Score Prediction: Flying High v. Air Force

Notre Dame Fightin' Irish v. Air Force Fightin' Falcons

Saturday, Oct. 26, 5:00 p.m. ET, Colorado Springs, CO

My alma mater returns to the land of my birth (I was born on the Air Force Academy campus) this weekend to take on my second favorite college football team.  Here's what Fightin' Irish fans can expect:

Key Matchup:  Fightin' Irish D-Line v. Fightin' Falcon Triple-Option:  Brian Kelly said it best when he described the Air Force Triple-Option as something his star nose-tackle Louis Nix simply wasn't built for.  Realistically, the same goes for the rest of Notre Dame's D-Line as well.  At 300+ lbs., they will all outweigh the opponents they line up across from by at least 50 lbs. on each and every play.  That doesn't necessarily make their jobs easier, though, as the Fightin' Falcon offense relies on quick movements and cut blocks to consistently move the chains with their shifty rushing attack.  Look for Nix to play a much-diminished role due to his dinged up shoulder and a skill-set that simply doesn't mesh with this type of game.  That means Diaco's more mobile D-linemen must step up to the challenge by maintaining contain and letting the LBs take care of their assignments.  Brains will matter more than braun in this one.  Hopefully they're using fall break to study plenty of film.

Fightin' Irish Offense v. Fightin' Falcon Defense: Notre Dame just needs to play efficient, mistake-free football.  Exploiting mismatches should be easy, as Air Force literally won't be able to cover bigger receiving threats like Troy Niklas or Davaris Daniels.  The Fightin' Falcons rank outside the top 100 in terms of both pass and rush defense, giving up over 37 points on average every game.  Look for the Fightin' Irish to top that total by putting up at least 40.

Fightin' Irish Defense v. Fightin' Falcon Offense:  Every member of Diaco's defense must stay disciplined and track all of their assignments.  Air Force impressively ranks 12th when it comes to yards gained on the ground, so Notre Dame should know what they're in for.  It might take a quarter or two to adjust, but by the time the second half rolls around the Fightin' Irish will have worn down their opponents' rushing attack.

Final Outcome:  The only way Air Force can possibly win is by playing keep-away.  If they can consistently average 3+ yards per carry with their Triple-Option attack, they may be able to limit Notre Dame's possessions enough to keep the game close.  If that happens, the final score will reflect the turnover differential.  Luckily, I don't think any of that will happen.  Notre Dame has far too much talent on both sides of the ball for the Fightin' Falcons to hang.  Expect ND to cover the spread.

Score Prediction:
Fightin' Irish: 41

Fightin' Falcons: 17

Score Prediction: Keys to Burning $C

Notre Dame Fightin' Irish v. $outhern Cal Trojans

Saturday, Oct. 19, 7:30 p.m. ET, Notre Dame, IN

This is it! It’s BEAT $C WEEK! 

The Fighting Irish and Trojans are currently preparing for a special "Fight Night" grudge match edition of their famed rivalry, set to take place under the lights in Notre Dame Stadium. Lucky for Fighting Irish fans, these two programs have been headed in opposite directions ever since they met under the lights in Notre Dame Stadium two years ago. 

While Notre Dame looks to defend last year’s BCS National Championship birth with a trip to another BCS bowl this year, Southern Cal is only two weeks removed from firing their laughable head coach Lane Kiffin after he blundered his way from first to worst last year. All that being said, this is still ND v. SC. It’s called the “Greatest Intersectional Rivalry in College Football” for a reason, and I wouldn’t be surprised if this game is one for the ages. 

Judging by both teams’ performances against their only mutual opponent (ASU) this one shouldn’t be close. The Sun Devils dominated $C in nearly every aspect of the game en route to a 62-41 route that was even more lopsided than the score shows. On the other hand, Notre Dame took it to ASU much more thoroughly than the 37-34 score indicates. If Kelly’s sqad plays at its best, Fighting Irish fans will be celebrating a blowout victory under the lights in Notre Dame Stadium. 

Expect it to remain close during the first half as the Trojans put up some fireworks with the pure talent they have on both sides of the ball. Despite their best efforts, though, Notre Dame’s depth will wear them down in the second half. 

Let’s all hope and pray it stays in the low 50s, keeps raining, and Kelly throws away the “empty set” portion of his playbook, opting to run right at those soft Cali pretty boys instead. If Atkinson, McDaniel, Folston, and Trojan turned Irishman Carlisle can establish a strong ground game this one could get ugly for the team dressed in ketchup and mustard.

Score prediction: 

ND: 37 

$C: 27

Score Prediction: The Sooners v. The Better

Last season, haters all around the country still considered #5 Notre Dame a pretender until the Fighting Irish upended the #8 Sooners in Norman, OK.  This season, those same haters point to Alabama's domination in the national championship as proof that they were right all along. 

Nobody beats the Boz,
except everybody beats the Boz.

Saturday's matchup between #12/14 OU and #22 ND can serve the same function as it did last year, though it will take place against a very different backdrop.  Everyone is waiting for the underperforming Irish to give up the fight and fold, but this game will let Brian Kelly's squad show their true colors in front of their emerald-clad home crowd.  Domers like to ask each other, "What would you fight for?"  This week, they fight for respect.  The outcome of this pivotal game, and the trajectory of the season, will depend on a few key matchups analyzed below:

But first, a look at my favorite answers from last year's newsok.com poll asking OU fans why they hate Notre Dame:

Jeff O'Dell from Ada, OK: “I'm a third generation hater. I learned this from my Grandpa, who hated Texas (naturally) Notre Dame and USC. Notre Dame because of OU's poor record against them and the fact that they ended the 47-game win streak. For me it's also the elite private school aspect of Notre Dame that helps me be a hater.”

Rex Renfrow from Atlanta, GA: “It is Touchdown Jesus. It is the homer announcers on CBS (NBC). It is the over rated hype they receive. Whatever, I hate Notre Dame.”

Notre Dame Fightin' Irish v. Oklahoma Sooners

Saturday, Sep. 28, 3:30 p.m. ET, Notre Dame, IN

Key Matchup:  Fightin' Irish DT Louis Nix III v. Sooners C Gabe Ikard: In this rematch of last season's battle between the best nose guard and the best center in college football, Nix needs a repeat performance of what may have been the best game of his career.  If he pushes the middle of the Sooner line back on a consistent basis, the game will fall squarely on Bell's shoulders.  He may be bigger than your average QB, but he comes nowhere close to Devon Gardner's speed.  It all comes back to Big Lou, and if Irish Chocolate gets the job done the rest of his speedy front seven (with the exception of Carlo "Molasses" Calabrese) should be able to chase "Bell Dozer" down before he can make game-breaking plays.  

Fightin' Irish Offense v. Sooner Defense: LET CAM RUN!  OU gave up 7 yards a carry against West Virginia.  The Fighting Irish O-Line is much bigger and better than their Mountaineer counterparts.  Plus, Cam McDaniel was "Mr. Texas" in high school.  You're telling me you don't want to give Mr. Texas the ball at least 20 times against Oklahoma?  There's not much Texans love more than running over Sooners.

Fightin' Irish Defense v. Sooner Offense:  Diaco's defense simply needs to play faster and tougher against Bell.  The Sooners QB has completed 70% of his passes thus far this season (albeit for only 451 yards).  If he connects on most of his short passes on Saturday, Notre Dame's loyal sons and daughters will be in for a long night (although they will look good regardless while wearing green).  The LBs will be key to this game, as they must prevent the short passes that Bell will look for as he also tests their ability to contain and tackle when he rolls out.  I'm feeling a big game for freshman phenom Jaylon Smith as he trumps Bell's experience with pure athleticism.

Final Outcome:  Cam The Man shows Oklahoma why they shouldn't mess with Texas, and a much more accurate Tommy consistently finds whichever receiver Gabe Lynn isn't covering on that particular play.  The Fighting Irish offense finally clicks, and the defense does just enough to keep Bell from pulling a Gardner.

Score Prediction:
Fightin' Irish: 34

Sooners: 24

Game Prediction: Stomp Sparty!

Notre Dame Fightin' Irish v. Michigan State Sparty Rockers

Saturday, Sep. 21, 3:30 p.m. ET, Notre Dame, IN

Key Matchup:  Fightin' Irish CB Bennett Jackson v. Sparty Rockers' questionable passing attack - Jackson's season, and his legacy at ND, stands at a crossroads.  I questioned Kelly's move when he named the emerging CB captain after reading about the kid's "me, me, me" attitude all over social media.  Apparently he sees himself as a stud male-model/football player combo?  That self-focus is a dangerous attitude for a captain to carry, especially if it rubs off on his teammates (Mathias Farley doesn't seem too far off in terms of his limelight-loving attitude).  Say what you will about Manti, but the dude simply made everyone around him play better.  No one has stepped into that role this year for the Fighting Irish, and until Jackson earns his "C" a huge gaping hole will remain unfilled (making it all the easier for opposing QBs to find wide open targets).  Let's hope he trades shirtless selfies for more pick-sixes, inspiring his secondary to stop playing so soft and make a damn tackle and/or play on the ball for once.



Fightin' Irish Offense v. Sparty Rocker Defense: UGH! Last week I wrote: "BRIAN KELLY WHAT ARE YOU DOING?! Your running backs averaged almost SIX YARDS A CARRY against the skunk bears!  Yet you still found a way to abandon the run!  Tommy Gun does not come with unlimited ammo.  This offense is best served when he conserves his bullets by opting to let his backs run out of the pistol rather than take snaps out of the empty set shotgun.  I hope and pray he never throws over 50 passes again in a single game, and if our backs combine for less than 20 carries ever again I will lose my mind."  

Well, I almost lost my mind while watching BK's offense play uninspired against lowly Purdon't.  The only thing that kept me sane was more balance between run/pass plays (35/33).  Still... what's with all the empty sets??  Hopefully Carlisle gets a fair shot at rebounding from a rough night and BK learns to rely on his emerging workhorse Cam McDaniel.  Tommy's late-game leadership was encouraging, but every outcome can't rest on his shoulders.  Utilizing the weapons around him will be key to the rest of the season.  

Fightin' Irish Defense v. Sparty Rocker Offense:  BK's defense looks soft so far this year.  Maybe losing Manti Te'o meant more than everyone expected, because it seems to have taken the life right out of the former top squad in the country.  I'm not seeing much team-first emotional leadership (see discussion of Jackson above), which doesn't bode well as the season wears on.  Someone needs to step up.  Maybe Jackson will set aside the glam shots and focus on leading his teammates rather than worry about whether or not he's trending on twitter at that moment...  Let's hope he and his defense grow up before it's too late. 

Final Outcome:  The Sparty Rockers love to punch ND in the mouth.  When the Fightin' Irish win, it's because they don't flinch.  Rather, they buckle their chinstraps and give it right back to 'em.  Let's see if BK can bring that "FIGHT" back to his Fightin' Irish this week.  If not, 2-2 will signal the beginning of a painful downward spiral.  I have faith, though.  Big Lou Nix and Stephon Tuitt can only stay caged for so long.  They must be getting pissed off by this point, and whatever opposing offense they finally decide to unleash their fury on is in for a world of pain.  If it happens this week, MSU will go home feeling sorry for Sparty Rocking.

Score Prediction:
Fightin' Irish: 31

Sparty Rockers: 13

Game Prediction: PURDONT!

Notre Dame Fightin' Irish v. Purdont Boiler Makers

Saturday, Sep. 14, 8:00 p.m. ET, W. Lafayette IN

Key Matchup:  Fightin' Irish DE Stephon Tuitt v. an inept offense - We're all still waiting for Tuitt to break out of his shell and become the beast that preseason hype had us believing he already was.  Despite a miraculous circus catch that gave him his first (but hopefully not last) TD of the season last week, he failed to register a single tackle (what??) against Michigan.  My biggest fear against the skunk bears came true when he consistently lost contain as he found himself unable to adjust to Gardner's speed.  After facing talented mobile quarterbacks during weeks one and two, he should be ready for a coming out party against an inept offense that ranks 103rd on the ground and 98th through the air.  I know it's a night game, but Purdont should probably pack a sack lunch anyway.

Fightin' Irish Offense v. Boiler Maker Defense: BRIAN KELLY WHAT ARE YOU DOING?! Your running backs averaged almost SIX YARDS A CARRY against the skunk bears!  Yet you still found a way to abandon the run!  Tommy Gun does not come with unlimited ammo.  This offense is best served when he conserves his bullets by opting to let his backs run out of the pistol rather than take snaps out of the empty set shotgun.  I hope and pray he never throws over 50 passes again in a single game, and if our backs combine for less than 20 carries ever again I will lose my mind.  (Bonus goes to emerging stud Amir Carlisle, whose dad coaches for Purdont.  Expect him to show off in front of daddy by surpassing the century mark).

Fightin' Irish Defense v. Boiler Maker Offense:  Purdon't really doesn't have anything here.  As punishment for their awful season so far, I hope Diaco purposely leaves our secondary on an island by sending the house every...single... play.  They should be able to handle their own against a receivers who never quite cracked the varsity roster of their respective high schools.  What can we expect from a blitz on blitz on blitz defense? Sacks?  Sacks... Sacks, SACKS, SACKS, SACKS!

Final Outcome:  I hope Carlisle gets at least 30 carries.  Only God knows why Brian Kelly probably won't let that happen, but ND will cover the 21-point spread anyway.  Hendrix will play the whole second half, and Purdon't won't cross the goal line until our entire second-string defense enters the game.

Fightin' Irish: 48

Boiler Makers: 10

Game Prediction: Skunk Bear Killas

Notre Dame Fightin' Irish v. Michigan Skunk Bears

Saturday, Sep. 7, 8:00 p.m. ET, Ann Arbor, MI

Key Matchup:  Fightin' Irish DE Stephon Tuitt v. Skunk Bear OT Taylor Lewan - If Tuitt is gonna break Tuck's single season sack record, he'll have to pick up the pace starting against an elusive QB in Devin Gardner.  His ability to do so will depend on his game-long battle against Lewan. If Tuitt can beat Lewan to the outside, he'll be able to pressure Gardner into making mistakes (hopefully much like his predecessor Denard did last year) while also containing him. If Tuitt can't do it to it, then Notre Dame might be in trouble.

Fightin' Irish Offense v. Skunk Bear Defense: Tommy 2.0 must continue to rise.  I believe in the kid, and you should too. Over 110,000 retina-scarring maize t-shirts won't phase him, and neither will the Skunk Bears' swiss-cheese secondary. As long as his offensive line gives him enough time against a defensive front that has already exhibited its ability to get into the backfield (albeit against the less-than-mighty Chippewas of Central Mich.), he should be able to spread the ball around with ease.  The Skunk Bears won't be able to key in on just one receiving threat, which means either Jones, Daniels, or Niklas will be open on every single play.  All Tommy Gun needs to do is sling the rock their way.

Fightin' Irish Defense v. Skunk Bear Offense:  The Fightin' Irish front seven must contain Gardner much better than they contained the Temple QB whose name is too irrelevant to look up right now (though he did show toughness after getting knocked to the turf quite often last Saturday).  Gardner is no Denard Robinson.  This is both a good thing and a bad thing.  He won't pull off miracle moves in a phone-booth like Denard could, but he will probably turn the ball over less as well (It's pretty hard to turn it over as many times as Denard did last year).  A key to the game will be whether the Fightin' Irish can apply enough pressure to fluster him while also maintaining their contain.  If they do, expect multiple turnovers (probably not six like last year, but hopefully more than two).

Final Outcome:  Tommy Gun slings it, Gardner throws a couple picks, Tuitt gets another sack, ESPN analysts insert their feet into their mouths, and Irish eyes go on smiling for another week.

Fightin' Irish: 27

Skunk Bears: 20

#1 ND @ unranked SC

GO IRISH!

BEAT SC!

"Before, I always wondered, 'What would life be like if I went to USC? What would life be like if I went here or here?' I've always wondered that. But I think after this season, I don't have that anymore. This is where I was meant to be." -Manti Te'o

SCORE PREDICTION:

(#1) Notre Dame: 31

(unrakned) Cal Southern: 17

We'll see you in Miami...

Seniors' Final Salute

"When those books are written, 
they're written about championships." 

-Brian Kelly on the still unfinished legacy of his seniors

Saturday is Senior Day, and the last time I will ever watch a game from the student section inside Notre Dame Stadium.  It will be an emotional day for all those present, especially the senior class of players who have brought the light of hope back to this football program through their unyielding work ethic and undying faith in each other.  They will suit up in Blue & Gold to run out of that tunnel one last time, and over 81,000 inspired souls will salute their service.  

It's difficult to find the right words to describe what I hope will be the perfect ending to a great journey, so I will leave it to the pros:

From UND.com:

From Andrew Owens of The Observer,

 describing the significance of Manti's unlikely path to Senior Day: 

"The Loyal Son"

From Matt Fotruna of ESPN.com:

"Manti Teo's Irish Fairwell"

Score Prediction:

Notre Dame: 41

Wake Forest: 17

Predictions: ND v. BC

University of Notre Dame

v.

Backup College

This one shouldn't be close.
Then again... last week shouldn't have been close.

What Fightin' Irish fans saw late in the game against Pitt should give them hope, though, as Diaco's defense returned to its dominant form when called upon, and Kelly's offense finally found its way.

What I'd like to see against BC:  

Everett "5uperman" Golson taking complete control of Kelly's spread offense by utilizing the versatile weapons at his disposal (namely Riddick, and hopefully a heavier dose of Atkinson III), relying on his athleticism to make big plays at big times, and embracing his "baller" mentality to become that leader his teammates can count on.

What I'm expecting to see against BC:  

A lot of sacks and interceptions, with BC's Rettig throwing 3 picks last week and getting sacked 7 times over their past 2 games, and ND coming off a season-high 5 sack performance against Pitt.  BC's run game is abysmal, meaning they won't be able to move the ball on the ground against Diaco's dominant front 7.  Kap, Tuitt, and Shembo should thus be able to tee off on Rettig, who will be forced to rush his throws and run for his life to avoid getting his head taken off by our D Boys.  

Bold Prediction: 
Sacks for Kap, Nix, Tuitt, Shembo, and Te'o, with Manti adding another INT and vaulting himself back into the Heisman conversation.

 PROJECTED SCORE:

UNIVERSITY OF NOTRE DAME: 37

BACKUP COLLEGE: 10

Anchors Aweigh for Fightin' Irish

After a short lived panic attack late last week leading up to the game against our historic rival, rumors of mutiny quickly turned out to be nothing that a little smash-mouth football couldn't fix.  In fact, the controversial comments made by Kelly and the even more controversial reactions made by several players may have provided exactly what this team needed to turn the corner.  It presented an opportunity for the players and coaches to sit down and clear the air that has tasted sour to some all season long.  With that behind them, they can cut the proverbial anchor loose and focus on winning football games.

Last Week's Win over Navy may have allowed the Fightin' Irish
 to Finally Cut the Anchor Loose

Speaking of focus, Kelly's teams have accumulated a 6-2 record on the road while playing without all the distractions that accompany football weekends at Notre Dame, compared to a 7-6 record at home.  Take that stat for what you will, but the only two games Kelly has lost away from Notre Dame Stadium were to MSU last year (they ended up with 11 wins) and the Skunkbears this year (in a game we literally gave away).  This bodes well for the remainder of the regular season, which includes games on the road at Wake Forest and Maryland prior to senior night at home against Backup College and the season finale at Stanford.  

While Wake and Maryland have both been dangerous at times this season, we drastically outmatch them.  In true fashion, a horrible BC squad poses no threat.  With a 4 game winning streak at our backs, we will have a real chance to take advantage of our newfound confidence and renewed focus in order to chop down the trees on Thanksgiving weekend.  Not convinced?  Let me remind you that Kelly's teams have not been beaten in the month of November for 3 years.  Luckily for us, Thanksgiving weekend falls in the month of November again this year.

And now to the game at hand, an interesting matchup against a traditionally basketball-centered Baptist school that has recently shown glimmers of potential on the football field.  Wake LB and leader of the Demon Deacon (which is a lame attempt at something as badass as the Fighting Irish, if you ask me) defense Nikita Whitlock had this to say about his first time playing against Notre Dame: "We're little Wake Forest... but don't expect us not to come out and try to punch them in their mouth.  That's what we do."  

There's no way we lose to a school
that such ugly "mascots" call home.

I like the fire of those fightin' words, and I'm expecting a well played game out of Wake.  That still doesn't change the fact that we should be able to dominate if we continue to emphasize our dangerous running attack as we did against Navy.  In his press conference following that steamrolling performance featuring 7 rushing TDs, Kelly admitted that he "put more of an emphasis on the run game in [the red zone], and I think that is the direction we want to keep moving."  I hope he stays true to those words so we can share in the joy of watching a consistently tough team that represents "...a brand of football that [Kelly is] starting to see."

Tonight's Score Prediction:

Fightin' Irish: 38

Demon Deacons: 20

Offensive MVP:  Jonas - The senior back will continue to play like he has something to prove.  Look for him to break a long TD to keep his scoring streak alive.

Jonas playing smash-mouth football against Navy

Defensive MVP: Manti - I've been waiting patiently for the leader of our defense to get his hands on a loose ball with running space ahead of him. Will this be the week?

Get this man the football!

GO IRISH! BEAT $C!

Notre Dame Law School Tuition: $42,870.00

Football Student Ticket Booklet: $215.00

Lane Kiffin's Face When the Irish Win: Priceless

Score Prediction:  

University of Notre Dame: 37

University of $anctioned Cheater$: 27

Game Balls:

Defense:  

Manti proves he made the right decision on Signing Day
by scoring his first career TD.

Offense: 

At 6'3", Floyd goes HAM against U$C's 5'8" and 5'9" corners.

Game Preview: Flying Falcons v Fighting Irish

"Sacrifice, unselfish sacrifice... These other fellas, they say, are pretty good, but I think we're better... and I think if we get ourselves to a point, where we're confident in that... why... the results will take care of themselves..."

Game Preview: Purdon't!

After a rough September, the Fighting Irish look to welcome in a new month on Saturday night by traveling through the "Crossroads of America" to take on Purdue / Pur-don’t / Pur-won’t / Pur-hasn’t-in-a-while / Pur-probably-never-will.

Last time we graced Ross-Ade-Stadium with our presence, it took a game winning touchdown catch by Kyle Rudolph to somehow escape West Lafayette with a win.  While that was a memorable game for me personally, (Rudy made the catch about 3 feet from where I was standing on the sideline, Golden Tate stole my leprechaun hat, wore it for the Alma Mater, then repayed me in Cheesy Fries at Reckers when we got back to campus at 4am - Cheesy Fries were not on the menu then, but they are now - you're welcome) it ended up way too close for comfort against a clearly inferior opponent.  Even so, that was then, and this is now.  We have a new coach, a new team, and Pur-don't Pur-won't be able to hang with us any more if we play up to our potential.

Pur-don't has produced a few curious soundbytes leading up to Saturday night's prime time matchup on ESPN. (Yes, two unranked opponents with 3 losses between them play at 8pm on ESPN - I love when that network bows down to us.) For starters, Pur-don't linebacker Joe Holland, the son of a son of a Domer, stated that he is extra pumped (Boiler up! Woot! Woot!) for this one because, in his own words, Notre Dame "didn't recruit me like Purdue did." I'm not exactly sure what that means, but I'm guessing that Joe, who played high school ball at Bishop Chatard in Indy, sits in the same boat as many of his teammates who also hail from the great state of Indiana but were passed over when it came to scholarship letters sent out from the Golden Dome. But wait... there's more! Joe didn't stop there. He went on to say that "the stage is definitely set" and "it would mean a lot for our team to get this one..." Is it just me, or does someone from Pur-don't attempt to make this game out to be more than it is every single year? Sorry, but this is not the battle for the Jewelled Shillelagh (we will be defending our magic stick on October 22). This is the battle for the plain old regular Shillelagh... which is just not as sexy or exciting (befitting of our rather bland opponent, no?). The fact of the matter is that while Pur-don't attempts to hype up their Hoosier-ness, the vast majority of our players have lived most of their lives with no connection whatsoever to the miraculous state of Indiana. We will treat this game just like any other game: Go in, take care of business, get the W, and come back to campus for some Cheesy Fries.


You may be wondering why I am being so mean to the second best football team in the state that I have called home for the past 6 years (sorry Ball State, oh and I think they might play football at IU too...). In all honesty, it's because my last visit to West Lafayette wasn't all Lucky Charms and Cheesy Fries. Not only were the locals less than friendly, (Thanks for spitting on me and my sweet ND backpack!) but Pur-don't Pete was... well... pardon my French... a giant Pur-douche. All I did was beat him in a dance-off on national television and then tell him that he would have to get on my level before he could consider himself an "in-state rival." How did he react? At halftime he got in my face as he revealed the t-shirt he was wearing under his goofy costume, which featured a boilermaker performing a lewd act on a leprechaun. After his own cheerleaders berated him in disgust, I thanked him for being such a gracious host and went on my way. That's all I have to say about that...

Sorry Petey, but I've seen bigger...

... and so has this kid.

OK, back to the game at hand.  Pur-don't comes into this week at 2-1, but don't let their record fool you. Their wins have come against Middle Tennessee and Southeast Missouri State, while their sole loss came at the hands of mighty Rice.  Thus far, they rank 181st nationally in terms of strength-of-schedule, while Notre Dame ranks 5th.  Even more telling than these stats were the statements made by Pur-don't head coach Danny Hope, who said that a win over the FIghting Irish "would be a signature win."  Really?  He's looking for a signature win against an unranked opponent with a 2-2 record?!  Then, as if that wasn't ridiculous enough, Danny did a total 180 by saying, "If things don't work out right, it's not the end of the world... but a win on Saturday could change our world in some ways."  Not the end of the world?!  Dude... you're a football coach!  And your last name is HOPE!  Let me quote Chris Berman on this one with a hearty "C'MON MAN!"  Don't get me wrong, I have always been a big fan of Danny's mustache swag, but how can anyone take a coach who says something like that seriously?

What he lacks in "Hope,"
he makes up for with pure style.

Luckily for us, Pur-dont's biggest strength can be found in its running game, which ranks 11th nationally.  They are currently averaging an astounding 258.7 yards per game on the ground (keep their opponents in mind, though) behind a talented and experienced offensive line.  Unfortunately for them, no real passing offense (73rd nationally) has been able to surface as a reliable counterpart to their rushing attack.  This bodes extremely well for us, as our defensive front continues to prove that it is the rock upon which our entire team is built.  We held MSU to under 50 yards rushing, we stopped Pitt's Ray Graham from breaking the century mark after he averaged 140 yards over his first 3 games, and we will do much of the same on Saturday night.


The real key to this game will be whether Pur-don't can force us into passing situations by shutting down our running game (they have held opponents to 2.8 yards per carry thus far, albeit against an incredibly weak schedule) and how Tommy Rees reacts when those situations do arise.  If "Tommy Turnover"can overcome his chronic case of fumbles and picks, he should be able to shred a secondary that even had trouble against the likes of Rice, Middle Tennessee, and SE Mizzou State (an unranked FCS team).  The begnning of the game will most likely be emotional and filled with energy, but in the end I'm pretty confient that Pur-don't probably Pur-won't...


Score Prediction:
Fighting Irish: 31

Pur-don't: 3


Offensive MVP:  "Tommy Turnover" will finally turn it around and quiet the crass critics currently calling for Crist by shredding the opposing secondary into Rees's Pieces.  Look for him to light up the night sky over West Lafayette.


Defensive MVP: Manti is about to do something big... maybe even ESPN Top-Ten worthy.

GO IRISH!  BEAT BOILERS!