Notre Dame Football: Why Beating Stanford Will Save Fighting Irish's Season

Notre Dame has done well since its 0-2 start, but in order for this season to truly be viewed as a success, the Fighting Irish must beat Stanford. 

Looking back to the beginning of the season, there was such an outcry by fans after the horrific start. After all, the hype surrounding Notre Dame was pretty big, but the Fighting Irish kept shooting themselves in the foot. 

People called for head coach Brian Kelly to be ousted should things at Notre Dame go from bad to worse after the pitiful start, but he was able to turn things around and has put together a decent season.

The Fighting Irish are currently 7-3, and much like last year, they've overcome adversity throughout the year to prevent the season from being atrocious. With two games left, the Fighting Irish have a chance to end the season strong and their outlook on the season will be very positive. 

Still, though, the season won't amount to much if there is no marquee victory. Yes, I'm fully aware Notre Dame pounded a No. 15-ranked Michigan State, but the Spartans were overrated then and they're overrated now. 

The Fighting Irish will have no trouble taking care of Boston College this Saturday, but in two weeks, a road trip west will prove to be very difficult. 

In 2010, Notre Dame lost to Stanford early in the year, 37-14. Playing the Cardinal at the end of the season in 2011 greatly benefits the Fighting Irish, as they've had time to grow and learn so much from previous games. 

This means Notre Dame is much more prepared to pull the upset over Andrew Luck and company. 

The AP Top 25 Poll has the Fighting Irish at No. 24, and the USA Today Coaches Poll has them at No. 25. They're currently getting no love from the BCS, but it wouldn't surprise me if they squeak into the BCS Top 25 after this weekend. That is, if Notre Dame doesn't blow it against Boston College on Saturday. 

A win over Stanford would give the Fighting Irish even more credibility in the polls, as well as put them in a much better bowl game. The three losses prevents them from a BCS bowl, but shocking the world by upsetting Stanford will be enough to please the Fighting Irish. 

In no way am I saying the season is a failure if Notre Dame doesn't beat Stanford. The Fighting Irish would still have an OK record, and they would be playing in a decent bowl game.

However, looking at the season as a whole, it would be viewed as mediocre. 

An 8-4 season may make some fans feel happy, and while they should rejoice, it's nothing to get too worked up over since the Fighting Irish will have beaten no top-notch team. 

Wins over teams like Purdue, Air Force, Navy and Wake Forest are supposed to happen, and jumping for joy over an average season is pathetic. 

I understand that the years past haven't been very exciting for Notre Dame fans, but this is a talented team that continues to grow, and it is completely capable of beating Stanford. 

Notre Dame is a good place right now, and the Fighting Irish need to turn their decent season into a great one with a victory over Stanford. 

It's time Notre Dame stops falling short and starts winning the big games.