SOUTH BEND, Ind. – As coaches are doubtful like that, Ian Book was still on Notre Dame's official depth list as an "or" behind Brandon Wimbush – no matter everyone knew that Book would start. But at this point, it does not matter whether Brian Kelly recognizes him or not. We have all seen Notre Dame quarter, and the difference that Book makes with a team that must now be taken seriously as a potential candidate for college football playoffs.

Here are three points to remember from Notre Dame's No. 8 win of 38-17 against Stanford's # 7:

– Notre Dame is now ready to engage in the playoff conversation. Yes, we know – we are less than half of the season. But the Irish suddenly have an attack to complete their defense, and the remaining schedule is favorable – especially considering that many of the opponents you faced are very hard in the pre-season. A date next week at Virginia Tech could be a trap. Although the Hokies have been a mystery until now, it's never easy at Lane Stadium.

If Notre Dame continues to win, the prospect of seeing the Irish win the field will begin to worry many competitors (and their conferences). Chief among those who should already be concerned: the Pac-12, which with the defeat of Stanford could already be on the verge of elimination.

– Listed at 6-0 (and 1/8 inch, according to Notre Dame) and 203 books, Ian Book does not make anyone's eyes vibrate. But in two starts, he fills the statistics sheet. If anyone wanted to wait to rate Book until Notre Dame played a team that did not fire his defensive coordinator after the match (see Wake Forest, when he threw 325 yards and counted five touchdowns), Saturday was a good move. The ability of passage of the book is legitimate. He had 12-on-14 in the first period for 149 yards and two touchdowns. More than that, he has a knack for knowing when to move – and he is also good at throwing it. Suddenly, the offensive of Notre Dame has another dimension and presents much more danger.

– Stanford stands out Bryce Love continues to struggle, at least by its high standards. The senior running back has finally escaped for one of the races we saw last season, a 39-yard touchdown in the first period. Otherwise, it was largely bottled by the defense of Notre Dame. Even worse, he stepped out of the field and went to the locker room in the fourth quarter. He finished with 73 yards in 17 races.