Week 2 - Where’s me pot o’ gold?
Week 2 First Impression
Coming off of a statement game by the Irish, it would be easy to let my emotions take over and throw rational out the window concerning our next opponent. With a convincing 35-0 shutout under our belts, ND fans may have the urge to consider Lou's National Championship prediction to be law. But we aren't Michigan fans, are we. The Wolverines managed to impress the country with a one-sided victory of their own. They demonstrated improved discipline, surprising poise, and speed. Rodriguez has a history of significantly improving his team from year one to year two. At West Virginia, Dick Rod improved a 3-8 record to a 9-4 record in his first 2 seasons. All controversy aside, the guy can coach. That said, I don't think he has all the pieces to his puzzle in Ann Arbor, yet. Week 2 offers two traditional powerhouses brimming with confidence and newly raised expectations. This game has the potential to be another classic in a storied rivalry that excites both Fighting Irish and Wolverine fans alike.
What could go wrong for the Irish?
Michigan will have a packed house full of 110 thousand Wolverine fans aching for a significant victory. Notre Dame must march into Ann Arbor focused and unshaken by the recent improvement of their opponent. If Charlie allows the hostile environment to distract the players from the gameplan, we could be in for a long day. I consider Michigan's home field advantage to be their only significant edge on Saturday. That said, they do have more weapons than last year. Tate Forcier demonstrated remarkable poise for a true freshman starting his first game as a college athlete. He completed 13 of 20 passes last week, 3 of which resulted in 6 points. If this kid gets on a roll on Saturday, his confidence will continue to grow and he might start to back up that "cocky" attitude. Michigan also demonstrated speed in their opener. Enter Denard Robinson. A reported 4.32 second 40 yard dash and he doesn’t know how to tie his shoes? That's blaze'n folks. He touched the ball a few times last week, and managed to take a broken play and turn it into a 43 yard sprint to the endzone. If the Irish D gives him room, call it 6. The Wolverine defense headlined by stud DE Brandon Graham did look improved. If they pressure Jimmy all day and manage to stop the Irish running attack, ND will struggle.
Where's me pot o' gold? (Keys to the game, or "me pot o' gold")
Coming off of a statement game by the Irish, it would be easy to let my emotions take over and throw rational out the window concerning our next opponent. With a convincing 35-0 shutout under our belts, ND fans may have the urge to consider Lou's National Championship prediction to be law. But we aren't Michigan fans, are we. The Wolverines managed to impress the country with a one-sided victory of their own. They demonstrated improved discipline, surprising poise, and speed. Rodriguez has a history of significantly improving his team from year one to year two. At West Virginia, Dick Rod improved a 3-8 record to a 9-4 record in his first 2 seasons. All controversy aside, the guy can coach. That said, I don't think he has all the pieces to his puzzle in Ann Arbor, yet. Week 2 offers two traditional powerhouses brimming with confidence and newly raised expectations. This game has the potential to be another classic in a storied rivalry that excites both Fighting Irish and Wolverine fans alike.
What could go wrong for the Irish?
Michigan will have a packed house full of 110 thousand Wolverine fans aching for a significant victory. Notre Dame must march into Ann Arbor focused and unshaken by the recent improvement of their opponent. If Charlie allows the hostile environment to distract the players from the gameplan, we could be in for a long day. I consider Michigan's home field advantage to be their only significant edge on Saturday. That said, they do have more weapons than last year. Tate Forcier demonstrated remarkable poise for a true freshman starting his first game as a college athlete. He completed 13 of 20 passes last week, 3 of which resulted in 6 points. If this kid gets on a roll on Saturday, his confidence will continue to grow and he might start to back up that "cocky" attitude. Michigan also demonstrated speed in their opener. Enter Denard Robinson. A reported 4.32 second 40 yard dash and he doesn’t know how to tie his shoes? That's blaze'n folks. He touched the ball a few times last week, and managed to take a broken play and turn it into a 43 yard sprint to the endzone. If the Irish D gives him room, call it 6. The Wolverine defense headlined by stud DE Brandon Graham did look improved. If they pressure Jimmy all day and manage to stop the Irish running attack, ND will struggle.
Where's me pot o' gold? (Keys to the game, or "me pot o' gold")
If you stack these two teams side-by-side Notre Dame has the clear talent edge. The Fighting Irish are much deeper and more seasoned than the less experienced Wolverines. However, Notre Dame needs the key components of its gameplan to click in order to come away with the win.
The biggest key to a Notre Dame victory on Saturday is containment. Michigan will try to spread the ball and create space on offense. Our defense will "cash in" if they can pressure the edges and keep Michigan from moving the pocket on passing plays, and gaining the edge with its speedsters. Now, Notre Dame did demonstrate some weakness up the middle last week. So the blitzing linebackers need to hit their gaps to prevent 15 yard rushing gains up the middle. That's another nugget in the old pot o' gold for ND. Our DB's have the talent edge on Michigan's receiving core, so I don't see that being an issue unless our safeties are forced to focus on defending the run.
Offensively, one thing is certain: Notre Dame is going to score points. The number of points will be determined by the effectiveness of our running game. Yes, our running game. We know that Golden-Floyd and Company will get theirs. Especially considering one of Michigan's starting corners, Boubacar Cissoko, aggravated an injuray last week and is questionable for Saturday. An established running game will force Michigan to leave our receivers in one-on-one coverage, creating enormous scoring opportunities for ND. I am looking for a repeat of last weeks rushing numbers from the Irish. If that happens, the Michael Floyd highlights continue. Duh duh dut, duh duh dut.
A disciplined defense coupled with a balanced offensive scheme will translate to a victory for the Fighting Irish on Saturday.
What do I think will happen Saturday?
I see Notre Dame quieting the rowdy "Big House" crowd with a couple quick scores in the 1st quarter. Michigan will pull some trick plays out early, hoping to gain the momentum off the bat, but ND's defense will rise to the occasion by creating an early turnover. I expect the Irish to be up at least 7 points going into the half. Sparks will continue to fly for the ND offense in the 2nd half, and Michigan will struggle to keep pace without the ability to establish a rhythm on offense. Much like Nevada's offense last week, they will get their yards, but drives will stall for the Wolverines. Second half play will be greatly influenced by the depth advantage that ND holds over U of M.
Outmatched and beaten down, the Wolverines surrender a 35-17 victory to the Fighting Irish of Notre Dame on Saturday. Sound familiar? That was the score of last year’s match in South Bend.
The biggest key to a Notre Dame victory on Saturday is containment. Michigan will try to spread the ball and create space on offense. Our defense will "cash in" if they can pressure the edges and keep Michigan from moving the pocket on passing plays, and gaining the edge with its speedsters. Now, Notre Dame did demonstrate some weakness up the middle last week. So the blitzing linebackers need to hit their gaps to prevent 15 yard rushing gains up the middle. That's another nugget in the old pot o' gold for ND. Our DB's have the talent edge on Michigan's receiving core, so I don't see that being an issue unless our safeties are forced to focus on defending the run.
Offensively, one thing is certain: Notre Dame is going to score points. The number of points will be determined by the effectiveness of our running game. Yes, our running game. We know that Golden-Floyd and Company will get theirs. Especially considering one of Michigan's starting corners, Boubacar Cissoko, aggravated an injuray last week and is questionable for Saturday. An established running game will force Michigan to leave our receivers in one-on-one coverage, creating enormous scoring opportunities for ND. I am looking for a repeat of last weeks rushing numbers from the Irish. If that happens, the Michael Floyd highlights continue. Duh duh dut, duh duh dut.
A disciplined defense coupled with a balanced offensive scheme will translate to a victory for the Fighting Irish on Saturday.
What do I think will happen Saturday?
I see Notre Dame quieting the rowdy "Big House" crowd with a couple quick scores in the 1st quarter. Michigan will pull some trick plays out early, hoping to gain the momentum off the bat, but ND's defense will rise to the occasion by creating an early turnover. I expect the Irish to be up at least 7 points going into the half. Sparks will continue to fly for the ND offense in the 2nd half, and Michigan will struggle to keep pace without the ability to establish a rhythm on offense. Much like Nevada's offense last week, they will get their yards, but drives will stall for the Wolverines. Second half play will be greatly influenced by the depth advantage that ND holds over U of M.
Outmatched and beaten down, the Wolverines surrender a 35-17 victory to the Fighting Irish of Notre Dame on Saturday. Sound familiar? That was the score of last year’s match in South Bend.
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5 comments:
28-20 ND
31-20, Irish, of course
21-24 UM
TanneJust an FYI. I'm a Saint Mary's girl, who married a Domer in the early 80's. He has since become very sick and passed on, but I remain a RABID ND fan. Just wanted to let you know how I enjoy your site. And your "conversations" with the rest of us. My second husband, not a Domer Alum, says the Boys in "green" are going to win by WAY more than 7. I think just around 7- 14. Wish I could lik to you!Say hello to your Kohl's loving wife! And thanks for the site!! Carys Cooke-Cebulski-Newcomb
Bad spelling by C in previous post. Glasses missing, contacts not in yet. Meant LINK to you....
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