that Shaw dials back the offense to score just enough to win. Stanford easily would have scored 10-17 more points if it needed to do so and deprived ND of even more TOP in the process. The two short possessions in the fourth quarter were classic Shaw, in the lead, conservative play calling. ND didn't force Stanford to do so as Shaw saw it although Stanford fans definitely think his being too conservative almost cost us.

[standfan]

By the way,  it is a myth the refs were NDs because they were from the ACC.  Stanford was called for one penalty the whole game.  Great, being a ND homer I generally take the position opposing teams, of equal ability must play perfect games to beat ND.  Stanford certainly did that on offense Saturday night.  Don't forget ND got screwed at Florida State last year for the infamous pick play at the end of the game*.  So yes, the refs didn't see and so on.
OK.  Let's suppose ND had played as well on offense as Stanford did Saturday night; 1 penalty, no turnovers and scored touchdowns on all its red zone trips and the series fumbled at the 23.  ND wins 55-38

*Since the called pick play; I have seen it a million times in college and pro games since then and have never seen it called.  In fact, most often those calling the games on TV describe the "rub" or "pick" as if it is a normal pattern.

That analysis ignores the fact that Shaw dials back the offense to score just enough to win. Stanford easily would have scored 10-17 more points if it needed to do so and deprived ND of even more TOP in the process. The two short possessions in the fourth quarter were classic Shaw, in the lead, conservative play calling. ND didn't force Stanford to do so as Shaw saw it although Stanford fans definitely think his being too conservative almost cost us.