Notre Dame: The play that changed everything vs. Stanford

The regular season has come to an end, with Notre Dame capping off their third straight ten-win season thanks to a victory over Stanford.

It was long-awaited. At the beginning of the season, this game looked like it would be one that would decide the fate of Notre Dame, but as games went along it was clear that Stanford was not who they were thought to be.

Nonetheless, this victory not only holds high praise for the Irish with it being their tenth win of the season, but it also marks the first time since 2007 that Notre Dame has won at Stanford.

Things looked bleak at first as the Irish stepped up with one last opportunity to impress the committee. Not only did the Cardinal find themselves on the board first, but they looked to be in control as well.

Jumping out to a 17-7 lead, Notre Dame’s defense looked behind on every play and the offense was coming off of three straight punts and not much reason for optimism.

Finally starting to get their bearings, the defense forced their first three and out of the game late in the second quarter.

Stanford’s Ryan Sanborn lined up his second punt of the night, but that’s about all he had time for. Isaiah Foskey wrapped around the left side of Stanford’s line too quickly.

Even with one arm tied up, Foskey was already in position. His right arm met the ball just as it rocketed off of Sanborn’s foot.

Quickly the Irish jumped on it, not only recovering the ball at the Stanford one-yard line but setting themselves up to recover control of the game.

Four plays and a penalty later, the Irish were back in the end zone for their second score of the game.

That special teams play is what fueled the rest of the team who would go on to take the lead just before the half.

Notre Dame wouldn’t look back from that moment, as they kept their foot on the gas and ran away with the 45-24 victory.