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