Breaking down ND/OU

[Buster Bluth]

I do not think the Sooners are unbeatable. I just do not like this match up.

This.

It's one thing to face an aerial assault, it's another thing to face a balanced spread offense that lives and breaths in the hurry-up. I fear that the DBs won't necessarily get beat deep, but perhaps being entirely out of position due to confusion. Farley needs to have a great game on Saturday.

 

[tko]

crush Landry Jones in the sternum on the first series and all will be well.

 

[ulukinatme]

You gotta believe that Oklahoma will try to load the box against us and shut down the run. We're going to have to pass the ball I think at some point. Hopefully our defense can help keep us in this one.

 

[ThePiombino]

You gotta believe that Oklahoma will try to load the box against us and shut down the run. We're going to have to pass the ball I think at some point. Hopefully our defense can help keep us in this one.

Misdirection and screens would help. Hoping we see some more of the playbook this week.

 

[GoldenBoy3]

If they try to stack the box I honestly believe we'll see Golson make the plays we have been dying to see him make. His speed is great when evading the rush, and I think from the Miami game and the Stanford game we saw him make some good plays. Yes he the 3 turnovers in the Stanford game but your going to have those times of trial and tribulation

 

[phgreek]

ND Defense - #6 Offense #74
OU Defense - #15 Offense #17

S.O.S.:

Phil Steele - ND #1 / OU #20 dated 5/29/2012

Computer based on games played s.o.s. -

ND #33 / OU #1

ND solid wins - Michigan, Miami, Michigan St., Stanford (Okay, BYU to some)
OU solid wins - Texas Tech, Texas

Key losses:

ND - 0 / OU - K-State

Match-UP

ND - Defense should be solid against the run. Would like to see some zone blitzing a couple of times to knock them in the mouth to make them run more often - the more time that ticks off the clock keeps the game low-scoring and we seem to win those games more often with our defense. Secondary will need to start correcting some coverage flaws especially in zone coverage (game 8 now boys, fix it).
ND - Offense needs to run, run, run and keep OU offense off the field as much as they can. Don't take any scoring chances for granted and split the uprights Brindza!!!!!!!

Discuss



GO IRISH!!!!!!!!!

Diz

agree with most of this...

I'd add that ND needs to control Field position. As you say the secondary is young.

I think its realistic to think we'll give up some long pass plays...obviously we have a better chance of tracking down long plays if OU are playing from a long field

As well we have a better chance of scoring if we don't need to constantly battle long fields.

I think if all the obvious things like turnovers and penalties are fairly clean...our kickers become HUGE....both of them.

 

[greyhammer90]

My prediction:

 

[Grahambo]

Every team is beatable, you just gotta find the right formula.

I don't think you need to be fancy here. Stick to the plan and do what we do best, grind out a win.

Typical football sayings here: limit penalties, no turnovers, force turnovers, smack them early and often.

A young offensive line..I think that's the key.

 

[Ndaccountant]

Step one: Survive the first 10 minutes. The place will be rockin and to get behind early would not help at all. This is a challenge considering their hurry up.

Step two: run, run and run some more. Stack the box? Who cares. BYU did it and we ran it up their a**.

Step three: Score TD's. We will not win this game settling for FG's. If we get in the red zone, finish the drive.

Step four: Allow EG to throw on the run. That is when he is at his best.

Finally, limit penalties. BYU game was sloppy and the stanford game wasn't much better. We can't do that on the road.

Mu hunch is that ND continues the trend under BK with playing better on the road than at home (still don't know why it seems that way, but it does). The game will be close and will come down to who turns the ball over. If Golson can play mistake free, the Irish have a shot.

 

[GoIrish41]

No predictions from me, except that a win in Norman will put ND sqarely in the national title conversation.

 

[Who'saWildManNow]

This may seem a bit crazy but I thought I noticed something about EG last week.

At the beginning of the BYU game he seemed disengaged. It was almost like he was worried that Tommy was going to come out, sling it all over the place and take his job.

But, as the game progressed it became clear that the grass was not greener on the other side and that Everett was the clear choice for a reason(wow, Kelly was right).

To me, there was a point when it became clear to Everett and his demeanor took a 180. He was up next to Coach Kelly engaged in the play-calling, smiling and encouraging his teammates.

It was almost like he squashed an insecurity that day. It's almost like Everett needed to watch Tommy from the sideline and convince himself that he could do a better job. I don't know.. it's a little psychological and I could be way off but I think EG got a monkey off his back last week..

We will see some fresh confidence in our boy this week.

 

[TheTurningPoint]

Stats dont lie. Offense was bad saturday, and you saw the differences of Rees being in the whole game and Golson being in there. Oklahomas defense isnt any better than the Stanford defense or even Michigan St. Its just time to go out there and do it. No excuses.

ND has a bad offense? Please. Stole this from a poster on IrishIllustrated....

'05 (Weis's first year)

points per game = 36.7
yards rushing per game = 147.1
averege yards per rush = 3.6
yards passing per game = 330.2
total yards per game average = 477.3
average yards per offensive play = 6.1

'06

points per game = 31.0
yards rushing per game = 125.7
average yards per rush = 3.9
yards passing per game = 264.1
total yards per game average = 389.8
average yards per offensive play = 5.7

'07

points per game = 16.4
yards rushing per game = 75.2
average yards per rush = 2.1 (wow!)
yards passing per game = 167
total yards per game = 242 (wow!)
average yards per offensive play = 3.5

'08

points per game = 24.7
yards rushing per game = 109.7
average yards per rush = 3.3
yards passing per game = 245.4
total yards per game = 355.1
average yards per offensive play = 5.2

'09

points per game = 30.1
yards rushing per game = 128.2
average yards per rush = 3.8
yards passing per game = 323.5
total yards per game = 451.8
average yards per play = 6.4

'10 (BK's first year)

points per game = 26.3
yards rushing per game = 126.6
average yards per rush = 4.0
yards passing per game = 253.1
total yards per game = 379.7
average yards per play = 5.5

'11

points per game = 29.2
yards rushing per game = 160.4
average yards per rush = 4.8
yards passing per game = 252.6
total yards per game = 413.0
average yards per play = 5.9

'12 (thru our first 7 games)

points per game = 25.9
yards rushing per game = 193.9
average yards per rush = 4.8
yards passing per game = 194
total yards per game = 387.9
average yards per play = 5.8

Now let's break down an average over Weis's 5 years compared to BK's first 2 1/2 years

Weis's average yards per offensive play = 5.38
BK's average yards per offensive play = 5.73

Weis's total yards per game = 383.2
BK's total yards per game = 393.53

Weis's points per game = 27.78
BK's points per game = 27.13

Weis's average yards per rush = 3.34
BK's average yards per rush = 4.53

Weis's yards rushing per game = 118.18
BK's yards rushing per game = 160.3

Weis's yards passing per game = 266.04
BK's yards passing per game = 233.33


Some interesting points are obviously

BK's offense averages more yards per offensive play, yards per rush, yards per game rushing, total yards per game, and is only a half a point less points scored per game.

Weis also never average 4.0 yards per rush or better in any season and BK has done it so far in all 3.

Another telling stat is the myth that BK wants to throw it all the time and is pass happy when the stats say otherwise. I know the Weis lovers will try to put some spin on this but the stats are right here for all to see. Fact = Weis's offenses were not great and outside of '05 and as a career were not better than BK's.

Another stat to compare on those dogging our offense comparing it to '02 (Ty's first year)

'02

points per game = 22.3
yards rushing per game = 139.4
average yards per rush = 3.4
yards passing per game = 174.2
total yards per game = 313.5
average yards per offensive play = 4.7

This years team is better in every single category including a big difference in yards per game at 313.5 for '02 to 387.9 for this year and yards rushing per game at 139.4 for '02 to 193.9 this year as well as averaging almost a yard and a half more per rush attempt at 4.8 to 3.4 for '02.

 

[aubeirish]

^^It is obvious that we have been limiting the offense. Bk's play calling has been very conservative, but who can blame him with this kind of defense. I understand it's not very interesting for us and sometimes it gives us mild chest pain, but I think it was the right thing the be done especially with quarterbacks prone to turnovers.

 

[IrishLax]

I put some of this in the betting thread...

If we lose, it's because of youth in our secondary leading to breakdowns. This is probably the first game where you truly go "wow, what if Jamoris and Austin were healthy..." but if Farley & Co. bring their A game I just don't see how Oklahoma is as good as advertised. That conference simply doesn't play defense. Nobody tackles well. Nobody has close to the athletes we have in our front 7. Oklahoma will not run the ball on us nor will they be able to employ the "Belldozer" to the same effectiveness they have all season. They average 200 YPG on the ground and that is simply not going to happen this week. So in the off chance that we can cover... our front 7 has serious potential to bring the pain. And when harassed, Landry Jones sucks something awful.

We can win this game. We just need to get a little bit lucky. We need to score some uncharacteristic TDs on offense... need some long, grinding drives... need to force some turnovers while protecting the ball ourselves... and we need to avoid penalties. Is this revamped Oklahoma defense really that good? I think we need 24 points to win this game... not sure we can get there.

But I sure as hell love being the 10 point underdog and not the favorite with all of the expectations. As long as we don't go down big early, I think we've got a very good shot to win.

 

[domerdude]

ND O vs the OU D- Run run run.

-The strength of this offense is the experienced and talented running back corps. Wood is patient and explosive. Riddick is a little stronger and relies on breaking an arm tackle or two for his big gains. GA3 is seriously the best 3rd string running back in CFB (anyone care to disagree?).
-The ND O Line is better in run blocking than in pass protection. I feel that OU will not be able to stop the run with 5-7 in the box. When they attempt to send more and load the box big number 80 should have 1 on 1 coverage.

Kelly will take what OU gives them to an extent, but the simple plan will be to rely on a running game and go over the top to our best receiver when they try to take away the run.

OU O vs the ND D

-The easy things to point out is getting pressure on Landry Jones, and NO BLOWN COVERAGE. ND will have to take away the big play, which is the staple to our defensive mentality and OU's bread and butter. This will be the best offense our D has faced all season, but at the same token our D will be the best that OU has played all season. I would argue that our D will be the toughest Landry Jones has ever faced. The big 12 is seriously a joke defensively, especially outside of K State and OU. If ND can keep pressure on Jones and eliminate big plays, I look for a win. I hope for Manti to have a big play or turnover that ends the game or sets up ND's game winning drive. That would be a big feather in the cap of his Heisman resume.

Prediction.
If Golson minimizes his mistakes and doesn't give up a defensive TD I think ND can roll and win by 6.

23-17 ND

 

[OUMallen]

Young and very good.


GO IRISH!!!!!!!!!

Diz

Our OL is not "very good". But they're serviceable.

I like to think playing Texas' defense would have given us a good taste for what ND would bring defensively. USUALLY, the UT defense has elite talent.

But this year, they are pretty soft, especially up the middle. LB corps is way lamer than what we're used to seeing out of them.

ND's front 7 will be a unique challenge for us this season.

How are y'all's special teams this year? Given the defensive discipline you have seemed to develop, I assume the STs are solid as well?

 

[Ndaccountant]

Stats dont lie. Offense was bad saturday, and you saw the differences of Rees being in the whole game and Golson being in there. Oklahomas defense isnt any better than the Stanford defense or even Michigan St. Its just time to go out there and do it. No excuses.

ND has a bad offense? Please. Stole this from a poster on IrishIllustrated....

'05 (Weis's first year)

points per game = 36.7
yards rushing per game = 147.1
averege yards per rush = 3.6
yards passing per game = 330.2
total yards per game average = 477.3
average yards per offensive play = 6.1

'06

points per game = 31.0
yards rushing per game = 125.7
average yards per rush = 3.9
yards passing per game = 264.1
total yards per game average = 389.8
average yards per offensive play = 5.7

'07

points per game = 16.4
yards rushing per game = 75.2
average yards per rush = 2.1 (wow!)
yards passing per game = 167
total yards per game = 242 (wow!)
average yards per offensive play = 3.5

'08

points per game = 24.7
yards rushing per game = 109.7
average yards per rush = 3.3
yards passing per game = 245.4
total yards per game = 355.1
average yards per offensive play = 5.2

'09

points per game = 30.1
yards rushing per game = 128.2
average yards per rush = 3.8
yards passing per game = 323.5
total yards per game = 451.8
average yards per play = 6.4

'10 (BK's first year)

points per game = 26.3
yards rushing per game = 126.6
average yards per rush = 4.0
yards passing per game = 253.1
total yards per game = 379.7
average yards per play = 5.5

'11

points per game = 29.2
yards rushing per game = 160.4
average yards per rush = 4.8
yards passing per game = 252.6
total yards per game = 413.0
average yards per play = 5.9

'12 (thru our first 7 games)

points per game = 25.9
yards rushing per game = 193.9
average yards per rush = 4.8
yards passing per game = 194
total yards per game = 387.9
average yards per play = 5.8

Now let's break down an average over Weis's 5 years compared to BK's first 2 1/2 years

Weis's average yards per offensive play = 5.38
BK's average yards per offensive play = 5.73

Weis's total yards per game = 383.2
BK's total yards per game = 393.53

Weis's points per game = 27.78
BK's points per game = 27.13

Weis's average yards per rush = 3.34
BK's average yards per rush = 4.53

Weis's yards rushing per game = 118.18
BK's yards rushing per game = 160.3

Weis's yards passing per game = 266.04
BK's yards passing per game = 233.33


Some interesting points are obviously

BK's offense averages more yards per offensive play, yards per rush, yards per game rushing, total yards per game, and is only a half a point less points scored per game.

Weis also never average 4.0 yards per rush or better in any season and BK has done it so far in all 3.

Another telling stat is the myth that BK wants to throw it all the time and is pass happy when the stats say otherwise. I know the Weis lovers will try to put some spin on this but the stats are right here for all to see. Fact = Weis's offenses were not great and outside of '05 and as a career were not better than BK's.

Another stat to compare on those dogging our offense comparing it to '02 (Ty's first year)

'02

points per game = 22.3
yards rushing per game = 139.4
average yards per rush = 3.4
yards passing per game = 174.2
total yards per game = 313.5
average yards per offensive play = 4.7

This years team is better in every single category including a big difference in yards per game at 313.5 for '02 to 387.9 for this year and yards rushing per game at 139.4 for '02 to 193.9 this year as well as averaging almost a yard and a half more per rush attempt at 4.8 to 3.4 for '02.

I wonder what those comparisons would look like if we eliminate Miami and Navy. Those two performances appear to be outliers when compared to Purdue, Mich, MSU, Stanford and BYU, especially considering OU's defense.

 

[IrishLax]

Our OL is not "very good". But they're serviceable.

I like to think playing Texas' defense would have given us a good taste for what ND would bring defensively. USUALLY, the UT defense has elite talent.

But this year, they are pretty soft, especially up the middle. LB corps is way lamer than what we're used to seeing out of them.

ND's front 7 will be a unique challenge for us this season.

How are y'all's special teams this year? Given the defensive discipline you have seemed to develop, I assume the STs are solid as well?

Special teams are a weak point. Inconsistent/short punting and sometimes shaky field goal kicking. Our coverage units have played well though so far... not spectacular, but well enough. No TDs.

We tend to only give up TDs on defense when we have a crappy punt giving the opposition the ball at the 50 or turn the ball over in our own territory. We've given up 5 offensive TDs all season... all but one (first game against Navy) came from a scenario as I just described.

 

[mrmiller8]

Maybe I am being a pessimist here but I don't like this match up. Let's break ND's oppenents down and see where they stand.
National ranking in scoring offense and defense
Navy (4-3) 101 44
Purdue (3-4) 56 71
Michigan (5-2) 59 16
Michigan St (4-4) 94 11
Miami (4-4) 59 93
Stanford (5-2) 74 24
BYU (4-4) 73 8

Oklahoma 28 12
Notre Dame 81 2

First off, I have been skeptical before looking up these numbers, some of you have expressed your opinions and think I'm negative and or crazy. Statistically the best team we have played is Michigan, which also hand feed us 6 turnovers, simple story line there. BYU who we struggled with at home is a quality opponent, everyone thought the irish would struggle and it was a trap game but at the same time we found a way to win. Michigan St, dreadful offense and they are 4-4, no longer ranked. Miami and Navy are both bad. Purdue, who ND needed a last second FG to win on the road is below average. WE HAVEN'T BEAT ANYONE OR WON ANYTHING. This is a defining game and I hope like hell that Kelly can find a way but on paper I don't like the matchup, thats all im saying.

OK is by far and away the best offense we have played with the statistically the third best defense in a conference that supposedly plays no defense and everyone scores 60 points, well Oklahoma has the best defense in that conference to this point. Someone mentioned earlier if the defense gave up 35 points he would come down to my home in Florida and hang Christmas lights. I don't think there is any way in HELL that the DEFENSE GIVES UP 35 points, nor did i say the defense would. Turnovers by a young quarterback on the road in a hostile environment, special teams breakdown, a lot of things can happen. OU is going to have some of the best athletes pound for pound that irish have seen.

This game scares me and I hope Kelly can get golson moving because they will stack the box and make him beat them with his arm. I don't think we are gonna rush for 250+ yards on them. Nor do I think 13-10 is going to be the final if the Irish are going to win. If its 13-10 Ill hang my own Christmas lights. We won't hold OU to 10 points if Purdue can score 17 and they are same type of team, who is 3-4 overall in a bad conference.

 

[Crimson streak]

The key to this game is getting pressure on jones. Against Kansas st., while under pressure, was 4-10 for 36 yards and 2 ints. With out pressure he was 24-33 259 1 td 0 ints. If we let him sit back and throw he will probably pick apart the d. If we can get in his face all night I can see an Irish victory

 

[IrishLax]

Maybe I am being a pessimist here but I don't like this match up. Let's break ND's oppenents down and see where they stand.
National ranking in scoring offense and defense
Navy (4-3) 101 44
Purdue (3-4) 56 71
Michigan (5-2) 59 16
Michigan St (4-4) 94 11
Miami (4-4) 59 93
Stanford (5-2) 74 24
BYU (4-4) 73 8

Oklahoma 28 12
Notre Dame 81 2

First off, I have been skeptical before looking up these numbers, some of you have expressed your opinions and think I'm negative and or crazy. Statistically the best team we have played is Michigan, which also hand feed us 6 turnovers, simple story line there. BYU who we struggled with at home is a quality opponent, everyone thought the irish would struggle and it was a trap game but at the same time we found a way to win. Michigan St, dreadful offense and they are 4-4, no longer ranked. Miami and Navy are both bad. Purdue, who ND needed a last second FG to win on the road is below average. WE HAVEN'T BEAT ANYONE OR WON ANYTHING. This is a defining game and I hope like hell that Kelly can find a way but on paper I don't like the matchup, thats all im saying.

OK is by far and away the best offense we have played with the statistically the third best defense in a conference that supposedly plays no defense and everyone scores 60 points, well Oklahoma has the best defense in that conference to this point. Someone mentioned earlier if the defense gave up 35 points he would come down to my home in Florida and hang Christmas lights. I don't think there is any way in HELL that the DEFENSE GIVES UP 35 points, nor did i say the defense would. Turnovers by a young quarterback on the road in a hostile environment, special teams breakdown, a lot of things can happen. OU is going to have some of the best athletes pound for pound that irish have seen.

This game scares me and I hope Kelly can get golson moving because they will stack the box and make him beat them with his arm. I don't think we are gonna rush for 250+ yards on them. Nor do I think 13-10 is going to be the final if the Irish are going to win. If its 13-10 Ill hang my own Christmas lights. We won't hold OU to 10 points if Purdue can score 17 and they are same type of team, who is 3-4 overall in a bad conference.

The simple fact is that you're right... we shouldn't win this game. We're probably going to give up somewhere in the neighborhood of 24 points and it's going to take an awful lot of "exceptional" for our offense to get to 24. But our front 7 is much better than any team they've faced and they sure as hell won't run for 200 on us like they do everyone else, and we control the clock with our running game + they have some turnovers we certainly can win this game. Should we expect to win? No. Is this a good matchup for us? Hell no.

Oklahoma should never have lost to everyone's current darling KSU in the first place. KSU got exceptionally lucky. No reason we can't get exceptionally lucky also... especially with everyone sucking OU's dick and saying we don't have a chance.

 

[mrmiller8]

Stats dont lie. Offense was bad saturday, and you saw the differences of Rees being in the whole game and Golson being in there. Oklahomas defense isnt any better than the Stanford defense or even Michigan St. Its just time to go out there and do it. No excuses.

Yeah and there offense is twice is good as anyone else's we have seen this year....

 

[irishpat183]

Landry Jones hasnt played well in his career vs good defenses. No doubt Oklahoma is a damn good team. But also we are 7-0. ND is 5th in the country. There is not a damn reason why they cant win the game.

No excuses. Its time to send a message. There is no "Golsons only a redshirt freshman", "we have a young secondary" , etc. This is what BK has been building toward for the last 3 years. This team has proven they can stop the run, stop the pass, stop the spread. Now its time to rise up and win a statement game.

We have the talent on defense. We have the talent on offense. We have a coach. Now its time to see it come together. If you want ND to be BACK...this is the game where something can be established. Was MSU/Michigan a big win? Hell yeah. But at the sametime, when you say those names it doesnt come with the "oh **** " factor that oklahoma has. Its time to put up or shutup. Go to Norman and beat that *** or its gonna be a long flight back. Either way i know that ND will give maximum effort and leave it out there.

But no excuses. If we are want to be in that Natl Title convo....this is a W and dont expect anything less. Theres no moral victories at this point.

So all you guys out there that have been defending the likes of Motta and Russell....get ready to go all in.

I think we get shredded in the secondary, but of front 7 keeps us in the game. It's hard to pick a score, as I think OU will score at least 3 TD's. I just hope our offense can get it going early (a late start will kill us).

 

[OUMallen]

Maybe I am being a pessimist here but I don't like this match up. Let's break ND's oppenents down and see where they stand.
National ranking in scoring offense and defense
Navy (4-3) 101 44
Purdue (3-4) 56 71
Michigan (5-2) 59 16
Michigan St (4-4) 94 11
Miami (4-4) 59 93
Stanford (5-2) 74 24
BYU (4-4) 73 8

Oklahoma 28 12
Notre Dame 81 2

First off, I have been skeptical before looking up these numbers, some of you have expressed your opinions and think I'm negative and or crazy. Statistically the best team we have played is Michigan, which also hand feed us 6 turnovers, simple story line there. BYU who we struggled with at home is a quality opponent, everyone thought the irish would struggle and it was a trap game but at the same time we found a way to win. Michigan St, dreadful offense and they are 4-4, no longer ranked. Miami and Navy are both bad. Purdue, who ND needed a last second FG to win on the road is below average. WE HAVEN'T BEAT ANYONE OR WON ANYTHING. This is a defining game and I hope like hell that Kelly can find a way but on paper I don't like the matchup, thats all im saying.

OK is by far and away the best offense we have played with the statistically the third best defense in a conference that supposedly plays no defense and everyone scores 60 points, well Oklahoma has the best defense in that conference to this point. Someone mentioned earlier if the defense gave up 35 points he would come down to my home in Florida and hang Christmas lights. I don't think there is any way in HELL that the DEFENSE GIVES UP 35 points, nor did i say the defense would. Turnovers by a young quarterback on the road in a hostile environment, special teams breakdown, a lot of things can happen. OU is going to have some of the best athletes pound for pound that irish have seen.

This game scares me and I hope Kelly can get golson moving because they will stack the box and make him beat them with his arm. I don't think we are gonna rush for 250+ yards on them. Nor do I think 13-10 is going to be the final if the Irish are going to win. If its 13-10 Ill hang my own Christmas lights. We won't hold OU to 10 points if Purdue can score 17 and they are same type of team, who is 3-4 overall in a bad conference.

Our first team defense has given up something ridiculous, like only 20 points all year. Similar to y'all against the run. Watching these defenses will be an absolute treat on Saturday.

 

[irishpat183]

Our first team defense has given up something ridiculous, like only 20 points all year. Similar to y'all against the run. Watching these defenses will be an absolute treat on Saturday.

Actually, OU against the run is pretty average.


It's your pass D that has been outstanding.

 

[ickythump1225]

A lot of Irish fans on here and around the world are very nervous. I'm not nervous yet...I'll save that for Friday night/all of Saturday. But as Irish fans we all want a return to glory, we want to wake up the echoes. I'm 24...the last time we won a National Championship I was being born so I've never seen us on top so for I would be seeing it for the first time.

If we want that, if we truly want to be in the National Championship conversation these are games we should look forward to. These are games we MUST win if we want to play for it all at the end of the year. We have to go on the road and beat a tough (but not unbeatable) Oklahoma team in Norman. If we can do that we deserve to be considered for the championship. If we can't do it then we're not quite there yet.

 

[mrmiller8]

The simple fact is that you're right... we shouldn't win this game. We're probably going to give up somewhere in the neighborhood of 24 points and it's going to take an awful lot of "exceptional" for our offense to get to 24. But our front 7 is much better than any team they've faced and they sure as hell won't run for 200 on us like they do everyone else, and we control the clock with our running game + they have some turnovers we certainly can win this game. Should we expect to win? No. Is this a good matchup for us? Hell no.

Oklahoma should never have lost to everyone's current darling KSU in the first place. KSU got exceptionally lucky. No reason we can't get exceptionally lucky also... especially with everyone sucking OU's dick and saying we don't have a chance.

Notre Dame being the underdog here is the best thing in the world. We are ranked higher and without a loss and yet the Irish are still the underdog. Every fan in the world should be bitter about that, but we haven't beat a really good football team yet and a lot of people would say we have been lucky to squeak by the likes of Purdue, BYU, Stanford, Michigan who aren't great football teams. Win this game and the story line changes on Notre Dame. Lose it and we drop to 14 in the polls and are an above average team with a great defense and shoddy offense.

 

[OUMallen]

Actually, OU against the run is pretty average.


It's your pass D that has been outstanding.

What I meant was that both defenses boast incredible stats. Not that they're similar against the run.

I watch a lot more OU football than you do. Pretty presumptuous of you to tell me what this OU team is and what it isn't.

 

[RDU Irish]

10 point dogs is a slap in the face. That has to be a motivator to our team, especially the defense!

How exactly does a "servicable" O-line not make our collective mouths water? Will we even need to rush more than 4 to get good pressure? I peg their offense at 10 or 13 points max for "normal" drives, i.e. don't start on the wrong side of the 50. I don't see how they can get to 20 overall unless we sh!t the bed somewhere.

If T'eo gets another pick in a win he has to move to a top 3 Heisman candidate. If he takes a pick or fumble back for six in a close one, he becomes a front runner.

As for offense, I think Golson now knows the value of running out of bounds and sliding. That alone saves some future fumbles.

 

[Crimson streak]

The thing I like about the game is golson has played better away from south bend. He seems to play looser a d with more confidence. I'm excited for Saturday too bad it's still 6 days away