STANFORD — Stanford was powerless to stop a Notre Dame team that needed to impress the College Football Playoff selection committee.

The ninth-ranked Fighting Irish scored the first 28 points and beat the Cardinal 49-20 Saturday night at Stanford Stadium.

It was the 10th straight win for Notre Dame (10-2), which scored an 84-yard touchdown on a fake punt and was still throwing in the final minute in a bid to strengthen its CFP resume.

Heisman Trophy candidate Jeremiah Love, who was in the top 3 in the FBS in rushing yards and touchdowns, was injured in the first half and finished with 66 yards and a TD on 14 carries.

Stanford finished 4-8 in interim coach Frank Reich’s first and only season leading a college program. The school announced on Friday that former Cardinal QB Tavita Pritcha

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