The Fighting Irish Knock Out Stanford Cardinal in Strong Win

© Matt Cashore-Imagn Images

On Oct. 12, the Notre Dame Fighting Irish (5-1) and Stanford Cardinal (2-4, 1-2) had their 37th matchup in a rivalry game first played in 1925. The Fighting Irish have the overall lead in the series 22-14 and have won two of the past three meetings between the programs. Despite a weather delay in the fourth quarter, the game was not close with the Irish knocking out the Cardinal 49-7.

How did the Irish Knockout the Cardinal

After forcing a punt on the opening drive, the Cardinal jumped out to an early 7-0 lead with a 1-yard run by quarterback Justin Lamson. The score seemingly woke up the Irish offense as they rattled off 49 unanswered points behind quarterback Riley Leonard throwing for 16-of-22 for 229 yards and 4 total touchdowns.

With a big question revolving around Leonard and which version would show up, the quarterback or the runner, the Irish and Leonard made a statement that he is their quarterback. Leonard turned in arguably his best performance leading the offense for the Fighting Irish, distributing the ball to nine different receivers led by Beaux Collins with four receptions and 85 yards.

Defensive lineman Howard Cross was a nightmare for the Cardinal offense, with four tackles and two of the team's three sacks. Joining him as a standout on defense was sophomore linebacker Dryak Bowen, who led the Irish with seven tackles. The defense did a masterful job in limiting the passing of Stanford quarterback Ashton Daniels and limiting the rushing ability of the Cardinal limiting them to 200 total yards in the game.

Player of the Game

Riley Leonard for the Irish had a great game as the passer that he can be. He averaged 10.4 yards per pass and was only sacked once. He relied on his playmakers and showed he could make throws to all areas of the field. He did extend and make plays with his legs, but this game he seemed to do it more as needed.

© Matt Cashore-Imagn Images

What It Means Moving Forward

For the Irish, it keeps them climbing and in the hunt for a playoff birth in the expanded College Football Playoff. The statement win was needed for head coach Marcus Freeman and his team as they are currently outside looking in for the playoffs. For Leonard, he needed to show and did that he could win the game as a passer and rely on his playmakers on the offense. It was a confidence-building win for the Irish. The Fighting Irish next play the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets (5-2, 3-2) on Oct. 19.

For the Stanford Cardinal, head coach Troy Taylor and his staff are going to have their work cut out for them. With three straight losses, the Cardinal team continues to struggle to find an identity on offense. Daniels had missed the previous game while dealing with an injury. Although he played today, he finished 8-of-13 for 74 yards and added 42 yards rushing. The offense has struggled to find its footing this season. The Cardinal next play the 25th-ranked SMU Mustangs (5-1, 2-0) on Oct. 19.