What Stanford coach Troy Taylor said about Notre Dame football before Cardinal vs. Irish

Second-year Stanford head coach Troy Taylor spoke to the media Tuesday before he takes his Cardinal (2-3) on the road to face No. 11 Notre Dame (4-1). Here’s everything Taylor said about the Fighting Irish, plus some tidbits on key Stanford injuries.

On if he’s ever been to Notre Dame Stadium

“Never been there. Always wanted to visit or play there or coach there, so this will be my first experience. For a lot of our players, I think a number of them were there two years ago or on recruiting trips or hat not. But I’ve never been there.

“Obviously, historic program. I’m aware of who they are and their history and I’ve seen Rudy and all those things. Watched a lot of games on television of Notre Dame playing. A lot of respect for what they do and their program and the history of it. Excited to be able to play there in the stadium and see all the things Notre Dame is known for and the spirit of Notre Dame, and all of those things are very impressive.”

On Notre Dame quarterback Riley Leonard (and a tangent of other Irish items)

“He’s a dual-threat guy. They do a really good job of utilizing him in the run game. And he’s a good passer. He’s just a true dual-threat quarterback. And they utilize him, I think, perfectly. He’s very accurate as a thrower and he’s got some good weapons behind him. Love their running back. Really physical dude that is going to finish runs. Just a really good team. They’re good in all areas.

“I felt like they were probably the best defense that we played last year, and they got a lot of guys coming back. Al Golden is their defensive coordinator and does a tremendous job. They play a lot of man coverage. They got a lot of confidence. Their corner, No. 20, is as good as I’ve seen this year. The other guys in the secondary are really good as well.

“I know they have a few injuries, but they’re Notre Dame. They have depth. They continue to plug in guys. Whether they’re young, they’re still talented. Really, really impressive on the defensive side of the ball. I’m amazed at how disciplined they are, how well they run to the ball and their overall athleticism. They don’t give up a lot of points.

“We were watching goal line today and I think they had one or two plays. Not many people have gotten in that area. That’s usually not a good sign for an offense, when you don’t see a lot of goal line plays. Really good football team.”

On what distinguishes the Notre Dame defense

“They’re very talented, first and foremost. Very well-coached. Very disciplined. When you watch their eye discipline and where they’re supposed to be and what they do, they make very few mistakes. They’re great tacklers and they’ve got really great speed. When you talk about those things, that’s the things that flash. Then the physicality of the guys up front and how they play off blocks, they do it all really well.

“I’d say the thing that distinguishes them the most is their ability to play man coverage pretty much throughout the game. They do a nice job of mixing in some zone coverage. But the passing lanes, the best defense you can play in football is really man-free, man coverage with a free safety, if you’ve got the guys who can do it, and they do. It makes the passing lanes very tight. You’re able to get pressure on the quarterback. Just their ability to play man coverage, hold down in the secondary and how physical they are up front.”

On the future of the Notre Dame vs. Stanford series with the Cardinal’s move to the ACC

“I think it’s a great rivalry. Two incredible institutions that I think have a lot in common and have a lot of respect for each other. I know it’s a game in the past that I have always kept and eye on and watched and tried to follow as much as possible. It’s been some really good battles. So hopefully it continues.

“Obviously, television and contracts and conferences and all of those things play a role. But I know I certainly would love to play Notre Dame. I hope it continues.”

On the injury status of Stanford quarterback Ashton Daniels

“He’s ready to play. Both he and Justin [Lamson] are available and ready to play. Ashton was available last week but he wasn’t able to practice. He started our first practice of the week this week and we’ll see how he does but we think he’s going to be fine.”

On the injury status of Stanford running back Micah Ford

“He’s got a chance to play, for sure. It’s just going to be how quickly he recovers. Lower-leg injury, but he’s a tough kid and I think he’s got a legitimate chance to play but we’ll see.”