GOOD MORNING EVERYONE
I think this has certainly been one of the most talked about games on The Roundtable that I can remember. Maybe it's because almost every thread that has been posted over the last few years contains something about Clemson. It could be a thread about "What's on the grill for dinner tonight?" and someone will come on and reply "We should be worrying about the talent disparity with Clemson instead of what's on the damn grill." Or, a "Prayers Needed" thread, and a post will contain "ND needs to recruit with the Clemson's of the world, and until then, I'm sending all my prayers to Brian Kelly."
I've been calm all week, and pretty confident. I don't care who's not playing and who is because it's another big game for a program that many say isn't relevant anymore. Having an opportunity to play in a game with all of this hype, and with a playoff appearance on the line makes you relevant - that's my opinion at least. I didn't pick a score this week, and not because I don't think ND will win. I didn't pick one because #1, I'm wrong 100% of the time and #2 I have no clue if it will be high scoring or low scoring. All I know is I've got a feeling.
Offensively for the Irish it's pretty simple, and that's being efficient running the ball. ND isn't going to come out in anything different that they've been saving for Clemson, although I do think that we may see a wrinkle or 2 put in like a bootleg and getting who's ever in at RB more involved in the pass game.
Defensively is where I can see some new stuff added. I don't think it's going to be an all out blitz on every passing down, and at times I can see them dropping 8, and mixing up coverages, and fronts. My biggest worry is Etienne out of the backfield catching passes. Our LB's can't fall asleep, and need to pay attention to him 100% of the time.
YOUR GAMEDAY FORECAST
Crazy weather! It should get up to 75 degrees this afternoon in South Bend - just what we all hoped for right? By kickoff it should be 62 degrees, mostly clear and wind out of the south at 8mph. By the 4th quarter it should dip down to about 59 degrees. No rain in sight.
I think this game is decided by big plays. It can be a turnover, a penalty at an inopportune time, a special teams play, or an offensive play that just flips the momentum late in the game. I'm confident that the ND defense will show up, and I'm confident that the offense will do just enough to secure a win. ND needs to play smart, and limit mistakes. If it does that, we'll all be happy around 11:00 tonight. There's not much more that needs to be said. It's a big game on a big stage, and another opportunity.
Good Luck Everyone
GO IRISH!
