[thunder_chik]

I for one am looking forward to a very close game (sorry, it probably will be another nailbiter!).  Teams are well matched. N*D's Golson is more dynamic than Hogan, but our D is stouter.  N*D team is reportedly unsatisfied with its performance against Syracuse (turned the ball over 5 times=3 fumbles, 2 interceptions including a pick-6).  They had an "ugly win", as did we.  N*D hasn't really been tested in its first four games; we've played two ranked teams, lost one.  They've scored 140 points to our 110; they've held opponents to 46 points to our 23.  Five of their players who were suspended for alleged "academic fraud" August 15 may be back on the field Saturday (4 of the 5 are defensive players).  We are for the most part still apparently healthy (correct me if I'm wrong).  As of this writing, we are a 1.5 point favorite.  Haven't been able to find out who the officiating crew will be (Pac 12 again?), but let's assume we could be subject to some less-than-accurate penalties, e.g., whistles blown too soon or too late, missed or bogus PI calls.
I'm sensing it could be a one-point game, 21-20.  Hoping Stanford comes out on top.  Team with fewer mistakes (turnovers, penalties) wins.  Go Cardinal!

[thunder_chik]

I for one am looking forward to a very close game (sorry, it probably will be another nailbiter!).  Teams are well matched. N*D's Golson is more dynamic than Hogan, but our D is stouter.  N*D team is reportedly unsatisfied with its performance against Syracuse (turned the ball over 5 times=3 fumbles, 2 interceptions including a pick-6).  They had an "ugly win", as did we.  N*D hasn't really been tested in its first four games; we've played two ranked teams, lost one.  They've scored 140 points to our 110; they've held opponents to 46 points to our 23.  Five of their players who were suspended for alleged "academic fraud" August 15 may be back on the field Saturday (4 of the 5 are defensive players).  We are for the most part still apparently healthy (correct me if I'm wrong).  As of this writing, we are a 1.5 point favorite.  Haven't been able to find out who the officiating crew will be (Pac 12 again?), but let's assume we could be subject to some less-than-accurate penalties, e.g., whistles blown too soon or too late, missed or bogus PI calls.
I'm sensing it could be a one-point game, 21-20.  Hoping Stanford comes out on top.  Team with fewer mistakes (turnovers, penalties) wins.  Go Cardinal!