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Five Problematic Players for Notre Dame Against Stanford

By Paul Walsh

PALO ALTO, CA - AUGUST 31: Bryce Love #20 of the Stanford Cardinal takes the field for their game against the San Diego State Aztecs at Stanford Stadium on August 31, 2018 in Palo Alto, California. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)
PALO ALTO, CA - AUGUST 31: Bryce Love #20 of the Stanford Cardinal takes the field for their game against the San Diego State Aztecs at Stanford Stadium on August 31, 2018 in Palo Alto, California. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images) /
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Notre Dame
EUGENE, OR – SEPTEMBER 22: Quarterback K.J. Costello (3) of the Stanford Cardinal passes the ball during the second quarter of the game against the Oregon Ducks at Autzen Stadium on September 22, 2018 in E (Photo by Steve Dykes/Getty Images) /

K.J. Costello, Quarterback

Costello is not flashy by any means, but he has found a way to lead the Stanford offense and get the job done. He is 73-114 on the year with 10 touchdowns and a completion percentage of 64 percent. If a defense gives Costello the time he needs, he will make the throws — it is as simple as that. Notre Dame learned this last year in a loss to Stanford, where Costello threw for four touchdowns.

He had a good game against Oregon, throwing for 327 yards and two touchdowns, two of which came in the fourth quarter to seal the comeback victory. There is no doubt that he is a gamer, especially if teams leave the door open.

Be that as it may, however, Costello does not pose any rushing threat. He has -21 yards rushing this season. If the Notre Dame defense can bottle up Bryce Love, it will make the Stanford offense completely one-dimensional. And if Notre Dame can apply the necessary pressure to Costello, he will struggle to find a groove throwing the ball. With no running game to rely on, this would make for a long night for Costello and the Stanford offense.

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