Marcus Freeman Has This Team Playing Hard

[banmate6]

Nausea.

Man! You really are a curmudgeon!

😀

We're all here because it's an exciting time for Notre Dame. Have fun with it. Lots of belief and hope.

We're being social. A fanbase. Right?

 

[4-4-3]

USC at home is definitely not a gimme. They only lost to Penn State at home in overtime.

10-2 was my preseason prediction. I expected one loss to a better team and one loss to inferior opponent. The schedule ended up on the weaker side so ND was better than all opponents.

I expect an ND win on Saturday! Who do you got winning?

I HAVE NO IDEA.

I never do.

ND seems to have the better team, but USC played a tougher schedule and could have won every game.

I could easily make the case that it's a TOSS-UP, but, again, I'd be just speculating.

The GAME IS THE THING.

 

[4-4-3]

Good points about the USC loss differential never being > 1 score. But the USC has given up enough points in some of those games. And the USC O has struggled against Ds weaker than the Irish.

I posted earlier about USC being erratic vs a UCLA that isn't very good. Especially the USC O in the red zone. USC can be explosive, but I think the ND D is a different proposition...might get bent by some plays but not break when it counts.

I'm counting on the ND O to control and score. Like you said, ND overall has to be prepared. It's all on MF for that.

De facto game #1 of the playoffs for the Irish.

The game that stands out to me is the PSU game. USC barely lost it, and I think it was their only loss at home. PSU has been ranked ahead of ND all year. And while I realize that the TRANSITIVE PROPERTY doesn't always work in CFB, the way USC played PSU gives me the sense that they can play ND just as doggedly.

A lot may depend on which QB has a better day. If Riley's not at his best, I'll be CONCERNED.

 

[chaseball]

The game that stands out to me is the PSU game. USC barely lost it, and I think it was their only loss at home. PSU has been ranked ahead of ND all year. And while I realize that the TRANSITIVE PROPERTY doesn't always work in CFB, the way USC played PSU gives me the sense that they can play ND just as doggedly.

A lot may depend on which QB has a better day. If Riley's not at his best, I'll be CONCERNED.

USC is ALL of their performance this season vs all of their schedule down to the play by play level. They are the team that took PSU to overtime, to the team that beat LSU, to the team that barely beat Maryland, UCLA, and Rutgers (and all of their performance in between). And all of that performance equates to their current standing in the hierarchy of college football:

#18 in FPI
#21 in F+

Notre Dame is WELL ahead of this at #3 in FPI and #5 in F+

The higher you go up the ladder the larger the standard deviation between teams gets. So although ~15 or so ranking spots doesn't seem like all that much, it's quite a bit of separation given how highly ND is ranked in these systems this season.

Only way ND loses this game is if USC just happens to have the perfect scheme that just happens to be strong against everywhere ND is weak (by random chance) or if USC is the beneficiary of tons of great luck (turnovers, penalties, special teams blunders, etc.)

If both teams in this game produce to what their baseline performance this season suggests that they should and there's an average amount of luck that both teams benefit equally from (which is the most likely outcome), then USC has no chance.

 

[echowaker]

The game that stands out to me is the PSU game. USC barely lost it, and I think it was their only loss at home. PSU has been ranked ahead of ND all year. And while I realize that the TRANSITIVE PROPERTY doesn't always work in CFB, the way USC played PSU gives me the sense that they can play ND just as doggedly.

A lot may depend on which QB has a better day. If Riley's not at his best, I'll be CONCERNED.

USC has a different QB now.

 

[echowaker]

Looked at in another way:

USC and Florida are good teams in 2024

Ole Miss & Notre Dame are GREAT teams in 2024

Ole Miss is not a great team. I don't even think Lane Kiffin believes they are. Very good team but have shown to be wildly inconsistent especially on offense.

 

[Golson5]

Florida was ranked 29th in F+ last week (they are up to 26th now) only pointing this out for accuracy reasons.

People were talking about Florida like they were a scrub team due to their 5-5 record (i was merely mentioning that despite their record this season they were solid competition and much better than their record suggests they are)

I would describe USC in the same way. They are significantly better than their record would indicate.

Ole Miss should have beat Florida last week easily. ND should beat USC this week easily. It shouldn't be close. But if ND loses they are not losing to some mediocre FBS team, they are losing to solid/tough competition (despite USCs 6-5 record).

You used F+ to justify their loss

Usc is ranked above Florida

 

[Drinking The Green Koolaid]

The first ND game I clearly remember watching was the 1966 game against Purdue, which introduced us to Hanratty to Seymour. We also had a black and white TV. For the Michigan State game, we went to some friends of my parents and watched it on their color TV. Like you, I was mesmerized. Bubba Smith broke Hanratty's collar bone on a QB run. There's a famous photograph of him bearing down on Hanratty just before the tackle: https://tomshanahan.report/2016/09/terry-hanratty-recalls-duffy-and-the-biggest-game-of-them/

Thanks for linking the article. It was a good read. I, too, always liked Duffy Daugherty. I have also always had great respect for John McKay of USC. Great coaches and both of them had respect for the rivalry with ND.

I knew the "Game of the Century" was stacked with great players, but the numbers listed in the article are pretty amazing: 10 future NFL first-round draft picks, 42 overall draft picks, 33 pro players and 25 with All-American honors. That is a lot of talent on one football field.

 

[banmate6]

The game that stands out to me is the PSU game. USC barely lost it, and I think it was their only loss at home. PSU has been ranked ahead of ND all year. And while I realize that the TRANSITIVE PROPERTY doesn't always work in CFB, the way USC played PSU gives me the sense that they can play ND just as doggedly.

A lot may depend on which QB has a better day. If Riley's not at his best, I'll be CONCERNED.

I've actually managed to watch a spread of games this season by a few teams. Shockingly the family lets me have Saturdays more often than not!



You know as well as I do that even with rich and egregious statistics and analysis, you go with your eye test. I've watched USC often enough. Penn State a few times.

I've got nothing conclusive. But I think the ND team right now is stronger than USC and should win in what is effectively a playoff game. Maybe 75% chance? I think ND by now looks legit ranked anywhere from 5-10.

You also brought up a good detail. I am not expecting RL to be a great deep passer. But the OL, running game, and play action at least should be ok. I hope and think.

The game will be played. In the end it is the MF show. Fingers crossed for our Fighting Irish...I'm riveted with excitement.

 

[mbd11]

They do play hard. It's a well-coached team. Freeman chose two excellent coordinators and seems to be more of a CEO head coach. And that includes being the head motivator and recruiter as well. And that's working out well.

 

[banmate6]

They do play hard. It's a well-coached team. Freeman chose two excellent coordinators and seems to be more of a CEO head coach. And that's working out well.

ND is indeed well coached now. 1 mistake was made vs NIU, with some issues in other games that ND still managed to win. Which shows how MF is indeed evolving...emphasis on the nth factor of motivation and inspiration.

Just like with Holtz, kids want to play for him.

It's not complete until the season completes. MF needs ND to lead ND to victory over USC. The verdict is always out to a degree until the season ends...and the best way to discuss and argue incessantly about this would be over a NC!

I bet some guys here would still be blasting each other over it!

 

[4-4-3]

USC has a different QB now.

Yes, it has, but what point are you making by stating that?

 

[echowaker]

Yes, it has, but what point are you making by stating that?

That the current USC offense has not been as productive as the one that played Penn St. Small sample size of course but they haven't put up many points.

 

[4-4-3]

USC is ALL of their performance this season vs all of their schedule down to the play by play level. They are the team that took PSU to overtime, to the team that beat LSU, to the team that barely beat Maryland, UCLA, and Rutgers (and all of their performance in between). And all of that performance equates to their current standing in the hierarchy of college football:

#18 in FPI
#21 in F+

Notre Dame is WELL ahead of this at #3 in FPI and #5 in F+

The higher you go up the ladder the larger the standard deviation between teams gets. So although ~15 or so ranking spots doesn't seem like all that much, it's quite a bit of separation given how highly ND is ranked in these systems this season.

Only way ND loses this game is if USC just happens to have the perfect scheme that just happens to be strong against everywhere ND is weak (by random chance) or if USC is the beneficiary of tons of great luck (turnovers, penalties, special teams blunders, etc.)

If both teams in this game produce to what their baseline performance this season suggests that they should and there's an average amount of luck that both teams benefit equally from (which is the most likely outcome), then USC has no chance.

I have no issue with quantitative ratings and rankings. As previously stated, I use a system of my own making. But you never know when randomness will produce the IMPROBABLE. So, I would never say USC or any other team of its ilk playing ND has NO CHANCE.

What chance did NIU have? Far less than USC, yet NIU won.

And it's not always luck -- as in turnovers, penalties, injuries, etc. -- that produces UPSETS. Sometimes, one team simply WANTS IT MORE. Again, NIU.

And that's even before the question of USC being ND's ALL-TIME RIVAL.

I'll be surprised if this is not a a hard-fought, competitve game.

 

[4-4-3]

I've actually managed to watch a spread of games this season by a few teams. Shockingly the family lets me have Saturdays more often than not!



You know as well as I do that even with rich and egregious statistics and analysis, you go with your eye test. I've watched USC often enough. Penn State a few times.

I've got nothing conclusive. But I think the ND team right now is stronger than USC and should win in what is effectively a playoff game. Maybe 75% chance? I think ND by now looks legit ranked anywhere from 5-10.

You also brought up a good detail. I am not expecting RL to be a great deep passer. But the OL, running game, and play action at least should be ok. I hope and think.

The game will be played. In the end it is the MF show. Fingers crossed for our Fighting Irish...I'm riveted with excitement.

My eye-test is that USC is dangerous.

Marks could break a long one, and their receivers and returners can make big plays at any time. If ND gets fooled on defense or doesn't cover a return properly, it could be costly.

If I'm USC, I'm looking to SUCKER PUNCH ND EARLY, grab the early lead, disrupt ND's scheme, undermine its confidence and look to make CHUNK PLAYS.

This will be the toughest test ND's D has faced all year. Is it up to the challenge, or has it been as good as it's been merely on the basis of playing less potent offenses?

It's a question MY eye-test doesn't tell me one way or the other. But WE WILL CERTAINLY FIND OUT.

 

[mbd11]

My eye-test is that USC is dangerous.

Marks could break a long one, and their receivers and returners can make big plays at any time. If ND gets fooled on defense or doesn't cover a return properly, it could be costly.

If I'm USC, I'm looking to SUCKER PUNCH ND EARLY, grab the early lead, disrupt ND's scheme, undermine its confidence and look to make CHUNK PLAYS.

This will be the toughest test ND's D has faced all year. Is it up to the challenge, or has it been as good as it's been merely on the basis of playing less potent offenses?

It's a question MY eye-test doesn't tell me one way or the other. But WE WILL CERTAINLY FIND OUT.

Louisville's offense actually ranks higher. They're 15th in the country at 453 ypg, while USC is 33rd at 430 ypg. And Shough has put up better stats than either of USC's QBs, too.

As for their defense, it's definitely better than last year, although still pretty average. They're 65th in the nation in total defense.

But I expect a tough game. All of their losses have been by one score or less, so they've been very competitive, despite the 6-5 record.

 

[4-4-3]

That the current USC offense has not been as productive as the one that played Penn St. Small sample size of course but they haven't put up many points.

Fair point.

But my concern there is that the outgoing QB was on the downswing. The new guy is more of a dual threat, more athletic and can improvise. He can run when forced out of the pocket.

And it's now game three for him. He could be EXACTLY at the point where he jells.

My sense is that HE WILL BE A FACTOR.

 

[4-4-3]

Louisville's offense actually ranks higher. They're 15th in the country at 453 ypg, while USC is 33rd at 430 ypg. And Shough has put up better stats than either of USC's QBs, too.

As for their defense, it's definitely better than last year, although still pretty average. They're 65th in the nation in total defense.

But I expect a tough game. All of their losses have been by one score or less, so they've been very competitive, despite the 6-5 record.

To me, it looks like there's little difference between Louisville and USC. The yardage differential is negligible while USC's current QB could have the highest ceiling, though that's just speculation ON MY PART.

In any event, it's a COMPARABLE opponent, but an ND away game in the Coliseum with national ranking implications on the line for ND. ND's been good; USC, mediocre. All DRAMATIC ELEMENTS are in play including REVERSAL OF FORTUNE both within the game at different points and in terms of its ULTIMATE OUTCOME.

I fully expect ND to be TESTED.

 

[mbd11]

To me, it looks like there's little difference between Louisville and USC. The yardage differential is negligible while USC's current QB could have the highest ceiling, though that's just speculation ON MY PART.

In any event, it's a COMPARABLE opponent, but an ND away game in the Coliseum with national ranking implications on the line for ND. ND's been good; USC, mediocre. All DRAMATIC ELEMENTS are in play including REVERSAL OF FORTUNE both within the game at different points and in terms of its ULTIMATE OUTCOME.

I fully expect ND to be TESTED.

We agree that the Irish may be tested Saturday. However, I think Louisville's probably a little better than USC, overall. They've had some good wins, like going into Clemson and winning, and blowing out a decent Pitt team last week. USC's been inconsistent, but they're certainly a dangerous team.

 

[deadirishpoet]

There is no question that the NIU loss was a bad one and should have never happened, but since that game Freeman has had the team focused and prepared every week. Games against option teams like Navy and Army used to always leave me feeling uneasy going into the game, but this year we destroyed Navy and Army in both of those games. Yesterday's game against Army was a clinic in how to defend the option. Before the game the sideline reporter asked Marcus Freeman what he wanted to see in the game and he gave a one-word answer: "Violence." That is exactly what we saw. The D hit hard and often last night. It was fun to watch. I expect Bryson Daily will be feeling the lumps from the beating he took all week.

I feel like we are starting to see Marcus Freeman really hit his stride. After the NIU game there were calls to fire him by some on this board. Those wild arguments haven't aged very well.

There were also many on this board who thought ND made a big mistake hiring MF over Luke Fickell. ND now sits at 10-1 and Wisky is at 5-6. I was confident then we hired the right coach, and feel even stronger about that opinion now.

Let's keep the train rolling next week against USC.

This is true

 

[PHJIndy]

I like the 3:30 start time. It will be 12:30 in LA at gametime. I think that helps the Irish a bunch.

 

[PHJIndy]

I've actually managed to watch a spread of games this season by a few teams. Shockingly the family lets me have Saturdays more often than not!



You know as well as I do that even with rich and egregious statistics and analysis, you go with your eye test. I've watched USC often enough. Penn State a few times.

I've got nothing conclusive. But I think the ND team right now is stronger than USC and should win in what is effectively a playoff game. Maybe 75% chance? I think ND by now looks legit ranked anywhere from 5-10.

You also brought up a good detail. I am not expecting RL to be a great deep passer. But the OL, running game, and play action at least should be ok. I hope and think.

The game will be played. In the end it is the MF show. Fingers crossed for our Fighting Irish...I'm riveted with excitement.

My wife allows me to watch from noon 'til midnight on Saturdays! I watch a lot of teams and have seen the Trojans a few times and I'm not overly impressed. I realize the history, mainly because I've watched most of it in my 81 years. I can remember going to a downtown movie theater and watching the Irish play Iowa back in the 1950's. and I saw my first game at ND Stadium in 1960, my senior year in high school. I've not missed many Irish games except for the time I spent in the US Army, 1969-71.

 

[banmate6]

My wife allows me to watch from noon 'til midnight on Saturdays! I watch a lot of teams and have seen the Trojans a few times and I'm not overly impressed. I realize the history, mainly because I've watched most of it in my 81 years. I can remember going to a downtown movie theater and watching the Irish play Iowa back in the 1950's. and I saw my first game at ND Stadium in 1960, my senior year in high school. I've not missed many Irish games except for the time I spent in the US Army, 1969-71.

Ha ha! That's my life too! Since I'm on West Coast, I wind up watching college football final.

I listen to the pundits.

Then come here and plagiarize...making it seem like I know something!



Jokes aside...I have Fighting Irish fever! Especially now. Temperatures are high!

 

[sjb75]

My wife allows me to watch from noon 'til midnight on Saturdays! I watch a lot of teams and have seen the Trojans a few times and I'm not overly impressed. I realize the history, mainly because I've watched most of it in my 81 years. I can remember going to a downtown movie theater and watching the Irish play Iowa back in the 1950's. and I saw my first game at ND Stadium in 1960, my senior year in high school. I've not missed many Irish games except for the time I spent in the US Army, 1969-71.

“…allows…”

 

[4-4-3]

We agree that the Irish may be tested Saturday. However, I think Louisville's probably a little better than USC, overall. They've had some good wins, like going into Clemson and winning, and blowing out a decent Pitt team last week. USC's been inconsistent, but they're certainly a dangerous team.

There's no way to know unless they played.

Still, looking at it from MY PERSPECTIVE, Louisville, despite a couple of good wins, LOST TO STANFORD while only eking out wins against BC and Virginia. In fact, I actually think USC has been the more consistent team, even though that includes consistently coming up short.

And while I'm not sure how much the teams have changed overall, last year's Louisville team LOST to USC in the Holiday Bowl 42-28. And that was without Caleb Williams at QB for USC, even as the guy who replaced him and threw for 6 TD's is the one USC benched a few games ago.

And I can't believe that Louisville has better athletes than USC. FEW TEAMS DO.

Bottom line: on paper, I don't see any fundamental difference. USC vs. Louisville would be a good matchup. And for that reason, it's reasonable TO ASSUME that USC AT HOME will play ND AT LEAST as tough as Louisville did ON THE ROAD.

But this is PURE SPECULATION on my part.

 

[mbd11]

There's no way to know unless they played.

Still, looking at it from MY PERSPECTIVE, Louisville, despite a couple of good wins, LOST TO STANFORD while only eking out wins against BC and Virginia. In fact, I actually think USC has been the more consistent team, even though that includes consistently coming up short.

And while I'm not sure how much the teams have changed overall, last year's Louisville team LOST to USC in the Holiday Bowl 42-28. And that was without Caleb Williams at QB for USC, even as the guy who replaced him and threw for 6 TD's is the one USC benched a few games ago.

And I can't believe that Louisville has better athletes than USC. FEW TEAMS DO.

Bottom line: on paper, I don't see any fundamental difference. USC vs. Louisville would be a good matchup. And for that reason, it's reasonable TO ASSUME that USC AT HOME will play ND AT LEAST as tough as Louisville did ON THE ROAD.

But this is PURE SPECULATION on my part.

They're certainly comparable teams, and when you throw in the home/road factor and the long distance travel we have for this game, I'd agree it's as tough of a game. And I'd also put our road game at TAMU up there with these as well, as our 3 toughest games this year.

Moss never duplicated that bowl performance this year. Maybe he had better receivers to throw to last year; who knows. But he never played quite that well this year.

Another factor in the game is how we're playing. We've been playing our best football of the season in November. So hopefully the team will continue that level of play and take care of the Trojans. Go Irish!!

 

[sjb75]

They're certainly comparable teams, and when you throw in the home/road factor and the long distance travel we have for this game, I'd agree it's as tough of a game. And I'd also put our road game at TAMU up there with these as well, as our 3 toughest games this year.

Moss never duplicated that bowl performance this year. Maybe he had better receivers to throw to last year; who knows. But he never played quite that well this year.

Another factor in the game is how we're playing. We've been playing our best football of the season in November. So hopefully the team will continue that level of play and take care of the Trojans. Go Irish!!

IMO you are correct, Notre Dame is indeed playing really well; however, when you have played Navy, a lousy Florida St. team, Virginia, and Army in November, keep it in perspective.

 

[savvyandsassier]

They're certainly comparable teams, and when you throw in the home/road factor and the long distance travel we have for this game, I'd agree it's as tough of a game. And I'd also put our road game at TAMU up there with these as well, as our 3 toughest games this year.

Moss never duplicated that bowl performance this year. Maybe he had better receivers to throw to last year; who knows. But he never played quite that well this year.

Another factor in the game is how we're playing. We've been playing our best football of the season in November. So hopefully the team will continue that level of play and take care of the Trojans. Go Irish!!

Moss didn't do that poorly, they probably shouldn't have benched him. I think it was just for cosmetics, and the coach has to do something to juice things up. Natives getting restless! And they have that very intriguing transfer, Hawaii boy, who was a frosh starter at UNLV, so why not. He looks pretty good too, so it probably won't get any worse. But I don't think he's better than Miller Moss. I'm glad we're facing Maiava, and not old boy.

 

[echowaker]

In the nine-game win streak after the loss to NIU, ND has beaten its opponents by a combined score of 392-99. That is an average victory margin of 32.6 points. In my life as an ND fan, I don't remember seeing that kind of sustained dominance before. You'd probably have to go back to the Rockne or Leahy days to find a similar string of a blowouts. Yes, I know, the schedule hasn't included the most formidable opponents, but the schedule is what it is. You still have to go out and win. Our defense has been taking no prisoners. And I agree, I think ND has a puncher's chance to win it all this year. I don't see anyone like Bama out there during the heydays of the Saban years.

But first we need to take care of business in the Coliseum this Saturday.

Plus in 3 of the victories Army, GA Tech and Virginia scored TDs in the final minute against NDs backups and walk on. Louisville scored late in the 4th qtr also. The dominance on defense is something we haven't seen from ND in quite some time. They also held a pretty good GA Tech team to less than 70 yards rushing. That same team rushed for nearly 300 yards in beating Miami.

 

[raulduke_007]

Man! You really are a curmudgeon!

😀

We're all here because it's an exciting time for Notre Dame. Have fun with it. Lots of belief and hope.

We're being social. A fanbase. Right?

SBJ75 has been outed a USC troll. For some reason he still posts here.

 

[mbd11]

Moss didn't do that poorly, they probably shouldn't have benched him. I think it was just for cosmetics, and the coach has to do something to juice things up. Natives getting restless! And they have that very intriguing transfer, Hawaii boy, who was a frosh starter at UNLV, so why not. He looks pretty good too, so it probably won't get any worse. But I don't think he's better than Miller Moss. I'm glad we're facing Maiava, and not old boy.

He didn't do that badly. But he also didn't come close to duplicating his 6 TD pass performance in that bowl game, when he looked like the next Carson Palmer.

Another factor could've been being a bowl game, perhaps Louisville was missing a bunch of defensive players. Or maybe his OL was just worse this year. I watched the 4th quarters of their Michigan and Minnesota games, and he was running for his life in both of them. The pass rushes were getting to him every play. But whatever the reasons, he never played quite that well this year.

Maiava looks to be fairly equal to him so far, statistically.

 

[banmate6]

SBJ75 has been outed a USC troll. For some reason he still posts here.

Is this really true? I also live in CA. I root for Stanford and USC.

Mainly because I want Notre Dame to have quality opponents. But I especially LOVE when the Irish give it to USC. Even we Subways are classier than the best from Orange County!

 

[BGI User 1596]

SBJ75 has been outed a USC troll. For some reason he still posts here.

Yeah his a cheesy lower class crotch sniffing biatch!

 

[raulduke_007]

Is this really true? I also live in CA. I root for Stanford and USC.

Mainly because I want Notre Dame to have quality opponents. But I especially LOVE when the Irish give it to USC. Even we Subways are classier than the best from Orange County!

Yup he slipped up & outed himself

 

[TheSodFather]

The path for USC to win this game is limited. USC needs NDs help in the way of beating itself.

Freeman has this group focused and locked in. USC will eventually break to NDs physicality.

I'm not sure another program in the country is playing behind it's pads the way Freeman has ND right now. USC does not have an appetite for 4 quarters of this.

 

[IrishMike409]

The path for USC to win this game is limited. USC needs NDs help in the way of beating itself.

Freeman has this group focused and locked in. USC will eventually break to NDs physicality.

I'm not sure another program in the country is playing behind it's pads the way Freeman has ND right now. USC does not have an appetite for 4 quarters of this.

This is good stuff. Got me fired up!

 

[McCallen ND NYC]

The path for USC to win this game is limited. USC needs NDs help in the way of beating itself.

Freeman has this group focused and locked in. USC will eventually break to NDs physicality.

I'm not sure another program in the country is playing behind it's pads the way Freeman has ND right now. USC does not have an appetite for 4 quarters of this.

Love it. Hope you’re right. Cant think of anything better than seeing USC beaten into submission.

 

[savvyandsassier]

He didn't do that badly. But he also didn't come close to duplicating his 6 TD pass performance in that bowl game, when he looked like the next Carson Palmer.

Another factor could've been being a bowl game, perhaps Louisville was missing a bunch of defensive players. Or maybe his OL was just worse this year. I watched the 4th quarters of their Michigan and Minnesota games, and he was running for his life in both of them. The pass rushes were getting to him every play. But whatever the reasons, he never played quite that well this year.

Maiava looks to be fairly equal to him so far, statistically.

USC won both his starts in a fairly pedestrian fashion against at best decent opponents, in terms of both talent and current form. So they've righted the ship a bit, but they do not present in this game as a team particularly on the rise. More like, okay. As long as we are totally focused and motivated like we have been, we should beat them confidently. To me, the only real X factor is if we fall behind a bit, does our offense somehow fall apart. No reason to think so, but it's not something we've dealt with much at all.