Sep 7 | NIU

[Veritate Duce Progredi]

I took ND -28.5 and the over. But this is an obvious let down spot, I wouldn't be surprised if NIU covered at all.

That's a bold bet this early in the season. The young OL is still vulnerable, even though they don't have great pass rushers. They still need to show they can hand off a rusher between them. I could see our running game firing but the pass game having starts and stops. We'll see if Collins and Greathouse are ready to be alphas.

I think the defense should handle it's business. I hope Leonard Moore gets some serious burn, along with Mickey. We should see more sacks, because of coverage and because our best pass rushers should be hungry after getting close multiple times last week.

I don't have confidence one way or another, which is why I don't bet. I hope you make some money!

 

[ND7983]

I thought Jamie U said something interesting & very funny.

NIU plays with a Fullback, multiple TEs, runs old school play action pass, etc…

They like to bully people. Get physical.

But…

As Jamie said, “I don’t think that will work because ND has a lot of guys this year who want that smoke…”
LOL

It’s true.
All 5 LBs have no problem coming up to bang. Watts & Shuler also will come up & bang.
Botehlo & Hinish are literally just running around looking for someone to decapitate.

 

[BleedBlueGold]

This is a classic let down game, where ND plays down to its competition after an exhausting/emotional game the week before. We've seen it before under Freeman. However, I think this team is built differently this year. The defense is too good and too deep. The offense has a QB with legs and way too much talent in the skill positions compared to previous years. Because of how physical NIU is, I think they keep it close early on through the first quarter, but ND will wear them down and the flood gates will open. I have early 2023 vibes with this game. Navy, TN State, etc. where the offense put up some insane stats.

ND 44
NIU 6

 

[ThePiombino]

I feel 45-13 in my bones, NIU scoring late against 2nd/3rd string D.

Sent from my Pixel 8 Pro using Tapatalk

 

[Free Manera]

The NIU point total on Fanduel is 7.5 and I think I'm taking the under. This could be a shutout. Their offense is going to be overmatched in a very hurtful way.

 

[Irish#1]

 

[Dizzyphil]

MFMF > BK....

MF's approach to Big-Time games is different with than BK's - that's a given. But, these(NIU) are the games MF needs to really hype up the guys to get last week's game history out of their heads. This game has a Central Michigan vibe from last year. NIU has some offensive weapons and a really good QB. But, NIU is going up against what should be a top 5 defense by the end of the season. Right now, the Irish Defense is ranked 43 by NCAA ..... but, we know that's only after one game. I expect a lot more consistency out of the Oline this week... the second half of last week should have instilled some confidence and competence with each other up front. DLine - needs 'AT MINIMUM' four sacks - one per QTR is not asking a lot. And lastly, don't underestimate NIU and come out flat - that's on the coaches. My $.02 and off my soapbox.... see you guys tomorrow at game-time.

 

[Some Irish Bloke]

That message board is aware we are reading the board over there, apparently since 90% of us weren’t students we aren’t real fans. Interesting argument for them whipping our ass I suppose. Let’s hope freeman has the boys dialed in and ready to roll

Their 6 fans are very cocky and REALLY hate ND lol. It's like the most irrelevant little brother syndrome I've ever read. WTF did ND ever do to NIU? Is it because we garner most of the eyeballs and attention in their general market?

 

[Dizzyphil]

Their 6 fans are very cocky and REALLY hate ND lol. It's like the most irrelevant little brother syndrome I've ever read. WTF did ND ever do to NIU? Is it because we garner most of the eyeballs and attention in their general market?

They have nothing to lose when they walk into ND stadium.....

 

[pumpdog20]

Meh, MF losing to shitty teams was so two years ago. That year we didn't have the players to overcome let downs. Last year, we didn't have a let down in the sense that they lost to a shitty team, but they lost games to good teams we still should have beat. That was coaching (primarily on the offense)
This year we have the players, assistant coaches, and the right head man for the job.

Irish by a million.

 

[Some Irish Bloke]

They have nothing to lose when they walk into ND stadium.....

Except for the football game?

 

[Jimmy3Putt]

Home opener. Team coming off big win instead of deflating loss. No Marshall repeat.

The team rolls and the offensive line makes a statement.

 

[Irish#1]

Except for the football game?

Their dignity.

 

[Dizzyphil]

Home opener. Team coming off big win instead of deflating loss. No Marshall repeat.

The team rolls and the offensive line makes a statement.

Want to see better blocking/play out of the TE's.....

 

[stpeteirish]

MFMF > BK....

MF's approach to Big-Time games is different with than BK's - that's a given. But, these(NIU) are the games MF needs to really hype up the guys to get last week's game history out of their heads. This game has a Central Michigan vibe from last year. NIU has some offensive weapons and a really good QB. But, NIU is going up against what should be a top 5 defense by the end of the season. Right now, the Irish Defense is ranked 43 by NCAA ..... but, we know that's only after one game. I expect a lot more consistency out of the Oline this week... the second half of last week should have instilled some confidence and competence with each other up front. DLine - needs 'AT MINIMUM' four sacks - one per QTR is not asking a lot. And lastly, don't underestimate NIU and come out flat - that's on the coaches. My $.02 and off my soapbox.... see you guys tomorrow at game-time.

Where did you see that NIU has a “really good “ QB? He’s been there four years and has done little. Last week? Do you have any idea how bad Western I’ll is?

 

[Free Manera]

Where did you see that NIU has a “really good “ QB? He’s been there four years and has done little. Last week? Do you have any idea how bad Western I’ll is?

Yeah haven't really seen that. Their running game is supposedly MAC good due to personnel and scheme. But their passing game is not good. According to Prister their QB "is in trouble."

 

[Dizzyphil]

Where did you see that NIU has a “really good “ QB? He’s been there four years and has done little. Last week? Do you have any idea how bad Western I’ll is?

Yes I do... if you read the entire thread, I showed where WIU hasn't won a game in 22/23 tries.... but, I never underestimate a dual-threat QB... regardless of who they are playing. I'm not doubting the Irish defense - they have controlled QB's such as Hampton before. (i.e., Caleb Williams). Hampton for the MAC is a really good QB - This Year - for the MAC.... The comparison between him and Williams is totally different - I get that and Hampton is nowhere near the talent of Williams..

I'm just stating, the Huskie's need to keep him 'intact' and away from the Irish defense.....

 

[ND7983]

It’s going to be a frustrating game, & I predict at least a dozen posters will call for firings during the game for the following reasons:

ND will force the pass game.
NIU returns all 5 DBs who were top 15 nationally last year in passing defense efficiency.
They will know ND wants to pass & will plan accordingly.

NIU is a running team & will try to burn clock as much as possible with the new clock rules.

Those two factors combined will make it a much closer game at half than it should be.

Now, if ND says eff it & runs the ball & throws short passes to get their athletes in space….they will score a lot early & then can work on the passing game while up double-digits.

 

[Dizzyphil]

Yeah haven't really seen that. Their running game is supposedly MAC good due to personnel and scheme. But their passing game is not good. According to Prister their QB "is in trouble."

Against WIU it was better than ' not good'. He was 18/20, 16 yards per pass. Although he only rushed once for eight yards... it kept the LB's 'at bay' which allowed for the passing game to be good. I know the Irish defense will be 100x better than WIU... I am just one that doesn't under-estimate a QB that has a good arm and passing %.

 

[MacIrish75]

Prediction:

Buchner has more TDs this game than NIU does.

 

[dublinirish]

this is new btw all ND home games are live now on Tv in UK and Ireland

 

[Free Manera]

Against WIU it was better than ' not good'. He was 18/20, 16 yards per pass. Although he only rushed once for eight yards... it kept the LB's 'at bay' which allowed for the passing game to be good. I know the Irish defense will be 100x better than WIU... I am just one that doesn't under-estimate a QB that has a good arm and passing %.

WIU was 0-11 last year. You can’t take anything from that game.

 

[Irish4life]

Against WIU it was better than ' not good'. He was 18/20, 16 yards per pass. Although he only rushed once for eight yards... it kept the LB's 'at bay' which allowed for the passing game to be good. I know the Irish defense will be 100x better than WIU... I am just one that doesn't under-estimate a QB that has a good arm and passing %.

Western Illinois is an fcs team that hasn't won a game since 2022

 

[Free Manera]

Prediction:

Buchner has more TDs this game than NIU does.

I wish I could make prop bets here because I would totally take that 🤣

 

[Dizzyphil]

WIU was 0-11 last year. You can’t take anything from that game.

Like I stated earlier - read the entire thread... not just one post.

I'm not a pessimist. Seems nobody watched the Meechicken - App St. game

 

[GrangerIrish24]

Prediction:

Buchner has more TDs this game than NIU does.

Not only creating a quarterback controversy but also one in the receiving room. Im all for it.

 

[Dizzyphil]

Some of you reply as if I'm downing the Irish and upping NIU... I'm not.

I'm just stating not to under-estimate one's opponent.. regardless of who they have played in the past.

The Irish is everyone's 'Super Bowl'... FCS, FBS, Next Door, and every Conference.

 

[Pete]

this is new btw all ND home games are live now on Tv in UK and Ireland

Looks like all those Ireland games grew the brand 😂

 

[IRISHDODGER]

Yeah haven't really seen that. Their running game is supposedly MAC good due to personnel and scheme. But their passing game is not good. According to Prister their QB "is in trouble."

Prister said even worse things about Jack Plummer last year & we know how that worked out. Not saying NIU will win but until an MF led team can avoid the letdown loss, he has to prove it. Good news is he’ll have plenty of opportunities these next three games.

 

[SDIrishFan]

I'm not a pessimist. Seems nobody watched the Meechicken - App St. game

I mean sure, there is an example of an upset on this level. But there’s also thousands of examples of games like this going just how they are expected.

Also, if I remember correct, app st had a freak athlete at qb that gave meatchicken fits and they got extremely lucky in other areas.

NIU will try to ground and pound, shorten the game, limit mistakes and hope ND playes uncharacteristically bad. I just don’t see it.