Week 3 - Where's me pot o' Gold?

Week 3 First Impressions

Heading into the season many Notre Dame fans including myself considered the Michigan State game to be the Irish's first "true' test.  Well, that all changed when ND was shocked by the Wolverines.  This week's game isn't the season's first barometer, but instead a measurement of the toughness and resiliency of the Fighting Irish.  Given that both MSU and ND are looking to rebound after suffering heartbreaking loses, I believe this game is pivotal for both team's seasons.  When the final whistle blows on Saturday, one team will walk off the field with the weight of a losing streak on their shoulders, and the other with a sense of renewal.  Notre Dame's high-powered offense squares off against a stout defense that considers South Bend to be it's vacation home.  I think all the drama, emotion and urgency that surrounds this game will equate to an exciting contest come Saturday afternoon.  Not to mention the "must win" scenario for Charlie Weis.  Needless to say, I am anxious for kickoff.

What could go wrong for the Irish?

This Spartan offense is not the 65 rushing attempt, grind-it-out, Big Ten smashmouth team that we saw last year.  That may be the style of ball that Mark Dantonio preferred last year, but I think this team has more weapons than last year's one-man show starring Javon Ringer.  While the Spartans still haven't solidified the starting QB spot, Cousins and Nichol both provide an upgrade at the QB position for State.  Cousins seems to be the reliable arm, while Nichol provides the "happy feet" playmaking ability that hurt the Irish last week.  They have a respectable receiving core headlined by Cunningham that could hurt us if we don't stay disciplined in pass coverage.  While the MSU running game features 2 true freshman, they have the potential to stack up yards, considering our rushing defense is currently ranked 88th in the nation.  If State is able to establish a rhythm on offense and run the ball up the gut for big yards, expect their passing game to hurt ND more than Michigan's did last week. 

Defensively, this team is solid.  While they did allow Central to win last week, I don't doubt that they are ready to make a statement this weekend.  Junior linebacker Greg Jones is a force to be reckoned with, ranking 2nd in the nation in tackles with 29 after 2 games.  Lookout for that guy!  If the Irish O struggles to keep this D off balance, we could have a hard time running the ball.  If they can manage to contain our rushing attack without leaving 8 in the box, the high-octane Irish passing attack could sputter with additional coverage waiting for them.

Michigan State is a well-coached team that always shows up for battle against ND.  They have proven success on our field, and they expect to win.

Where's me pot o' gold? (Keys to the game, or "me pot o' gold")

Notre Dame's offense has been "money" through the first 2 games.  Take away a few bad penalties and some blown calls, and you have an offense that moves the ball at-will.  I expect to see that continue, minus the crap that plagued us in Ann Arbor (oh wait, are the Big Ten officials gonna be there?).  My first key to the game is more mental than physical: confidence.  I want to see this team march out on to the field prepared to defend their turf at all costs.  I want to see a team that is focused and determined.  I want to see a defense that hits like it did in game 1.  Show me some swagger, you're the Fighting Irish of Notre Dame, and this is the house the Rockne Built.

Okay, more X's and O's.  The defense needs to create pressure.  That coin fell out of my pocket sometime before last week's game.  Pressure up front will take some of the heat off of our secondary, who will be facing a quarterback that ranks just below Jimmy Clausen on the QB rating chart (assuming Cousins will take a majority of the snaps). Regardless of who is under center for the Spartans, Notre Dame needs to smack 'em around a bit.  Both QB's are are tasting the first playing time of their careers this year.  Lets give them a facemask full of turf and welcome them to South Bend.  The MSU receivers will probably be the best we've seen thus far, so our secondary needs to demonstrate it's maturity by avoiding breakdowns in coverage.

Irish fans can stop holding their breath now, Michael Floyd is OK after a scary moment last week.  Other than 15 stitches in the knee and a little soreness, he is ready to snatch the pigskin out of the sky.  A key that has been mentioned each week is the rushing game.  I know it's a given, but I have to mention it again.  Another solid performance out of Armando Allen is key to a win.  Oh, and keep the long-balls in the field of play Jimmy.  Do that and you're back to 88% completion percentage.

What do I think will happen Saturday?

I expect the Fighting Irish to respond to the leadership that Jimmy Clausen displayed when addressing his team after last week's loss.  Reports of "maximum effort" being the theme in practice this week lead me to believe that this team isn't going to roll over now that Lou's prediction of an undefeated season is blown.  I see Notre Dame's offense moving the ball well again, hopefully scoring more touchdowns and settling for less field goal attempts.  I think we will see more of Kyle Rudolph this game, as the Michigan State defense pressures Jimmy to get rid of the ball quickly.  Armando will continue to assert himself running the ball and we will control the time of possession stat.  

Defensively I think we will improve slightly in our run-stopping this week facing young RB's.  State will get some points with their newly balanced offensive attack, but I expect our defense to create some turnovers against their inexperienced quarterbacks and runningbacks.

This will be a battle.  Michigan State has planted their flag in Notre Dame Stadium before, but I expect the same will-to-win that Michigan State witnessed during the 4th quarter comeback in East Lansing 3 years ago.  Let me remind you...

A fired up ND team will win Saturday, 28-17.

 

Week 3 - Where's me pot o' Gold?