[October 7, 2006] Stanford (0-5) @ #12 Notre Dame (4-1)

[Irish Envy]

vs.

Stanford Cardinal (0-5) at #12 Notre Dame Fighting Irish (4-1)
Notre Dame Stadium - South Bend, IN
October 7, 2006 - 2:30pm EST ​

Stanford On The Season
- [Away] Lost at Oregon, 48-10
- [Away] Lost at San Jose State, 35-34
- [Home] Lost to Navy, 37-9
- [Home] Lost to Washington State, 36-10
- [Away] Lost at UCLA, 31-0

Last Meeting
Number 6 ranked Notre Dame had to come from behind to win 38-31 on 18 4th quarter points in the last game at old Stanford Stadium. Stanford finished the season 5-6.

 

[guff]

I'll be there. I'm a harbinger of losses and that is why I picked this game. Stanford couldn't beat ND if they were allowed to play 15 players on both sides of the ball. No matter what kind of bad luck I drag along from PA this game should be over by half time.

Only air provides less resistance than Stanford.

 

[Irish Envy]

I'll be there. I'm a harbinger of losses and that is why I picked this game. Stanford couldn't beat ND if they were allowed to play 15 players on both sides of the ball. No matter what kind of bad luck I drag along from PA this game should be over by half time.

Only air provides less resistance than Stanford.

I will be in attendance as well and this is also my birthday. Notre Dame wouldn't dare lose on my birthday. I expect a 50+ point present.

 

[BGIF]

ND -31.5

Interesting spread considering ND averages 30.2 points/game of offense while giving up 26.4 ppg.

Stanford scores 12.6 ppg while allowing 37.4 ppg

Only Oregon beat them by more than 31.5.

Stanford's 5 Losses
<TABLE class=statstable width="100%"><TBODY><TR><TD>09/02/06</TD><TD></TD><TD>ORE</TD><TD>10http://web1.ncaa.org/d1mfb/worksheet.jsp?year=2006&game=200600000052920060902.xml</TD><TD>48</TD><TD> </TD></TR><TR><TD>09/09/06</TD><TD></TD><TD>SJS</TD><TD>34http://web1.ncaa.org/d1mfb/worksheet.jsp?year=2006&game=200600000063020060909.xml</TD><TD>35</TD><TD> </TD></TR><TR><TD>09/16/06</TD><TD> </TD><TD>Navy</TD><TD>9http://web1.ncaa.org/d1mfb/worksheet.jsp?year=2006&game=200600000067420060916.xml</TD><TD>37</TD><TD> </TD></TR><TR><TD>09/23/06</TD><TD></TD><TD>WSU</TD><TD>10</TD><TD>36</TD><TD> </TD></TR><TR><TD>09/30/06</TD><TD></TD><TD>UCLA</TD><TD>0http://web1.ncaa.org/d1mfb/worksheet.jsp?year=2006&game=200600000011020060930.xml</TD><TD>31
</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>

 

[jiggafini19]

They're scoring 12.6 a game, eh?

They can score double that on this defense.

 

[Irish Envy]

They're scoring 12.6 a game, eh?

They can score double that on this defense.

I dunno... the Stanford offense is beyond anemic.

 

[jiggafini19]

I dunno... the Stanford offense is beyond anemic.

Good. I want to see it.

 

[BGIF]

NCAA Stats Comparison

<TABLE cellSpacing=0 cols=5 rules=groups border=1 frame=void><COLGROUP><COL width=151><COL width=64><COL width=91><COL width=63><COL width=72></COLGROUP><TBODY><TR><TD align=middle width=151 height=17>Category</TD><TD align=middle width=64>SU Rank</TD><TD align=middle width=91>Stanford Actual</TD><TD align=middle width=63>ND Rank</TD><TD align=middle width=72>ND Actual</TD></TR><TR><TD align=left height=17>Rushing Offense </TD><TD align=middle SDNUM="1033;" SDVAL="101">101</TD><TD align=middle SDNUM="1033;0;0.0" SDVAL="87.2">87.2</TD><TD align=middle SDNUM="1033;" SDVAL="100">100</TD><TD align=middle SDNUM="1033;0;0.0" SDVAL="87.4">87.4</TD></TR><TR><TD align=left height=17>Passing Offense </TD><TD align=middle SDNUM="1033;" SDVAL="58">58</TD><TD align=middle SDNUM="1033;0;0.0" SDVAL="202.2">202.2</TD><TD align=middle SDNUM="1033;" SDVAL="11">11</TD><TD align=middle SDNUM="1033;0;0.0" SDVAL="281.8">281.8</TD></TR><TR><TD align=left height=17>Total Offense </TD><TD align=middle SDNUM="1033;" SDVAL="92">92</TD><TD align=middle SDNUM="1033;0;0.0" SDVAL="289.4">289.4</TD><TD align=middle SDNUM="1033;" SDVAL="45">45</TD><TD align=middle SDNUM="1033;0;0.0" SDVAL="369.2">369.2</TD></TR><TR><TD align=left height=17>Scoring Offense </TD><TD align=middle SDNUM="1033;" SDVAL="109">109</TD><TD align=middle SDNUM="1033;0;0.0" SDVAL="12.6">12.6</TD><TD align=middle SDNUM="1033;" SDVAL="34">34</TD><TD align=middle SDNUM="1033;0;0.0" SDVAL="30.2">30.2</TD></TR><TR><TD align=left height=17>Rushing Defense </TD><TD align=middle SDNUM="1033;" SDVAL="119">119</TD><TD align=middle SDNUM="1033;0;0.0" SDVAL="282.8">282.8</TD><TD align=middle SDNUM="1033;" SDVAL="79">79</TD><TD align=middle SDNUM="1033;0;0.0" SDVAL="147.4">147.4</TD></TR><TR><TD align=left height=17>Pass Efficiency Defense </TD><TD align=middle SDNUM="1033;" SDVAL="66">66</TD><TD align=middle SDNUM="1033;0;0.0" SDVAL="129.3">129.3</TD><TD align=middle SDNUM="1033;" SDVAL="69">69</TD><TD align=middle SDNUM="1033;0;0.0" SDVAL="129.69">129.7</TD></TR><TR><TD align=left height=17>Total Defense </TD><TD align=middle SDNUM="1033;" SDVAL="117">117</TD><TD align=middle SDNUM="1033;0;0.0" SDVAL="458.8">458.8</TD><TD align=middle SDNUM="1033;" SDVAL="92">92</TD><TD align=middle SDNUM="1033;0;0.0" SDVAL="372">372.0</TD></TR><TR><TD align=left height=17>Scoring Defense </TD><TD align=middle SDNUM="1033;" SDVAL="114">114</TD><TD align=middle SDNUM="1033;0;0.0" SDVAL="37.4">37.4</TD><TD align=middle SDNUM="1033;" SDVAL="88">88</TD><TD align=middle SDNUM="1033;0;0.0" SDVAL="26.4">26.4</TD></TR><TR><TD align=left height=17>Net Punting </TD><TD align=middle SDNUM="1033;" SDVAL="89">89</TD><TD align=middle SDNUM="1033;0;0.0" SDVAL="32.88">32.9</TD><TD align=middle SDNUM="1033;" SDVAL="5">5</TD><TD align=middle SDNUM="1033;0;0.0" SDVAL="41.28">41.3</TD></TR><TR><TD align=left height=17>Punt Returns </TD><TD align=middle SDNUM="1033;" SDVAL="117">117</TD><TD align=middle SDNUM="1033;0;0.0" SDVAL="1.33">1.3</TD><TD align=middle SDNUM="1033;" SDVAL="80">80</TD><TD align=middle SDNUM="1033;0;0.0" SDVAL="7.22">7.2</TD></TR><TR><TD align=left height=17>Kickoff Returns </TD><TD align=middle SDNUM="1033;" SDVAL="115">115</TD><TD align=middle SDNUM="1033;0;0.0" SDVAL="15.33">15.3</TD><TD align=middle SDNUM="1033;" SDVAL="25">25</TD><TD align=middle SDNUM="1033;0;0.0" SDVAL="24.06">24.1</TD></TR><TR><TD align=left height=17>Turnover Margin </TD><TD align=middle>T-93</TD><TD align=middle SDNUM="1033;0;0.0" SDVAL="-0.8">-0.8</TD><TD align=middle SDNUM="1033;" SDVAL="52">52</TD><TD align=middle SDNUM="1033;0;0.0" SDVAL="0.2">0.2</TD></TR><TR><TD align=left height=17>Pass Defense </TD><TD align=middle SDNUM="1033;" SDVAL="37">37</TD><TD align=middle SDNUM="1033;0;0.0" SDVAL="176">176.0</TD><TD align=middle SDNUM="1033;" SDVAL="91">91</TD><TD align=middle SDNUM="1033;0;0.0" SDVAL="224.6">224.6</TD></TR><TR><TD align=left height=17>Passing Efficiency </TD><TD align=middle SDNUM="1033;" SDVAL="70">70</TD><TD align=middle SDNUM="1033;0;0.0" SDVAL="120.1">120.1</TD><TD align=middle SDNUM="1033;" SDVAL="38">38</TD><TD align=middle SDNUM="1033;0;0.0" SDVAL="139.69">139.7</TD></TR><TR><TD align=left height=17>Sacks </TD><TD align=middle SDNUM="1033;" SDVAL="113">113</TD><TD align=middle SDNUM="1033;0;0.0" SDVAL="0.6">0.6</TD><TD align=middle SDNUM="1033;" SDVAL="82">82</TD><TD align=middle SDNUM="1033;0;0.0" SDVAL="1.6">1.6</TD></TR><TR><TD align=left height=17>Tackles For Loss </TD><TD align=middle SDNUM="1033;" SDVAL="119">119</TD><TD align=middle SDNUM="1033;0;0.0" SDVAL="3.2">3.2</TD><TD align=middle SDNUM="1033;" SDVAL="58">58</TD><TD align=middle SDNUM="1033;0;0.0" SDVAL="5.8">5.8</TD></TR><TR><TD align=left height=17>Sacks Allowed </TD><TD align=middle SDNUM="1033;" SDVAL="115">115</TD><TD align=middle SDNUM="1033;0;0.0" SDVAL="4.2">4.2</TD><TD align=middle SDNUM="1033;" SDVAL="93">93</TD><TD align=middle SDNUM="1033;0;0.0" SDVAL="2.8">2.8</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>

 

[jiggafini19]

Looks like the only thing they do well is pass the ball.

 

[irishnd31]

Looks like the only thing they do well is pass the ball.

Uh oh.

 

[Guest]

This will be a good game to see how good Lambert, and Walls are. Edwards won't have all day to throw like Painter did last week, that oline is dredful and if I'm not mistaken we sacked Stanford's QB 8 times in last years game.

If we can't put major pressure on Edwards this Saturday we have major issues, or if we put pressure on him and he performs like he did last year then our DB's definitely still have major issues. We need a great defensive effort this Saturday, because we haven't played a good complete defensive game(GT did well in the first half, and we didn't finish off PSU) yet this season. It could do a lot for their confidence if they shut down Standford this Saturday.

 

[knute]

Looking for the Notre Dame defense to show some consistency and pride this week. Lock down the receivers, stuff the running game, sack the quarterback, etc. Rick Minter and his boys can start to earn back some credibility by taking care of business as they should.

ND offense needs a repeat performance of the first half against Purdue to set the tone. Would like to see a backup running back getting some carries in the 2nd or 3rd quarter.

Too many people are just assuming that ND is going to blow out Stanford. That always worries me. Stanford has a way of always playing us tough (witness last year).

The theme this week should be fundamentals and consistency on both sides of the ball to dismantle an overmatched Stanford.

 

[BGIF]

Looks like the only thing they do well is pass the ball.

Seeing as our defense can play the run well or the pass well but not do both at the same time, a one dimensional team is welcome.

 

[BGIF]

...

Too many people are just assuming that ND is going to blow out Stanford. That always worries me. Stanford has a way of always playing us tough (witness last year). ...

Yes Stanford did play ND tough last year. They also played Navy, WSU, and UCLA tough. Compare last year's scores with this years to date.

<TABLE cellSpacing=0 cols=8 rules=groups border=1 frame=void><COLGROUP><COL width=86><COL width=45><COL width=43><COL width=46><COL width=25><COL width=46><COL width=52><COL width=78></COLGROUP><TBODY><TR><TD align=middle width=86 height=17>
</TD><TD align=middle width=45 SDNUM="1033;0;@">'05</TD><TD align=middle width=43 SDNUM="1033;0;@">Score</TD><TD align=middle width=46 SDNUM="1033;0;@">Margin</TD><TD align=middle width=25 SDNUM="1033;0;@">'06</TD><TD align=middle width=46 SDNUM="1033;0;@">Score</TD><TD align=middle width=52 SDNUM="1033;0;@">Margin</TD><TD align=middle width=78 SDNUM="1033;0;@">Differential</TD></TR><TR><TD align=middle height=17>Oregon</TD><TD align=middle>L </TD><TD align=middle>20-44</TD><TD align=middle SDVAL="-24" SDNUM="1033;">-24</TD><TD align=middle>L</TD><TD align=middle>10-48</TD><TD align=middle SDVAL="-38" SDNUM="1033;">-38</TD><TD align=middle SDVAL="-14" SDNUM="1033;">-14</TD></TR><TR><TD align=middle height=17>Navy</TD><TD align=middle>W</TD><TD align=middle>41-38</TD><TD align=middle SDVAL="3" SDNUM="1033;">3</TD><TD align=middle>L</TD><TD align=middle>9-37</TD><TD align=middle SDVAL="-28" SDNUM="1033;">-28</TD><TD align=middle SDVAL="-31" SDNUM="1033;">-31</TD></TR><TR><TD align=middle height=17>WSU </TD><TD align=middle>W</TD><TD align=middle>24-21</TD><TD align=middle SDVAL="3" SDNUM="1033;">3</TD><TD align=middle>L</TD><TD align=middle>10-36</TD><TD align=middle SDVAL="-26" SDNUM="1033;">-26</TD><TD align=middle SDVAL="-29" SDNUM="1033;">-29</TD></TR><TR><TD align=middle height=17>UCLA</TD><TD align=middle>L (OT)</TD><TD align=middle>27-30</TD><TD align=middle SDVAL="-3" SDNUM="1033;">-3</TD><TD align=middle>L</TD><TD align=middle>0-31</TD><TD align=middle SDVAL="-31" SDNUM="1033;">-31</TD><TD align=middle SDVAL="-28" SDNUM="1033;">-28</TD></TR><TR><TD align=middle height=17>ND</TD><TD align=middle>L </TD><TD align=middle>31-38</TD><TD align=middle SDVAL="-7" SDNUM="1033;">-7</TD><TD align=middle>
</TD><TD align=middle>
</TD><TD align=middle>
</TD><TD align=middle>
</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>

The only reason the Differential with Oregon is lower is because they were blown out last year as well.

I haven't seen them play but what's strange is they returned 10 starters from last year's offense and the starting WR Moore sat out last season with an injury. They did lose significant personnel on defense.

Major changes on coaching staff, DC is new, OLB/Spec Teams Coordinator is new, RB coach is new (Buzz Preston former Willingham ND RB coach), OT/TE coach is new. Head Coach Walt Harris is OC.

 

[jiggafini19]

Seeing as our defense can play the run well or the pass well but not do both at the same time, a one dimensional team is welcome.

Especially since ND sacked them quite a few times last year.

BTW, just got a couple of tickets for the game Saturday. My dad and I will be trekking to South Bend early Saturday morning.

GO IRISH!!

 

[BGIF]

... BTW, just got a couple of tickets for the game Saturday. My dad and I will be trekking to South Bend early Saturday morning.

GO IRISH!!

Root home a winner!

 

[BGIF]

At today's PC, Charlie shed some light on the disappearance of the Cardinal offense.

Starting FB lost to injury
Frontline RB lost to injury
Top TWO WRs lost to injury

Edwards is a 5th yr QB that played well against ND last year until getting hurt (when his replacement took over and played well) but he doesn't have a very experienced bunch of skill players around him. He's still completing 60% of his passes.

The OLine has 147 career starts - the most in the nation.

Defense plays a 3-4 with 6 LBs playing in rotation. (Most seem to be in the 215-225 range.)

 

[irishfan]

Looks like the only thing they do well is pass the ball.

looks like all we do well is pass the ball and punt lol

 

[proudndfan]

if they can pass good this is gonna be a close game!

 

[Irish Envy]

They lost some key players from last year's team that they just didn't replace. TJ Rushing, for one, who is a great athlete is in the NFL playing for the Colts.

BTW, I see a kickoff or punt return for a TD happening in this game. I watched one of their games briefly and the special teams tackling was horrendous.

 

[BGIF]

They lost some key players from last year's team that they just didn't replace. TJ Rushing, for one, who is a great athlete is in the NFL playing for the Colts.

BTW, I see a kickoff or punt return for a TD happening in this game. I watched one of their games briefly and the special teams tackling was horrendous.

There's a rumor that their special teams tacklers don't eat all their veggies.

 

[Irish Envy]

There's a rumor that their special teams tacklers don't eat all their veggies.

It's no rumor... it's a fact, Jack!

 

[tgolden]

I'm expecting a very comfortable victory all though the final score might be a little closer just b/c of subs playing. I'm hoping a lot of subs and young players will get to play though.

 

[Irish Envy]

I'm expecting a very comfortable victory all though the final score might be a little closer just b/c of subs playing. I'm hoping a lot of subs and young players will get to play though.

Even with our younger kids playing, it shouldn't be that close. We've got a major talent advantage over this team. If our guys show up, it's over pretty quickly. I'm talking 21-0, 28-0 in the first type of game... on paper at least.

 

[irish4life99]

Looks like the only thing they do well is pass the ball.

Then I don't think the bookies are sweating the line then.

 

[Irish Envy]

Then I don't think the bookies are sweating the line then.

Not at all. There are, on average, 79 yards you can gain passing per drive... but if you can't punch it in from the one, you're in trouble. They can't.

Wonder if Erik Lorig thinks he made the right decision still? Didn't he end up picking Stanford over Notre Dame a couple years back?

 

[domerfor life]

If the team comes in focused, we should win this game comfortably. If Stanford scores more than 14 points, I will be highly disappointed. I also don't want them going over 300 yds of offense. I want the defense to make them look hapless. We have got to start playing consistent football. I think the offense will put up at least 42 (by the 3rd qtr). One thing we can't do is come in thinking they are just going to lay down. That Gold Helmet brings the best out of teams. We see it year in and year out, especially now that ND is progressing towards becoming and staying a top echelon program.

 

[Irish Envy]

Well, gotta grab some sleep because next time I think about the game, I'll be on my way to Notre Dame Stadium. Since I won't be here to "man the fort," I'm counting on you vets to hold it down and do the Official Game thread up right!

 

[Vince Young]

All right, all you negative nancies, I'm'a callin' you out! I don't want to see any whining unless we're A.) ahead by less than a touchdown in the 2nd half, or B.) behind by 2 touchdowns at any point in the game. This is STANFORD. There's a good chance they'd lose to Army if they played 'em... at home. Have faith, and have fun!

 

[guff]

Adding this post from the lobby of the Best Western in Goshen (they have free waffles...mmmmm waffles *drool*).

Pep rally was good. Darius gave some 'fun facts'. Haywood and Minter used a bowie knife as a prop.

I hope to see a blowout.