Stanford Football: 5 reasons the Cardinal will defeat Notre Dame

5. Bryce Love is back

One of last year’s Heisman finalists, Bryce Love, is an ultimate game-changer. When he’s healthy and suited up on the field, he has the ability to be the X-factor.

Love has had some injuries woes in his career that has held him out of single games in the past. A similar occurrence happened two weeks ago when he was sidelined for an undisclosed injury against UC Davis.

Last week, Love returned against Oregon and while he didn’t put up gaudy numbers –– recording 89 yards and touchdown run –– he will be ready to work against a Notre Dame defense that is currently ranked 65th in the nation.

In the last two meetings between these teams, Love has had a good amount of success. Combined he has 254 yards and a touchdown when facing the Irish. Additionally, he received a fair number of carries with 20 or more runs in each of those games.

Love may have fallen a bit behind in the Heisman chase due to his absence in Week 3. However, against Notre Dame, he has the chance to shine on a national stage to help vault himself further up the ladder in the Heisman conversation.