Notre Dame versus Arizona State will be a fantastic game. For both teams this matchup could determine who, if either team, makes it into the playoffs. The loser would likely fall back and be out of reach of that four team playoff. Both of these teams played each other in 2011 and 2012. The is one of the top matchups the Stadium has hosted.

In 2013, these two schools met up. The game was played in Cowboys Stadium in Dallas, Texas. Notre Dame came from behind to win by a score of 37 to 34. Tommy Rees led the comeback as well as tight end Troy Niklas. The Irish would get a touchdown catch from TJ Jones at the half that would give Notre Dame a halftime lead with about a minute remaining in the first half. Both Jaelen Strong and Taylor Kelly had big games for the Sun Devils.

This 2014 matchup, however, almost never happened. Notre Dame had a choice as part of the new ACC schedule and they opted not to play this game. However, Arizona State wanted to face the Irish and it is a good thing these two are meeting up. This may be the last chance for both teams to showcase that they are deserving of a spot in the playoffs.

"Cancelation of the 2014 game leaves ASU in an untenable position,” ASU President Michael Crow wrote to Notre Dame President Rev. John Jenkins in documents obtained by AZCentral sports. “ASU in unlikely to find a comparable substitute opponent at this late date, leaving it with a hole in its schedule that will cost the institution substantial lost revenue from the game — not to mention ticket sales and other financial impacts — and potentially affect the football team’s ability to qualify for postseason play.”

Notre Dame has a significant injury on defense. We will see on Saturday if the player is missed and if Notre Dame can play on without him. That player is linebacker Joe Schmidt, who is out for the season with ankles injuries. He was the defensive play caller and four-star linebacker Niles Morgan will get his first career start. He is a freshman and is rated one of the top young players. Last season, Jaylon Smith was the impactful freshman. Can Morgan replicate that against the Sun Devils? Expect Matthias Farley to have a big game, as he had a pick-6 last time these two schools played.

Notre Dame's key to the game is the offensive line. They are constantly reshuffled to the matchup head coach Brian Kelly likes. This ASU team likes to bring the blitz. If they can protect Golson the Irish will be in for a nightmare, but Golson is going to have to establish the running game. Greg Bryant will be playing. If Tarean Folston keeps playing like he has been, then they will have a big game.

The key for a Sun Devils win is to cash in on defensive mistakes. As previously mentioned, play caller Joe Schmidt is out for season. Arizona State can expect some defensive play calling mistakes. They need to recognize them and make the Irish pay.