There were eight lead changes – six in the second half – and a wild finish that knocked Notre Dame (10-2) out of the College Football Playoff and kept alive Stanford’s slim hopes for the same, all on the foot of a former walk-on who was awarded a scholarship earlier this season.
“The big thing we talked about earlier today was belief,” said David Shaw, Stanford’s Bradford M. Freeman Director of Football. “Belief in the work we put in, belief in our preparation, and belief in our struggles. Belief that our struggles made us a better team.”
The victory was an emotional one for Hogan, whose late father Jerry was a Notre Dame graduate.
Hogan signals to the sky after every touchdown pass. Jerry and Kevin were regulars at Notre Dame Stadium. Asked if his father was somehow watching, Hogan replied, “I have no doubt. I feel it.”
In his final home game, fifth-year senior Hogan completed 17 of 21 passes for 269 yards and four
