Speaking of Optimism, let's take a look at Clemson, Navy and USC

[mokpra37]

So, let's say the Irish are able to beat Texas, Virginia, win a close one against Georgia Tech, and take care of UMASS. That would bring on the most difficult three game stretch of the season - @Clemson, Navy and USC. Let's take a look.

Clemson - Replacing nine starters on defense after starting defensive tackle left the team for personal reasons. His return before ND is not a forgone conclusion. Now while all of that may seem very promising, Clemson has recruited very well on the defensive side of the ball, and a couple of extremely good second string LBs will step into starting rolls. One of their returning starters is a db that is getting all-american attention. The offense has a very good line and an extremely talented qb. Can Watson stay healthy? I expect that he will. Like they did against the criminoles last year, I expect the Irish to step up.

Navy - The Irish were up three scores and going in for the kill last year. Golson threw a pick that resulted in a scoring drive - new game. I expect Zaire to make the kill in such situations. ND by four scores.

USC - Surely they are the most talented team ND will face. This game is at ND, and last years game left a very bad taste for the Irish. By this time in the season, health will be an important factor for both teams. USC has the added factor of a coach that is a drunk. What will his situation be?

I think ND comes out of this stretch winning two of three. Three of three is certainly possible.

 

[IRISHJD98]

No doubt it will be a tough stretch. Clemson's had a rough summer when it comes to linebackers. They've lost two to injuries - one for the whole season - and had another quit football. Their defensive coordinator said they only have two game ready linebackers and two backups. Might be a good game to see those multiple TE sets we've been hearing about.

 

[mokpra37]

I am less concerned about Clemson than I am Georgia Tech. Georgia Tech has more coming back and run the option.

 

[Duo]

Mok.............

Re: "most difficult three game stretch of the season - @Clemson, Navy and USC"

With an all time record of 75-12-1 that includes a 43 game winning streak for ND isn't Navy considered one of ND's cup cakes.........a guaranteed win?

Does any CFB fan anywhere actually believe Navy will beat ND this year? Don't think so.

 

[mokpra37]

Go in more depth Duo and you get your answer.

 

[Duo]

Sure..............thing

 

[BGI User 348]

I am less concerned about Clemson than I am Georgia Tech. Georgia Tech has more coming back and run the option.

Dittos! IMO GT is the key.....assuming we get off to a positive start in our first two games where we are favored. GT is good. A win there propels us into an oklahoma type atmosphere vs clemson. Plus a W vs GT sets the table for the defense vs navy. If we are seeing an ND team with those BIG wins and confident then socal at home will be a "death match". I think we then see an fsu-type game but with an ND win in South Bend.

JUST WIN BABY!!!

BEAT the cows!!!

 

[sharkfan83]

Texas will be no pushover as they always have talented players. I for sure as a fan am not looking ahead to any other game. ...but if I were to pick the scariest games, in my eyes the first on the list would he GA Tech. I have them picked to win the ACC. If they can suture up their defense they will be very dangerous. Then I have the Clemson and USC games being equally as tough.

If ND makes it with just one loss through the gauntlet of games ending with USC then i think they are in. However the real tricky games I think will be Stanford and Pitt. Stanford is tough and mainly because it's at Stanford at the end of the season is what's scary there. Pitt has a great running back and a QB that I think can be productive this year.....not to mention they just always seem to give ND fits.