Notre Dame Football Opponent Preview: Stanford Cardinal Defense
By Andrew Hall
The Notre Dame football team attempts to win their 10th game of the season. Despite ranking 19th in the country in scoring, Brandon Wimbush and the Notre Dame offense has stalled in the past two games. They look to get back on track against a below-average Stanford defense.
Defensive Line
The Stanford defense still operates as a 3-4 defense. The Cardinal start three extremely experienced Defensive Linemen. They are led by Senior Defensive Tackle Harrison Phillips.
From his Defensive Tackle position, Phillips has tallied 77 tackles including 12.5 tackles for loss and 4.5 sacks. He will be a challenge for the interior of Notre Dame’s Offensive Line. When he is matched up against Quenton Nelson, it should be quite the battle.
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Dylan Jackson and Eric Cotton start on each side of Phillips as Defensive Ends.
Linebacker
Another experience group of Seniors start for the Cardinal at the Linebacker spots. Inside Linebacker Bobby Okereke leads the Linebackers in tackles. He has tallied 71 total tackles thus far.
Outside Linebacker Peter Kalambayi, Inside Linebacker Jordan Perez and Outside Linebacker Joey Alfieri start alongside Okereke in the 3-4 defense.
Secondary
Former Notre Dame recruit Justin Reid leads the entire Stanford football team in tackles. Reid has made 79 tackles this season. In addition to his tackles, he has snarred 5 interceptions. Reid also 3.5 tackles for loss, 3 passes broken up and 2 Quarterback Hurries. Reid is definitely the playmaker of the Stanford defense. He would have made a great impact on the Notre Dame defense if he chose the Irish.
At the other Safety spot, Frank Buncom starts for the Cardinal. Buncom also was recruited by the Irish. He has tallied 33 tackles this season.
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At the Cornerback spots, Alameen Murphy and Quenton Meeks start for Stanford. Last season, Meeks intercepted DeShone Kizer and returned the ball 50 yards for touchdown. Brandon Wimbush will try to keep the ball away from this pair of Cornerbacks. Meeks has recorded 2 interceptions this season.