Quarterbacks: A
Clausen posted gaudy statistics and showed yet again that he can make all the throws, including several tough ones on the run.
Running backs: B
Riddick's early fumble led to a Stanford touchdown, but he and Hughes both ran hard and averaged nearly six yards per carry.
Receivers: A
Tate and Floyd combined for 286 yards and five touchdowns, including several highlight-reel catches and runs that kept the Irish in the game.
Offensive line: B
The line looked good for most of the night but couldn't give a push on a big third-down or allow Clausen time on Notre Dame's last drive.
Defensive line: C-
Stanford ran all over the Irish to the tune of 280 yards, and the blame for that falls first with the big boys up front.
Linebackers: B-
Te'o and Smith each had five tackles and made some nice plays, but the effort was inconsistent and Gerhart found too many open running lanes.
Defensive backs: B
McCarthy and Brown, who also had a sack, led the team in tackles, and considering Stanford's running success, the pass defense was OK.
Special teams: A-
Designed pooch kicks gave Stanford good field position, but Ruffer was perfect, Turk was solid and the punt coverage team recovered a fumble that led to the first Irish score.
Coaching: C+
Weis dialed up a few nice gadget plays, and the team kept its composure despite a tough start. But the Irish couldn't finish a game yet again, and that continues to fall on the head coach's shoulders.
Final GPA: 3.04
A familiar story for Notre Dame, as the Irish lose a close one in which they led late and showed glimpses of greatness on offense but failed on defense.
