GOOD MORNING EVERYONE
I hate to start out the morning by slapping some people around, but some of you deserve this. The game this afternoon is against Cincinnati. Yes, that group of 5 school Cincinnati who has played Miami of Ohio, Murray State, and Indiana on the way to their #7 ranking, and being the favorite in today's game. Look, I've got nothing against these group of 5 schools. They have talented players and they play good football, but this is still Cincinnati, a team that should've gotten beat by Indiana 2 weeks ago.
So how did we get here? I think it started with Cincy's performance last year against a depleted Georgia roster in the bowl game, which they lost. I watched the game, and they played well, but I also watched their game 2 weeks ago. Notre Dame of course has a lot to do with themselves being underdogs today. They haven't shown that they can run the ball, and protect the QB. They've given up big plays on defense, and could easily be 1 -3 instead of 4 - 0.
I think the Bearcat's are going to get a punch in the nose today, and at around 6:00 Sweet Polly will be jumping around in the stands knowing that her dogs are 5 - 0.
Your Gameday Forecast
As usual, a lot of misinformation circling around out there (insert General Patton gif again). You'll need to pack the poncho, but keep the heavy rain suit and galoshes at home. For you tailgaters it should be in the mid 60's this morning with partly sunny skies and a wind out of the SSW at 8mph. By kick-off expect the temperature to reach 76 degrees with cloudy skies and the chance of a shower at 25%. By the second half, and especially by the 4th quarter the chance of a shower increases to 75 %, but don't expect anything heavy.
My secret's for success today? It's pretty simple, and #1 is to establish a run game. Nothing about their front really scares me, and physically I think the ND O line matches up well. Of course being assignment correct will be key, but if we can put a hat on a hat, then I think they'll have some success. I really don't care who starts or plays at QB - just execute, take care of the ball, and take advantage of the big play opportunities, which is something that has been hit or miss, and mostly miss through 4 games.
The only thing that I'm concerned about while ND is on defense is Ridder running the ball. He's their second leading rusher, and ND must keep him in check converting 3rd downs with his legs. Oddly, Cincy hasn't been very good on third down this season, so let's keep it that way. Where I see an advantage for ND, and one that I think will play a big part in an ND win today is the play of Cincy's OT's. I'm not impressed by them, and I think with our group of outside rushers it will turn out to be too much. I would expect Foskey to have a big day, but let's get some sacks instead of all these hurries.
I'm more confident this week than I was last week. Let's put together a good game on both sides of the ball and let me relax during the 4th quarter.
Good Luck Everyone.
GO IRISH!
My secret's for success today? It's pretty simple, and #1 is to establish a run game. Nothing about their front really scares me, and physically I think the ND O line matches up well. Of course being assignment correct will be key, but if we can put a hat on a hat, then I think they'll have some success. I really don't care who starts or plays at QB - just execute, take care of the ball, and take advantage of the big play opportunities, which is something that has been hit or miss, and mostly miss through 4 games.
The only thing that I'm concerned about while ND is on defense is Ridder running the ball. He's their second leading rusher, and ND must keep him in check converting 3rd downs with his legs. Oddly, Cincy hasn't been very good on third down this season, so let's keep it that way. Where I see an advantage for ND, and one that I think will play a big part in an ND win today is the play of Cincy's OT's. I'm not impressed by them, and I think with our group of outside rushers it will turn out to be too much. I would expect Foskey to have a big day, but let's get some sacks instead of all these hurries.
I'm more confident this week than I was last week. Let's put together a good game on both sides of the ball and let me relax during the 4th quarter.
Good Luck Everyone.
GO IRISH!
