ESPN Debate ND vs Big Ten

[phork]

Blogger debate: Big Ten vs. Notre Dame - Big Ten Blog - ESPN

I hope the old-school Irish fans are ready to see two new-age spread offenses give Touchdown Jesus a workout. I think it will all come down to whether Bob Diaco's defense can hold the fort against Tate Forcier or Denard Robinson or whoever is lining up under center for Michigan. Manti Te'o might have to make 30 tackles. I give the Wolverines a slight edge in this game given their experience in their system, but this is almost too close to call. What do you think?

There's nothing old-school about this game, and it might come down to which defenses forces a few stops or creates takeaways. Michigan doesn't know its starting quarterback, but I really think Rodriguez's offense will do damage whether Forcier or Robinson is calling signals. While Kelly has proven himself as an offensive genius at every level, I like Michigan's offense more in this game. On the flip side, until seeing the Wolverines play, there's not much to like about their defense. Another close contest here, but like you, I'm leaning toward the Maize and Blue.

 

[nlroma1o]

And what makes them so confident that scum will be able to stop floyd and crist?

 

[IrishLax]

They focused on "what Big Ten schools can do to beat Notre Dame" and the probability they pull it off. I, on the other hand, think "what does ND have to do to win?"

For Purdue they just have to set their alarm clocks. For Michigan they need defensive stops. And against Michigan St. they need to light up a weak secondary. How do they not win at least two of those games?

 

[Sherm Sticky]

Whatever I hope we get no respect and we are the underdogs against SCUM and then blow them out the stadium!

 

[jmurphy75]

Whatever I hope we get no respect and we are the underdogs against SCUM and then blow them out the stadium!

I'm with you, I'd much rather play the underdog role and just show out on Saturday.

 

[Jerry]

I just hope the refs don't let the Michigan DB's hang on Floyd and the other WR's like they did last year.

 

[phork]

I think ND is already favored over UM. Haven't looked at spreads lately.

 

[PatsandBostonfan1975]

last years Coach is on the chiefs . No stupid play calling we win at home !!!!!!!! 24-17 Q: What do you get when you breed a groundhog and a University of Michigan?

A: Six more weeks of bad football.

 

[Irish_Angst]

I just hope the refs don't let the Michigan DB's hang on Floyd and the other WR's like they did last year.

It's my understanding that the agreement is that UM is allowed Big Integer refs for their home games against the Irish; not road games as is normally the case. So I'm hoping we'll have decent officiating for that game.

Personally, I think home games should have MAC officials instead of Big East refs. Better chance to get a fair shake that way.

Of course the question is... *why* is there conference affiliation with refs anyway? Obvious conflict of interest.

 

[Irish_Angst]

Read the article... if Crist is playing to his abilities and isn't trying to win the games on his own, there is no reason why the Irish can't go 3-0 against the Big Integer.

Purdue has a new QB that hasn't played in a year; no RBs & a weak secondary.

UM is breaking in a new RB & lost some good WRs; their D is switching to a 3-3-5 because their LBs weren't effective reading the opponent's offense.

MSU will be the toughest of the bunch, but if ND keeps it close (I'm hoping Crist & company will be clicking by then), we'll be in good shape to pull out a win.

 

[Jerry]

It's my understanding that the agreement is that UM is allowed Big Integer refs for their home games against the Irish; not road games as is normally the case. So I'm hoping we'll have decent officiating for that game.

Personally, I think home games should have MAC officials instead of Big East refs. Better chance to get a fair shake that way.

Of course the question is... *why* is there conference affiliation with refs anyway? Obvious conflict of interest.

I thought ND used Big Ten refs at home when they played Big Ten teams? I could of sworn watching Charlie's press conference after the UM game last year saying that he had "Big Ten Officials coming the next week against MSU" so he couldn't really dog the refs after the UM game.

 

[BCSorBust]

UM is the exception when it comes to refs. We use ours at home and they use theirs. Otherwise you are correct.

 

[tommyIRISH23]

I dont see how 3-0 is unattainable? I kind of expect it.

1. Purdue- Win

2.. If ND can play average defense, which i think they will, ND will win easily against UM. UM's recievers dont scare me, it there spread option running game that is there strength. Fortunately, that will play into ND's strength with the Dline and LB's. Our corners will be better then last year, not great, but average.

Our offense will torch UM's secondary.

3. MSU. Tough game at East Lansing. Kelly vs. Dantonio. I think this will be a battle, but ND has the talent and now the coaching to end MSU's recent run of success against the irish.

4. Stanford. The heisman finalist running back is gone. Andrew Luck will drop off.

5. BC not a worry

6. Pitt scares me.