Stanford coach Jim Harbaugh, who made headlines in the offseason with some of his comments, has been much more careful during the season. Sometimes, he's been downright boring with his public statements. And, for sure, he's not giving this week's opponent, Notre Dame, any bulletin-board material.

Stanford, which is 3-7, is the final opponent of the season for the Irish, which is wrapping up one of their worst seasons ever. Notre Dame is 2-9.

"They haven't won as many games as they would have like to have won. We can say the same for us," Harbaugh said. "This will be an important game for us, and for the Notre Dame seniors playing their final game with the Fighting Irish."

Stanford, which has had two weeks to prepare for the Notre Dame game, can make a big splash at the end of the season. After this game, the Cardinal finishes against area rival Cal.

"I've been happy with the progress of our team, not satisfied because we haven't won as many games as we would have wanted to," Harbaugh said.

"Our players play hard and they play all-out."

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