Overview:This is a huge game for both teams. Notre Dame needs a quality win in the worst way, coming off last season’s disaster and an unimpressive win over San Diego State. For Michigan, Coach Rod and staff need to build confidence in a young and inexperienced team.
This game features two of the most storied teams in college football history. But both are struggling, and need a key victory added to their records.
Offense:
Notre Dame has a good set of skill position people, especially with three competent wide receivers. They also have three legitimate running backs to carry the ball. The much hyped Jimmy Claussen gives them an experienced quarterback, and he showed promise in their fourth quarter rally over SDSU. Now, can the offensive line open up holes for the running game and adequately protect Clausen? The line was the major reason Notre Dame’s offense struggled last season. The Irish ranked 115th in rushing last year and gave up almost 5 sacks per game. Any offensive improvement for Notre Dame this season begins with the offensive line, and if the Irish are to secure a major bowl bid, they must lead the way.
Defense:
The Irish return three starting defensive backs, and in our opinion, the secondary will be the strength of this year’s team. The front seven in general and the defensive line in particular need to be better. Notre Dame averaged less than two sacks per game last year and lost their best performer, Laws, to the NFL. The defense, while not as bad as some of the numbers indicate (the inept offense last season often put them in short field situations), still needs to improve its play if the Irish are going to make a big move this year. Notre Dame’s defense would benefit a great deal from offensive improvement.
part 2 at 12:00pm EDT. will discuss "keys" to winning the game.
written by CoachBt and ErocWolverine
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