Patriot games at Notre Dame
Before its game at Pittsburgh, I was pretty positive about Notre Dame. It really wasn't a surprise to me what happened, and I expect that putting points on the board and keeping the ball away from opposing offenses will happen pretty often. That is what the Fighting Irish will need to do this week at Michigan, because their defense right now is not their strength, and Charlie Weis is the first one to understand that.
People found out there is a lot more talent at Notre Dame at the skill positions than they first thought. The offensive line is incredibly physical and Brady Quinn is ready to become a superstar. Between Quinn's physical and mental tools and understanding of Weis' complex scheme, the Irish will be a difficult offense for anybody this season, and that includes USC. Not only has Weis tapped into the talent that Tyrone Willingham and his staff recruited, but it's the attitude and confidence that Weis instills in this team.
The best thing I saw from Notre Dame last week was the confidence that was growing as the game progressed. The Irish have become a confident team after being beat up for so long. The other thing I noticed was the offensive variety: formations, play calling, getting the running backs involved, throwing to the tight end … it was the New England Patriots' offense. Variety and diversification are two things that are tough to prepare for because there aren't any tendencies. And it's going to take a similar effort in Ann Arbor this weekend.
I'm looking forward to seeing Michigan at home because the Wolverines probably are going to get poor-mouthed about how they gave up a lot of yards (411 total) to Northern Illinois. The Wolverines will come out very inspired, and we'll see the very best they have to offer. I just want to see if it's enough to slow down Notre Dame's offense. Quinn has to play flawlessly, make the right checks, protect the football and keep the ball away from Chad Henne and Mike Hart, and it will be tough for Notre Dame to stop them. The best defense will be Notre Dame's own offense.
Back to Weis for a moment. Everybody wondered how Weis would do as a head coach in South Bend. I know it's only one game, but I'm telling you right now he is going to recruit like a madman. Offensive skill-position players will take a hard look at going to South Bend if that is the kind of offense Weis is going to play on the collegiate level. You will see a lot of recruits want to play for him for one reason: Not only are you going to win -- and maybe win championships -- but you have a great shot at getting to the NFL. In the process of gathering a lot of talent, Weis is going to be competing within two to three years for BCS bowl rights, there's no question in my mind.
Before its game at Pittsburgh, I was pretty positive about Notre Dame. It really wasn't a surprise to me what happened, and I expect that putting points on the board and keeping the ball away from opposing offenses will happen pretty often. That is what the Fighting Irish will need to do this week at Michigan, because their defense right now is not their strength, and Charlie Weis is the first one to understand that.
People found out there is a lot more talent at Notre Dame at the skill positions than they first thought. The offensive line is incredibly physical and Brady Quinn is ready to become a superstar. Between Quinn's physical and mental tools and understanding of Weis' complex scheme, the Irish will be a difficult offense for anybody this season, and that includes USC. Not only has Weis tapped into the talent that Tyrone Willingham and his staff recruited, but it's the attitude and confidence that Weis instills in this team.
The best thing I saw from Notre Dame last week was the confidence that was growing as the game progressed. The Irish have become a confident team after being beat up for so long. The other thing I noticed was the offensive variety: formations, play calling, getting the running backs involved, throwing to the tight end … it was the New England Patriots' offense. Variety and diversification are two things that are tough to prepare for because there aren't any tendencies. And it's going to take a similar effort in Ann Arbor this weekend.
I'm looking forward to seeing Michigan at home because the Wolverines probably are going to get poor-mouthed about how they gave up a lot of yards (411 total) to Northern Illinois. The Wolverines will come out very inspired, and we'll see the very best they have to offer. I just want to see if it's enough to slow down Notre Dame's offense. Quinn has to play flawlessly, make the right checks, protect the football and keep the ball away from Chad Henne and Mike Hart, and it will be tough for Notre Dame to stop them. The best defense will be Notre Dame's own offense.
Back to Weis for a moment. Everybody wondered how Weis would do as a head coach in South Bend. I know it's only one game, but I'm telling you right now he is going to recruit like a madman. Offensive skill-position players will take a hard look at going to South Bend if that is the kind of offense Weis is going to play on the collegiate level. You will see a lot of recruits want to play for him for one reason: Not only are you going to win -- and maybe win championships -- but you have a great shot at getting to the NFL. In the process of gathering a lot of talent, Weis is going to be competing within two to three years for BCS bowl rights, there's no question in my mind.
