No. 9 Notre Dame delivered a masterclass in dominance on Saturday night, dismantling Stanford 49-20 in a regular-season finale that left no doubt about the Fighting Irish's playoff credentials. The victory marked Notre Dame's 10th consecutive win and capped off a remarkable turnaround for a team that started the season with losses to Miami and Texas A&M. With all 10 wins coming by double figures, the Irish have made a compelling case to the College Football Playoff committee in their final audition before the postseason begins.
A Statement Performance from Start to Finish
Notre Dame's offense was virtually unstoppable from the opening kickoff, scoring touchdowns on five of its first six possessions. The Irish raced out to a staggering 35-3 halftime lead, essentially putting the game out of reach before intermission. By the time the second half began, it was merely a formality as Notre Dame cruised to the 49-20 victory at Stanford Stadium.
Quarterback
CJ Carr orchestrated the offensive symphony with precision, completing passes for 205 yards and 2 touchdowns. Running back
Aneyas Williams led the rushing attack with 83 yards and 2 touchdowns on 10 carries, showcasing the depth of Notre Dame's offensive weapons. The Irish's balanced attack proved too much for Stanford's defense to contain.
The Jeremiyah Love Scare and Special Teams Wizardry
The only concerning moment for Notre Dame came early when star running back
Jeremiyah Love suffered bruised ribs on his first carry of the second possession. Love had opened the game impressively with 54 rushing yards on the opening drive, capping it with a two-yard touchdown. However, the injury limited his touches for the remainder of the game. The good news: Love returned to action, and with proper rest over the next few weeks, he's expected to be fully healthy when the College Football Playoff begins on December 19-20.
One of the most memorable plays came courtesy of Notre Dame's special teams unit, which has become a hallmark of Marcus Freeman's program. With the Irish already leading 14-0 in the second quarter, facing a fourth-and-nine at their own 16-yard line, punting upback
Joshua Burnham threw an easy pass to an undefended
Luke Talich, who raced 84 yards for a touchdown. The fake punt exemplified the creativity and confidence that special teams coordinator
Marty Biagi brings to the program, regardless of game situation or score.
The Road to the Playoff
Notre Dame's final regular-season record of
10-2 represents a stunning turnaround from a team that many doubted after early-season losses. The Irish's consistency—with every win coming by double figures—demonstrates the kind of dominant, complete football that playoff committees value. The team's West Coast mastery of Stanford continued a pattern of excellence that should resonate with selection committee members.
While other contenders like Miami made their own statements with dominant wins, Notre Dame's performance provided nothing new in terms of what the committee has already seen from the Fighting Irish. The Irish have been consistently excellent, and Saturday's victory simply reinforced what they've demonstrated all season: they're a complete team capable of competing at the highest level.
What's Next
With the regular season complete, Notre Dame now awaits the College Football Playoff committee's announcement of the four-team field. The Irish's combination of a strong final record, dominant wins, and balanced offensive and defensive play positions them well for selection. The next few weeks will be crucial for Notre Dame's health and preparation, particularly monitoring Love's recovery and maintaining the momentum that has carried them through 10 straight victories.
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Notre Dame Football Report Card - South Bend Tribune
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6. Notre Dame vs Stanford Football Game Summary - NCAA.com
7. Luke Talich brings Cody, Wyo., magic to Notre Dame with 2nd TD in ...
8. Three Things We Saw in Notre Dame's Win Over Stanford
