Notre Dame returns from its bye week in control of its own playoff destiny. Next up is Stanford on Saturday. With one loss already, the Fighting Irish must defend their home field against a Cardinal squad trying to gain traction during its toughest stretch of the season, following back-to-back losses to then-No. 17 Clemson and Virginia Tech.

Notre Dame Fighting Irish head football coach Marcus Freeman met with journalists Thursday following the team’s 31-24 victory against the Louisville Cardinals and before the squad takes on the Stanford Cardinal.

Notre Dame had a wonderfully successful off-week due to a slate full of carnage and chaos involving teams ranked ahead of the Irish. When the dust had settled, Notre Dame, without playing a game, landed squarely back in prime playoff position which has generated a renewed spark of excitement within the fanbase for the second half of the year.