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.