UConn Preview - Where's Me Pot O' Gold?

The final home game for the Fighting Irish has shaped up to be a match between two beaten-down teams.  Both Notre Dame and UConn have taken their fair share of lumps this season on many different levels.  Notre Dame has failed to meet the high expectations that surrounded the team heading into the season, and is riding a 2 game losing streak accentuated by an inevitable coaching change.  Connecticut has experienced repeated heartbreaking losses throughout the year, losing 5 games by 4 points or less..  Those physical losses pale in comparison to the tragic death of cornerback Jasper Howard midway through the season.

Considering the state of these teams, both coaches should be focusing primarily on preparing their teams mentally and emotionally to rise above the failures and play with purpose.  The outcome of this game will be determined by heart.  By late Saturday afternoon we will know which team still has a pulse, and which team is out of gas.

The Huskies are easily the best 4-5 team in the country.  Having sniffed victory in every game, UConn knows they are capable of winning against the "big boys" and they are due for a W.  Falling just short of victory against notable opponents like #8 Pittsburgh, #5 Cincinnati, and #25 Rutgers proves that they are a threat to the Irish.

Having suffered back to back losses to Navy and Pittsburgh, Notre Dame has been bombarded with criticism and calls for drastic change.  News feeds are saturated with articles calling for Charlie's job and rumors of his successor.  Not much has been said about the upcoming game against the Huskies this week and that scares me.  I have to wonder, with all the negativity in South Bend these days, how much room is left in those players heads for their next opponent?

UConn's strength lies in their balanced offense attack, rushing for 167 yards per game and passing for another 241.  Their 38th ranked offense will face ND's 83rd ranked defense.  UConn, like nearly all of our opponents, will have an advantage when they have the ball.  The Huskies rank 68th in the nation in overall defense.  Their run stopping ability is slightly better statistically than their pass coverage, ranking 51st and 78th respectively.  The Irish offense should have the advantage against this defense.

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

• The Notre Dame players must find a source of motivation on the field.  I sincerely doubt Charlie's ability to get this team "up" for the game, so the players must dig deep and find motivation internally. 
• Jimmy Clausen and his offense must find their identity again.  Jimmy must be mentally sharp from the get-go.  He has started slow in the past 2 games. 
• A balanced attack (starting with Charlie's play calling) has been non existant the past 2 weeks.  We must run the ball.  The previous three opponents have sat back on our receivers and forced short gains in the passing game. We must run the ball to keep the defense honest.
• Defense... just show up.  Play with some fire for once.  Act like you belong on the field.
• Poor field position has killed ND all season.  We might as well go for it every 4th down if our punts are going to travel 15 yards.
• Turn Golden Tate loose.

Prediction
I suspect that the turmoil surrounding ND will show its wear and tear on the players early in the game.  UConn could deliver a wake-up call early, but the Irish fight back.  This team does not give up.  The talent edge points towards the Irish, and I believe they have enough heart to win this game.  Vegas has realized that ND's defense will keep the game close, favoring the Irish by 6 points.  The Irish will walk away with the W for the departing seniors.

ND-28  UConn - 21

UConn Preview - Where's Me Pot O' Gold?