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.

It's five weeks down and seven to go for Notre Dame football, which feels good about its collective selves after winning three in a row