Well folks here it is. Game 12/Week 14. The Fightin’ Irish go West to take on rival Stanford. After a long season and some adversity a final road game looms. They will also have an extra piece of hardware with them, the “Legends Trophy.” Last year when the Irish reclaimed the Legends Trophy, Coach Kelly poured red Gatorade into the the trophy and drank from it. The obstacle in the way of the Irish this year is this horrible thing called rain. The rain has not been kind to the Irish the past couple years. The Irish need to come prepared if they going to beat the 4-7 Cardinal.
Every year the Irish play a schedule that puts them up against the nation’s best programs. Unfortunately this year that has not worked out well. The losses to Georgia and Michigan are still weighing heavy on Irish fans. The Irish are more importantly are playing for a 10-2 regular season record. Though a trip to the College Football Playoff is not in the mix, a ten win season is what is left on the table.
Keys To An Irish Victory
Offense
The offense needs to start early and score often. Play calls like Ian Book to Chase Claypool, Book to Cole Kmet, Book to Chris Finke may not get a lot of chances so they will have to capitalize on the opportunities when called upon. I anticipate Braden Lenzy may get the call at some point, a lot Tony Jones Jr getting his touches along with a possible call to C’Bo Flemister. But, if Book has the green light like he has had the last couple weeks, it will set up for a strong ground attack for sure.
Photo By Lisa Kelly Shake Down The Thunder Sports
Defense
The defense just needs to bring the same intensity as last week. Holding A.J. Dillon to just 56 yards. Guys like Adetokunbo Ogundeji, Khalid Kareem, Drew White, Kyle Hamilton and Asmar Bilal all having a great couple weeks will need to be at the same level against Stanford. There is no looking past Stanford as this is the last game of the season.
Special Teams
I have been having conversations with fans the last couple of weeks. The hope is that Chris Finke brings a kick return for a touchdown. That would be quite a way for the Grad student to finish his regular season career with the Fightin’ Irish. After a quiet week last week, Jay Bramblett needs to be at the ready, especially if the weather gets sloppy. If anyone can handle it, Bramblett can.
Our Picks
Jimmy
Stanford hasn’t had a double digit winning season for the last two years. Stanford is running in the middle of the PAC 12. They play at Washington St, home versus Cal then home against ND. That is a tough gauntlet to run. ND is better on paper. I am not sure if Stanford has the playmakers.
Jimmy chooses ND 27-20
George
Academically ND and Stanford are in the same boat. They both have high academic standards. Stanford always plays ND tough and ND will have a lot on the line in this one. A possible CFP bid may be on the line. Keeping the “Legends Trophy” on it’s perch in the “Gug” is a must.
George chooses ND 38-24
GameDay Information
Date: Saturday, November 30, 2019
Time: 4 p.m. ET
Site: Stanford Stadium
• Capacity: 50,424 (Grass)
TV: FOX (national)
• Tim Brando (play-by-play)
• Spencer Tillman (analysis)
• Coley Harvey (sideline)
Radio: Notre Dame Radio Network
• SiriusXM (Channel 129)
• 96.1 FM, 101.5 FM & 960 AM
Season Of Giving
Having been on the receiving end of public assistance as a child, this time of the year I can’t think but trying to help another child in need. When I saw this I knew I had to share this. Especially with our motto #BeyondPlayingSports
The Kelly Cares Foundation is attempting to raise $10,000 to host over 100 children during our Shop With a Notre Dame Football Player event. Additional funds raised will support a new Kelly Cares program to provide direct financial assistance for non-medical services to breast cancer patients.
Please consider giving something. Every little bit helps.
Cheers and Go Irish! 🍀🏈⚡