Stanford Vs. Notre Dame: Back In Time

SB Nation’s Rule Of Tree takes a look back at the last time the Cardinal won in South Bend:

Senior safety John Lynch, who shadowed preseason Heisman candidate Jerome Bettis, led Stanford’s impressive defensive effort. The safety sat out parts of the second quarter with a mild concussion, but forced a Bettis fumble on Notre Dame’s first play after halftime. The turnover led to a touchdown that pulled the Cardinal to within 16-13, and after Stanford took a 20-16 lead, Lynch intercepted Rick Mirer in the end zone to spoil a long drive.

It was a signature game of sorts for Lynch, a two-sport standout who was leaning toward pursuing a professional baseball career while enjoying a solid, but to that point unspectacular, final college football season. Lynch finished the game with nine tackles and a hit that fractured the rib of Notre Dame receiver Lake Dawson. The win moved legendary Cardinal head coach Bill Walsh to tears and vaulted Stanford to 11th in the polls, its highest ranking in 12 years.