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Stanford at Notre Dame stream, keys, and predictions

By Talon Graff

SAN DIEGO, CA - SEPTEMBER 16: Bryce Love #20 of the Stanford Cardinal reacts to scoring a rushing touchdown during the second half of a game against the San Diego State Aztecs at Qualcomm Stadium on September 16, 2017 in San Diego, California. (Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images)
SAN DIEGO, CA - SEPTEMBER 16: Bryce Love #20 of the Stanford Cardinal reacts to scoring a rushing touchdown during the second half of a game against the San Diego State Aztecs at Qualcomm Stadium on September 16, 2017 in San Diego, California. (Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images) /
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SOUTH BEND, IN – SEPTEMBER 08: Members of the Notre Dame Fighting Irish enter the field before a game agaoinst the Ball State Cardinals at Notre Dame Stadium on September 8, 2018 in South Bend, Indiana. Notre Dame defeated Ball State 24-16. (Photo by Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images)
SOUTH BEND, IN – SEPTEMBER 08: Members of the Notre Dame Fighting Irish enter the field before a game agaoinst the Ball State Cardinals at Notre Dame Stadium on September 8, 2018 in South Bend, Indiana. Notre Dame defeated Ball State 24-16. (Photo by Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images) /

Notre Dame Players to Watch

Tony Jones, Jr – Running Back

Notre Dame relies really heavily on their running game with a three-pronged attack. Tony Jones, along with Jafar Armstrong and quarterback Brandon Wimbush, lead the Irish ground game.

Armstrong is out for the Stanford game so Jones should see an increase in carries. He and Armstrong have almost identical stats so far with Jones having a slight edge in rushing yards with 263 to Armstrong’s 245. Jones has one fewer carry than Armstrong and two fewer touchdowns.

If Notre Dame’s offensive line can create holes against Stanford’s front seven, Jones should have his best outing yet which will bode well for Dame’s chances.

Myles Boykin/Chase Claypool

Notre Dame’s offense possesses a couple of really big receivers. Both Boykin and Claypool measure in right around 6’4 and 225 pounds. With one of the key rushers out, Brian Kelly might look to utilize his big-bodied pass catchers against their opponents from the Pac-12. Stanford features a couple of taller than average cornerbacks so this could be a really interesting matchup. Notre Dame hasn’t thrown it a ton this year so coming out slinging it to Boykin and Claypool could catch Stanford a bit off guard.

Drue Tranquill – Linebacker

Drue Tranquill has been a beast for the Irish this year. Leading them in tackles and also creating a bit of havoc for opposing quarterbacks. He has one sack on the year and has also brought down ball carriers behind the line of scrimmage three times. Stanford has a receiver that you have more than likely heard of (we will discuss him more later) but if Tranquill can get going and rattle KJ Costello, it will go a long way in throwing off the Stanford pass game. Everyone knows about Bryce Love as well so Tranquill and fellow linebacker Te’von Coney will be employed with slowing down Love.

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