Rivals Early Bowl Predictions

[Dizzyphil]

I could be overly optimistic (which I do have a track record of being) but I feel like it would take some bad luck for us to lose 3 games this year. I.e. Michigan State fake field goal, or game changing injuries to more then 1 player.

I think ND should beat most of the teams on the schedule as of right now, except Stanford, but I don't see them being as good as they were last season, especially by the time we play them.

Now, I don't think any games are "gimme's" but I do think ND is due to win those close games it has lost for so long, and I think the defense is going to get better and better.

As BK said, the key is starting out fast, a 2-2 start would be a bad momentum killer. If they start out 3-1/4-0, and intact, theyll be tough to beat down the stretch, especially with Ishaq/Tuitt/Lynch contributing more and more as the season goes on. I only wish we had UM later in the season, because Lynch and Co.'s athleticism would be a big help when they are comfortable in their small, but strong roles. Man, I'd hate to game plan against our defense, you don't know what the hell is going to get thrown at you, so many options

Whitaker (the Cardinal kicker) had 5 field goals and Crist actually outplayed Luck in the game last year. They beat us 37-14 and only had 50ish more total yards than us. Where they beat us was ball possesion and 3rd down efficiency 11-16 and we were 4-13. On paper, we matched up well with them just didn't get it done. I think we outmatch them this year on defense and offense.

Diz

 

[DuffHouse12]

Whiskey Jack - 100% agree.

not to mention the ND strength of schedule as another factor in being "bearish" by Rivals.

 

[Whiskeyjack]

Whitaker (the Cardinal kicker) had 5 field goals and Crist actually outplayed Luck in the game last year. They beat us 37-14 and only had 50ish more total yards than us. Where they beat us was ball possesion and 3rd down efficiency 11-16 and we were 4-13. On paper, we matched up well with them just didn't get it done. I think we outmatch them this year on defense and offense.

Good points.

What really killed us was our inability to run against the Cardinal DL. They continually dropped 8 men into coverage, essentially daring us to run; despite that, Stanford was able to get consistent pressure on Crist and we weren't able to get any production from our run game. I put most of that on our OL; Stanford's linemen were the toughest we faced all year, and our OL wasn't up to the task.

Stanford returns only 3/8 linemen for 2011. If our OL makes the jump we're all expecting this year, we should dominate the trenches this time, which will make it a completely different game.

 

[phork]

This is my point here fellas. We are 3 plays away from 11-2 last year. The better teams make those plays, the mediocre teams have a 50% shot, the bad teams don't make those plays.

Those plays should be made this year.

 

[Dizzyphil]

Good points.

What really killed us was our inability to run against the Cardinal DL. They continually dropped 8 men into coverage, essentially daring us to run; despite that, Stanford was able to get consistent pressure on Crist and we weren't able to get any production from our run game. I put most of that on our OL; Stanford's linemen were the toughest we faced all year, and our OL wasn't up to the task.

Stanford returns only 3/8 linemen for 2011. If our OL makes the jump we're all expecting this year, we should dominate the trenches this time, which will make it a completely different game.

The other posts here about our groups, I chose the O-line for this year's group to stand out. At first I wanted to pick the D-Line but, I am of the same belief as you; We HAVE to get it done on the O-line this year. Kelly/Diaco is doing wonders drafting a defense; to get it done on the offensive side is going to require a solid O-Line.

Diz

 

[tommyIRISH23]

Our first 4 games are tough to start out with, if the QB position stalls, we could hit a road block, I hope, whoever it is, gets in stride fast.

South Florida kind of worries me, until we stop an athletic QB, they'll scare me. Hopefully I'm using my bud light to wash down some crow, and we shut down BJ Daniels, and Denard the first two weeks.

Doesn't SF have a decent secondary?

 

[kmoose]

This is my point here fellas. We are 3 plays away from 11-2 last year.

11-2 and getting practically raped by Navy's fullback doesn't excite me.

 

[phork]

11-2 and getting practically raped by Navy's fullback doesn't excite me.

You can't say that, that is an infractionable offense!

 

[Whiskeyjack]

Stewart Mandel of SI projects us in the Fiesta Bowl against Wisky.

 

[rikkitikki08]

Ugg...that would mean 5 years in a row of playing Miami...It would take away from the luster of playing them in the regular season, especially in Chicago in 2012.

two words DEATH PENALTY....game isnt going to happen

 

[Who'saWildManNow]

Our first 4 games are tough to start out with, if the QB position stalls, we could hit a road block, I hope, whoever it is, gets in stride fast.

South Florida kind of worries me, until we stop an athletic QB, they'll scare me. Hopefully I'm using my bud light to wash down some crow, and we shut down BJ Daniels, and Denard the first two weeks.

Doesn't SF have a decent secondary?

They were not very highly rated coming out of high school but they are a speedy and hard hitting bunch.

I'd expect to see the running game early and often to get the secondary to commit. Also, Floyd and Eifert will be relied upon to use their physical advantages and overall athleticism to keep the chains moving.

Eventually, USF will have to throw all their chips into stopping either the run or the pass.. and we will win with the other. Riddick will blow up with a few big plays in the second half too.. as soon as USF starts getting frustrated and blitzing BK will call the screen and he'll take it to the house.

ND stays patient early and slams the nails in the coffin late in the 3rd.

 

[BobD]

We talk 9 and 3 but outside of Stanford what games does everyone think we'll lose?

I'm planning on watching a true ND miracle at Stanford this year, live and in person.

 

[IrishSteelhead]

This is my point here fellas. We are 3 plays away from 11-2 last year. The better teams make those plays, the mediocre teams have a 50% shot, the bad teams don't make those plays.

Those plays should be made this year.

You could easily argue the U$C game could be a loss using this train of thought though. You are absolutely right about good teams closing and making plays when they need to...