Notre Dame's running back situation has all the ingredients for a rancorous relationship _ even an occasional face slap.
TJ Jones made a reaching 7-yard touchdown catch in overtime and No. 7 Notre Dame stopped Stanford inches from the goal line to beat the 17th-ranked Cardinal 20-13 Saturday.

Notre Dame scored touchdowns on its first three possessions and defensive end Stephon Tuitt returned a fumble 77 yards for another TD as the Fighting Irish routed Navy 50-10 in Saturday's season opener in Ireland.

Notre Dame suspended starting tailback Cierre Wood two games for violating team rules, leaving the Fighting Irish without their 1,000-yard rusher against Navy and Purdue.
Notre Dame suspended starting tailback Cierre Wood two games for violating team rules, leaving the Fighting Irish without their 1,000-yard rusher against Navy and Purdue.
Brady Hoke led Michigan to one of its greatest victories in a storied history that spans 132 years _ and includes a series against Notre Dame that dates to 1887.
Notre Dame's quarterback derby has evolved into a two-man showdown between Dayne Crist and Tommy Rees.

Cierre Wood and Theo Riddick should be more involved in Notre Dame's offense this season.

Michael Floyd's decision is a ways off. Notre Dame's star receiver will have other things on his mind the next two weeks as the Irish wrap up a disappointing season that could still end in a bowl.