Notre Dame returns from bye week in playoff contention against Stanford

In the United States, No. 11 Notre Dame is preparing to face Stanford on Saturday, October 14, 2024, after a bye week. The Fighting Irish, with a record of 4-1, are currently in playoff contention and must secure a victory at home against a struggling Stanford team, which has a record of 2-3. The matchup is crucial for Notre Dame, as they aim to maintain their playoff position following a previous win against then-No. 15 Louisville. Stanford's run defense, ranked 12th nationally, will be tested against Notre Dame's potent ground game. The Cardinal's running back, Micah Ford, is a key player to watch, having rushed for 122 yards in a recent loss to Clemson. Notre Dame's defense has been impressive, ranking fourth in fourth-down conversion defense and ninth in scoring defense, allowing only 12.6 points per game. The historical context of this rivalry adds to the stakes, as Notre Dame won decisively against Stanford last year, despite committing four turnovers. The Fighting Irish are looking to build on their momentum and capitalize on their home-field advantage. As both teams prepare for this critical matchup, the outcome could significantly impact their respective seasons, especially for Stanford, which is trying to recover from back-to-back losses. The game will be broadcasted at 3:30 p.m. ET on NBC and Peacock.