3. Stanford Cardinal
There are basically two games on Notre Dame’s schedule where they won’t be heavy favorites. After that, there are plenty of great opponents that might upset the Fighting Irish. Notre Dame might lose to Virginia, Virginia Tech, or even Navy. However, I’m going to give the nod to Stanford for a few reasons.
Of course, this is a rivalry game. Those games always mean more, which means that predictions can be thrown out the window. I also like the coaching of Stanford, and they will usually be a quality team every season.
This is also a road game for the Fighting Irish. With all things being equal, it is easy to give the nod to the home team. I’m still expecting Notre Dame to come out with a win, but this will be a sneaky-good game for the 2019 season.
Although Stanford will be without their star running back Bryce Love, they will return their starting quarterback KJ Costello. Late in the season, games like this usually come down to health. If a star is out for this game for either team, it might be what determines the outcome. With this game so far away, so much is in the air.
If Notre Dame manages to go undefeated, this will be their last test before making it back to the College Football Playoff. With so much in the air, it makes this game that much tougher for Notre Dame football.