Notre Dame vs. Stanford Game Day Primer

4 of 5

SOUTH BEND, IN – SEPTEMBER 15: Daelin Hayes #9 of the Notre Dame Fighting Irish rushes against Bruno Reagan #61 of the Vanderbilt Commodores at Notre Dame Stadium on September 15, 2018 in South Bend, Indiana. Notre Dame defeated Vanderbilt 22-17. (Photo by Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images) /

Under the radar Stanford player to watch: Safety Malik Antoine:

Antoine hasn’t put up huge numbers in tackles or sacks this season, but he has two interceptions and actually has more return yards than Murphy. Antoine is listed as starting at safety this week, and both of Antoine’s picks have come against USC, so he’s no stranger to playing big time competition.

Under the radar Notre Dame player to watch: Defensive End Daelin Hayes:

I feel like, in general, Hayes is slightly underrated. Jerry Tillery and Khalid Kareem lead the way on the defensive line, but Hayes is also a very good player.

No doubt Stanford will try to run a lot with Love, and I could see Tillery and Kareem being double teamed on the line. I think this will set up Hayes to have himself a huge day.

When Stanford isn’t running, Hayes will have a shot at Costello. I believe Hayes will record at least one sack as well.

Matchup to watch: Arcega-Whiteside vs Julian Love:

Much like the Vanderbilt game, one of the most important matchups on the field will be the top Notre Dame corner against the opposition’s top receiver.

Obviously, Bryce Love vs. the Notre Dame offensive line will be huge. But to truly be in control of the game, one team needs to grab hold of this individual battle.

Kalija Lipscomb recorded 11 catches and 89 yards against Love a few weeks ago, but Arcega-Whiteside is taller and has a 4-inch height advantage over Love. Arcega-Whiteside could be in for a big day.

Home/Notre Dame Football