STANFORD, Calif., Nov. 27 (UPI) -- Darius Walker scored on a six-yard touchdown run with 55 seconds left to play Saturday night as sixth-ranked escaped Stanford, 38-31.
The Irish (9-2) needed to score 18 fourth-quarter points to avoid an upset.
Brady Quinn was 25-of-38 for 432 yards, three touchdowns and two interceptions, Jeff Samardzija recorded nine receptions for 216 yards and two touchdowns, Maurice Stovall made seven catches for 136 yards and a score and Darius Walker went over 1,000 yards rushing after gaining 191 yards on 36 attempts.
Backup quarterback T.C. Ostrander completed 11-of-15 passes for 197 yards and one touchdown, Mark Bradford made five catches for 124 yards and a touchdown while Justin McCullum added six receptions for 102 yards and one score for the Cardinal (5-6), who needed a win to become bowl eligible to possibly continue their season.
