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“We May Have to Score”: When Notre Dame’s Defense Took Over Against Stanford

Notre Dame’s 2002 season was already off to a historic start, and the Fighting Irish’s October 5 showdown against Stanford at Notre Dame Stadium underscored why. Entering the game undefeated for the first time since 1993, Notre Dame had just survived a dramatic 21-17 win over Michigan State, where walk-on quarterback Pat Dillingham stepped in for the injured starter and delivered a game-winning touchdown.

Now, with Dillingham as the starter, the Irish faced Stanford—where head coach Tyrone Willingham had spent seven seasons before taking the Notre Dame job. The game began with early promise: Notre Dame’s offense moved to the Stanford 34 on the opening drive, but a missed field goal and a costly penalty on a subsequent Stanford punt setback stalled momentum.

Stanford’s defense then held firm, blocking a 37-yard field-goal attempt, before Notre Dame’s own defense nearly sealed the win. Vontez Duff’s 92-yard punt return for a touchdown was erased by a roughing-the-center penalty, handing Stanford another chance.

Despite the struggles, Notre Dame’s defense ultimately prevailed, securing a 31-7 victory that kept the Irish on track for their first perfect season since 1993.

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