The Irish fall short against Stanford

STANFORD, Calif. --- The Irish came away with a loss against Stanford Saturday night.

Irish Quarterback Tommy Rees nearly rallied the Fighting Irish by throwing two touchdowns late in the game.

But interceptions on Notre Dame's final two drives stopped any hope of a come back.

Stanford goes on to play for its second straight PAC-12 title next week against Arizona State.

Rees said he's ready for the next match up.

"We just want to play.  For us, we don't have much decision about where we're going.  We just want to play another game.  We'll get that opportunity.  We're just ready to compete," Rees said.

Despite the loss, Head Coach Brian Kelly shared what a pleasure it's been to coach Rees.

"He just puts his heart and soul into what he does. As a coach, what you appreciate is when somebody gives you all he has. He threw that ball as far as he could throw it to Will Fuller.  Can't get it any further than that. That's just Tommy.  He gives you everything he has," Kelly said.

The Irish end the regular season at 8-4.