Keys to the game

[graceh90]

The ND run offense versus IU run defense is an obvious key. Everyone knows that. I think the Irish hold their own on this battle.

To me, however, Notre Dame‘s run defense is the truly uncertain key to this game. The Irish are small upfront. I think that is the one weakness that IU could expose on this defense. Cross and Mills will have to be violent. They can’t get pushed around.

The other big concern for ND is third down efficiency. Leonard has to be better. If these three keys go NDs way, only ball control and luck stand in their way

 

[kmass]

The single most important key to game is whether or not Indiana protects Rourke and gives him time. Given time - he is a precision passer and will move the ball like USC did. If ND gets constant pressure on him (like with Caleb Williams last year), IU likely wont have a lot of scoring, similar to the Michigan and Ohio State games. And ND will win comfortably.

I expect a good game, with ND having some big runs and Indiana having a balanced attack. According to Cig - the problem was silent cadence and ohio st had their timing figured out, hence rourke didnt have time. We shall see.

 

[echowaker]

The single most important key to game is whether or not Indiana protects Rourke and gives him time. Given time - he is a precision passer and will move the ball like USC did. If ND gets constant pressure on him (like with Caleb Williams last year), IU likely wont have a lot of scoring, similar to the Michigan and Ohio State games. And ND will win comfortably.

I expect a good game, with ND having some big runs and Indiana having a balanced attack. According to Cig - the problem was silent cadence and ohio st had their timing figured out, hence rourke didnt have time. We shall see.

IU doesn't have the talent at receiver to compare to USC.

 

[echowaker]

The ND run offense versus IU run defense is an obvious key. Everyone knows that. I think the Irish hold their own on this battle.

To me, however, Notre Dame‘s run defense is the truly uncertain key to this game. The Irish are small upfront. I think that is the one weakness that IU could expose on this defense. Cross and Mills will have to be violent. They can’t get pushed around.

The other big concern for ND is third down efficiency. Leonard has to be better. If these three keys go NDs way, only ball control and luck stand in their way

The run defense is just fine and have handled run first offenses quite well all season. IU couldn't run at all against OSU. I can't imagine them having a lot of success in the run game. ND tackles very well.

 

[graceh90]

The run defense is just fine and have handled run first offenses quite well all season. IU couldn't run at all against OSU. I can't imagine them having a lot of success in the run game. ND tackles very well.

I hope you are right. I certainly may be nitpicking because there’s not much to complain about the defensive side of the ball. However, I still think Mills and Cross are on the small side. That may be fine and perhaps preferablewhen you’re defending smaller prolific running teams like Navy, Army, etc., but I think they are vulnerable to bigger offensive lines. I certainly hope that I am wrong.