Notre Dame football: Officials coordinator deems final call vs. Stanford correct

The national coordinator of officials said the final play in the Notre Dame Stanford game was called correctly.

T.J. Jones' progression benefits Notre Dame passing offense

Among the many improvements that this year's Notre Dame Fighting Irish football team has shown, few have been as significant as the progression of wide receiver T.J. Jones, as JJ Stankevitz of CSN Chicago writes. The junior has been in the spotlight since catching the game-winning touchdown pass in Notre Dame's win over Stanford on Saturday.

Speaking about the game-winning play, which involved Jones adjusting to a poorly-thrown ball by quarterback Tommy Rees, Irish coach Brian Kelly expressed his excitement with how that play reflects on the young wideout:

He came out of his break, came back six yards for the ball. Great receivers do that. They come back and get the football. They don't stand waiting for it. And that's been his progression.

As Stankevitz notes, Jones' overall numbers this season aren't exactly prolific — 19 catches for 235 yards and two TD's — but the coaching staff clearly believes in his skill set at this point. As Notre Dame continues to play through one of the nation's most difficult schedules, it'll presumably need more big plays from Jones like last weekend's.

Notre Dame reaction: Linebackers, defensive line get high marks vs. Stanford

Notre Dame has a strong defense to thank for its 20-13 win over Stanford.

Notre Dame football: Should Chicago adopt the Fighting Irish? (Point, Counter-Point)

Should casual college football fans in Chicago jump on the Notre Dame bandwagon? SB Nation Chicago's Zach Martin and Ricky O'Donnell have differing views.

Notre Dame vs. Stanford produced highest ratings of Saturday's games

Notre Dame's 20-13 victory over Stanford was the highest-rated game on Saturday, drawing a 3.9 on NBC.

Everett Golson injury: Brian Kelly expects QB to play vs. BYU

Although Notre Dame quarterback Everett Golson suffered a concussion against Stanford, head coach Brian Kelly is hopeful his sophomore can still play against BYU.

Notre Dame football: Everett Golson proves resolve

Despite early struggles, Notre Dame freshman quarterback Everett Golson kept team in game in win over Stanford.

Stanford vs. Notre Dame 2012: Reaction to Irish defense coming up large

The Notre Dame Fighting Irish ran their record to 6-0 on Saturday afternoon after beating the Stanford Cardinal 20-13 in overtime at Notre Dame Stadium.

Despite trailing for most of the game, the Irish were able to get it done on the back of its resilient defense. Of course, the biggest play of the game was also controversial, with Notre Dame apparently stuffing Stanford on fourth-and-goal from the 1-yard line. After review, the call was confirmed and the Golden Domers walked off victorious.

Over at One Foot Down, Eric Murtaugh points out a few key elements of Saturday's win:

The goal line stand was a thing of beauty. Was it controversial? Maybe, but it's nice to see defense rewarded in this age of copious touchdowns. Re-watching the replay Taylor's forward progress was stopped for about 3 full seconds, his elbow was down before reaching the ball over the line, the side judge ruled him down, AND it wasn't overturned.

Tommy Rees is the most clutch backup quarterback in the nation. I've lost all fears and phobias while he's out there and I've even grown comfortable with him. Call me crazy, but I'll feel that way until he doesn't play well or his turnovers kill the team. I think he was born to be the clutch backup QB.

Notre Dame's next game is against the BYU Cougars, who will be seeking their first offensive touchdown against the Irish since Sept. 8.

Notre Dame defense continues to thrive

Notre Dame's defense stepped up against the Stanford Cardinal, stuffing them on a goal line stand on Saturday afternoon.

Notre Dame vs. Stanford final: Irish win 20-13 in OT

First, what you're probably looking for -- the GIF of Stepfan Taylor coming very, very, very close to scoring the tying touchdown in overtime. He was ruled down both before and after review:

Okay. Now the recap. For the first time all year, Notre Dame trailed. And for the first time in four years, Notre Dame has beaten Stanford. The No. 7 Irish survived a brutal game in breezy rain, topping their US News & World Report rivals in overtime, 20-13, on a controversial final call.

Stanford took a 13-10 lead with six minutes left in the fourth on a field goal after a 16-play, 68-yard bruiser of a drive. The way Stanford's defense had contained the Irish attack to that point (under 250 yards on the day), that might've done it.

But young Everett Golson piloted the Irish near midfield, then a late hit flag on a scramble sent the ball into Cardinal territory. Tommy Rees, who'd already pulled off two late-game miracles so far this year, came on. The ice cold junior, an on-again, off-again starter over the past calendar year, found a completion and another flag before Cierre Wood powered inside the five. A couple of safe play calls, and to overtime we went.

Rees found T.J. Jones for a seven-yard score in OT, and a huge goal line stand in the rain against one of college football's best power offenses sealed the win, twice stuffing big Stepfan Taylor at the line. He appeared to come extremely close to crossing the line after a third effort, but the call stood.

Box Score Hero: We'd go with the Stanford front seven for its pass rush, which posted three sacks, 14 hurries, and a strip-sack touchdown of Golson by Chase Thomas. But Stanford lost. As it is, we'll go with Manti Te'o's 11 tackles and ...

There is a certain irony that Notre Dame has to use a quarterback named "T. Rees" to beat Stanford.

— sir broosk (@celebrityhottub) October 13, 2012

He didn't play for very long, but he did the one thing he's very good at. He went four-for-four for 44 yards and the game-winning touchdown. What more do you want?

Rankings Ramifications: With West Virginia and possibly South Carolina losing, No. 7 Notre Dame could arrive in the Top 5. No. 17 Stanford now has two losses, but they're both competitive road losses -- sticking around the bottom of the Top 25 wouldn't be out of the question.

But Did They Cover? Notre Dame was favored by a full touchdown.

Next Week's Schedule: Stanford gears up for the Game against Cal, which takes on Washington State later Saturday night. The Irish welcome fellow independent BYU, currently locked in a battle with No. 10 Oregon State.

Check the national college football scoreboard right here, and look through SB Nation's many excellent college football blogs to find your team's community.

Follow @SBNationCFB

This story was originally published on SB Nation.com.

Notre Dame vs. Stanford Score: Fighting Irish trail 10-3 after third quarter

Stanford maintained a 10-3 lead over the Notre Dame Fighting Irish after three quarters as neither team scored in the third Saturday.

The quarter ended with Notre Dame driving to the Stanford 20, where the Fighting Irish will have the ball on second down to open the fourth quarter.

Both Stanford scores have been the result of Notre Dame turnovers. Trailing 3-0 in the second quarter, Notre Dame quarterback Everett Golson fumbled inside his own 5-yard line and it was recovered in the end zone by Chase Thomas for a touchdown.

Then, with less than two minutes remaining in the first half, Notre Dame botched a field goal attempt inside the Stanford 10. Stanford took over and got into field goal range just before the half and Jordan Williamson made a 48-yarder.

Notre Dame has moved the ball more effectively than Stanford with 241 yards of total offense to Stanford's 171, but the Irish have turned it over three times.

Notre Dame vs. Stanford score: Fighting Irish trail 10-3 at halftime

Notre Dame and Stanford both struggled offensively in the first half, but turnovers by Notre Dame helped Stanford go into the half with a 10-3 lead Saturday.

Notre Dame led 3-0 after a Kyle Brindza field goal late in the first quarter. Stanford got on the board in the second quarter with 6:35 remaining when Chase Thomas recovered a fumble by Notre Dame quarterback Everett Golson in the end zone for a touchdown.

Notre Dame drove inside the Stanford 10 with less than two minutes remaining in the half, but couldn't get it in the end zone. On a field goal attempt that would've made it 7-6, the hold was botched and Stanford recovered the ball. Stanford drove into field goal range and Jordan Williamson connected from 48-yards just before halftime.

Golson is 6-for-16 for 59 yards. He has also lost two fumbles. Theo Riddick has six carries for 26 yards. Stepfan Taylor has 12 carries for 49 yards to lead Stanford. Stanford has also turned it over twice.

Stanford Vs. Notre Dame 2012: TV Schedule, Game Time, Spread And More

No. 7 Notre Dame will look to stay undefeated against No. 17 Stanford this Saturday.

Stanford vs. Notre Dame odds: Fighting Irish a touchdown favorite over Cardinal

The No.7 Notre Dame Fighting Irish are a seven-point favorite at home this Saturday against the No. 17 Stanford Cardinal.

Notre Dame vs. Stanford: Everett Golson impresses veteran offensive line

Notre Dame Fighting Irish quarterback Everett Golson has made strides early in 2012, and the veteran offensive line has taken notice.

Notre Dame reaction: Fighting Irish offense makes major strides

After struggling at times during the first few weeks of the season, Notre Dame's offense exploded against Miami.

Notre Dame vs. Stanford: Manti Te'o's parents will be in attendance

Manti Te'o's parents will be watching him live when Notre Dame plays Stanford this weekend. It's a rare occurrence, given that they live in Hawaii.

Notre Dame vs. Stanford preview: So, wait, are the Cardinal good?

Z.W. Martin previews Saturday's matchup between the Notre Dame Fighting Irish and Stanford Cardinal. He tries to answer the impossible: Is Stanford actually good?

Stanford vs. Notre Dame: Cardinal WR Ty Montgomery unlikely to play

Notre Dame's secondary is likely catching a break this week, as Stanford receiver Ty Montgomery is unlikely to play with a lower body injury.

Stanford vs. Notre Dame preview: Irish look to avenge 2011 loss

Stanford was able to beat Notre Dame, 28-14, in the final week of the 2011 regular season.