Written by Max Meyer

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Four Factors: Stanford vs Notre Dame

1. Which Josh Nunes comes to play?

The current Stanford quarterback had tough shoes to fill after Andrew Luck was taken first overall in the NFL Draft. Nunes has responded so far by having a roller-coaster season. He excelled at managing the game in the upset over USC, and he completed fewer than 50 percent of his passes in a loss to Washington. Last week, in Stanford's thrilling victory over Arizona, Nunes bounced back by throwing for 360 yards and two touchdowns.

Nunes faces a tough task against a Notre Dame defense that has dominated its opponents this season. AccuScore projects Nunes to have a rough game with a 93.5 rating, and more interceptions than touchdowns. Notre Dame will be keying on running back Stepfan Taylor, who burned the Irish on the ground last year rushing for 118 yards. Nunes will need to get the passing game going to keep the Irish defense honest. The only way Stanford can win is if Nunes steps up and makes a couple big time throws. He has done it before against USC and Arizona so why can't he do it against Notre Dame?

2. There will be a battle of tight ends

Both teams have elite tight ends that are safety nets for their quarterbacks. Even though Notre Dame is undefeated, they have not utilized their All-American tight end Tyler Eifert effectively thus far. Eifert is averaging just two catches a game even though he is their top weapon in the passing game. AccuScore projects a modest day for Eifert as he's averaging 3.5 catches and 42.6 yards in simulations. Irish quarterback Everett Golson has to get him involved because Eifert can provide mismatches against the Stanford pass defense.

Stanford's tight end combo will be relied upon more heavily since top receiver Ty Montgomery is out for this game due to injury. Juniors Zach Ertz and Levine Toilolo are both 6-6, huge targets for Nunes to throw to. AccuScore projects a good day for the dynamic duo with close to five catches and 61 yards between them.

Both defenses will be keying on the tight ends so expect a lot of press coverage. Notre Dame has the advantage in that area because they have better linebackers and cover cornerbacks.

3. Notre Dame's o-line vs. Stanford's d-line is the key match-up

Stanford beat Notre Dame last year because of its defensive line. The Cardinal notched five sacks and held the Irish to 57 yards on the ground. This season, the defensive line's physical play has led to a string of frustrated quarterbacks most evidenced by USC’s Matt Barkley. Stanford has 14 sacks in five games this season, and will need to pressure Notre Dame’s Everett Golson. Stanford's best chance of upsetting the Irish is winning the battle at the line of scrimmage.

In Notre Dame's second game of the year against Purdue, their offensive line was manhandled up front. This led to a closer than anticipated game, and the Irish knew they needed their line to play much better if they wanted to have a strong season. The offensive line has steadily improved each week since then. Last week against Miami, they opened up several holes for the running backs which led to 376 yards rushing. If Notre Dame can provide protection for Golson and give the running backs room to run, Stanford will have no chance.

4. Manti Te'o Is a Monster

Whenever a defensive player in mentioned on the Heisman Watch list, you know he is a great player. Last week against a high-scoring Miami offense, the Notre Dame linebacker had 10 tackles and helped lead a stifling Irish defense limit Miami to just three points. Te'o leads the team with 48 tackles, but he's not only a tackling machine. Te'o also leads the Irish in interceptions (three) and passes defended (six). His pass coverage abilities will be very important because he will be going up against Stanford's tight ends.

Stopping the run however, will be Notre Dame's main priority, and Te'o is very solid in that area as well. He is a great tackler, and will lead a defense that will make sure not to get run over by Stanford's rushing attack. While he will have his hands full, Te'o is a balanced linebacker who will be the main reason why Stanford's offense doesn't put up anywhere near the 54 points they had last week.

Stanford vs Notre Dame: Prediction

For all expert picks against the spread, on totals, and on the moneyline from the world famous AccuScore sports simulation engine, view all College Football Picks

Notre Dame is favored by 7.5 points over Stanford. AccuScore simulations give the Irish a 62.7 percent chance to win the game yet only a 41.4 percent chance to cover the spread. I think the Irish will beat Stanford by double digits though. The game is being played at Notre Dame Stadium, a place where Stanford has lost seven of its past eight. Nunes is too inconsistent, and he will have a tough time playing against Notre Dame's defense on the road. Also, Notre Dame is the only team in college football to have never trailed at any point this season. Expect the streak to continue on Saturday.

#7 Notre Dame 31, #17 Stanford 20