Final Score
OU: 35
ND: 21
In my pre-game analysis, I highlighted the key matchup between Fightin' Irish DT Louis Nix and Sooners C Gabe Ikard. I also hoped and prayed that BK would let Cam "Mr. Texas" McDaniel spin against the inferior Oklahomans. Finally, I said our LBs would have to play a hell of a game against Bell. Unfortunately... I was (mostly) right.
Nix held his own against Ikard, but the Sooner senior had a much better second go-round against Irish Chocolate. Stoops also expertly schemed his way around Nix by finding creative blocking combos that worked well against ND's big fella.
Cam never got a chance to let loose, partly because Tommy Gun became Tommy Turnover twice in the first two minutes of the game, and partly because GAIII was simply feelin' it. Still, did ND really have to go five-wide on every down with the entire fourth quarter left to erase a 14 point deficit? OU's defense is fast but undersized. ND failed to take advantage of prime opportunities to wear them down by pounding the ball straight ahead with Cam the Man. BK may have pushed the panic button just a bit too fast by resorting to a pass-only catch-up-quick-or-bust offense... something I fear is just his style.
Bell played well. Still, he was no Devon Gardner. He did exploit the lack of speed in the middle of ND's defense, though. I compared Carlo to molasses in my pre-game prediction, then I started to feel bad, but now I feel justified. Losing Manti left a gaping hole that hasn't been filled. The end result? Quick slants go for 50+ yard touchdowns.
Final Outlook: 2013 Notre Dame Football is not 2012 Notre Dame Football. That point is settled. Still, this is a good young team and they will be fun to watch down the stretch. My advice to fans: Shelve your BCS dreams 'til Golson's glorious return next year, and simply enjoy watching the up-and-coming stars on this squad fight for respect. We're still ND, so find your friends in the Stadium Lots and keep raising your pint glasses to the Fightin' Irish each Saturday. I'll see you all in Texas next weekend! G'Irish!
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