Notre Dame Football Opponent Preview: Stanford Cardinal Offense

PALO ALTO, CA - NOVEMBER 18: Bryce Love
PALO ALTO, CA - NOVEMBER 18: Bryce Love /
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The Notre Dame football team looks to pick up its 10th victory of the season on Saturday night. The Stanford offense stops and starts with Bryce Love. However, in recent games, Love’s healthy has affected his play.

In addition to Love, new Quarterback K.J. Costello has helped the Cardinal become more effective. Here is a brief preview of the Stanford offense.

Quarterback

Senior Quarterback Keller Chryst began the season as the starting Quarterback. However, Chryst was not performing up to Head Coach David Shaw’s expectations. This ineffectiveness gave way to Sophomore K.J. Costello.

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Costello, a more vocal leader for the Cardinal, has completed 60.7% of his passes this season for 993 yards with 5 touchdowns and 2 interceptions. He also added 100 yards and 3 touchdowns.

The Sophomore Quarterback gives Stanford a better chance to win. He’s more athletic and a more intense than his predecessor.

Running Back

Love most likely plays tomorrow against the Fighting Irish. However, how effective will he be? Like Josh Adams, he is tough and can play but is definitely not the same player. On the season, Love has rushed for 1723 yards on 195 attempts or an 8.84-yard average.

If Love cannot play or is limited, Junior Cameron Scarlett will grab most of the carries. Scarlett has rushed for 352 yards on 73 carries with 6 touchdowns. He is no Love but he is a more than adequate Wide Receiver.

Receivers

The Stanford Wide Receivers and Tight Ends are a very solid group. The Wide Receivers are led by JJ Arcega-Whiteside. Arcega-Whiteside caught 37 passes for 595 yards with 5 touchdowns. At 6’3″ 222lbs., he is a matchup nightmare in the red zone where he can out-physical Cornerbacks.

Junior Trenton Irwin also grabbed 37 passes. He has tallied 401 yards with a touchdown.

Stanford’s Tight Ends Kaden Smith and Dalton Schultz were highly recruited players. They are prototypical Tight Ends. Smith has collected 16 receptions for 269 yards. Schultz added 181 yards on 17 catches.

Offensive Line

David Shaw and the Cardinal are known for their great Offensive Line play. Tomorrow, Notre Dame will start Left Tackle Devery Hamilton, Left Guard David Bright, Center Jesse Burkett, Right Guard Nate Herbig and Right Tackle A.T. Hall. Two Sophomores and Three Seniors start for the Cardinal.