Notre Dame Football: Post-spring game-by-game predictions for 2019

ARLINGTON, TEXAS - DECEMBER 29: Head coach Brian Kelly of the Notre Dame Fighting Irish takes the field with his team before the game against the Clemson Tigers during the College Football Playoff Semifinal Goodyear Cotton Bowl Classic at AT&T Stadium on December 29, 2018 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images) /

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(Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images) /

12. Stanford (Nov. 30)

Traveling to Northern California is going to make for a tough end to the season for the Irish. But Notre Dame will be playing for a spot in the College Football Playoff at this point, so their motivation will be high.

Fortunately for Notre Dame, Bryce Love will not be returning for the Stanford Cardinal.

Additionally, JJ Arcega-Whiteside has left for the NFL. The departure of these two key weapons leaves K. J. Costello, Stanford’s quarterback, with little to work with. Lastly, the Cardinal do not appear to have any senior leadership on the defensive side of the ball. Despite all this, David Shaw consistently prepares a competitive team every year.

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With the College Football Playoff on the line, the Irish should pull out the win. And with this win, Notre Dame will return to the College Football Playoff and finish off a near perfect season.

Final: Notre Dame 30, Stanford 27 (11-1)

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