Sep 3 | South Florida

[Riddickulous]

Notre Dame

USF fans discuss the matchup.

A lot of really interesting (comical, in some cases) responses. Of course, our predictions of a simple blowout win seem comical to them, as well.

The overall consensus from USF fans is that their defense will be able to handle anything Notre Dame can throw at them, and that they'll win if BJ Daniels plays well.

I thought this little exchange was comical. Here's the guy using some objectivity (albeit with inflated sizes for the DL):

The matchup that nobody is talking about but will be of critical importance is the USF OL Vs ND's front seven. If Daniels is to do anything against ND the OL will have to open holes and provide protection.

USF will have to replace some guys while ND's front seven is experienced and will be by far the biggest opposing front that they face this year. Their DL are 6'5 310, 6'4 330, 6'5 305. Their four starting LB's are all 250 plus. You don't see that sort of sheer size and length in the BE.

Running the ball will be critical to managing the game and keeping Daniels away from mistakes. If USF can run on 1st and 2nd down, third down becomes a manageable either/or call. If USF can't run the ball on 1st and 2nd down and gets into a lot of 3rd and 5+ situations ND will be able to dictate coverages and pressure Daniels into rushed decisions which will lead to mistakes.

The irrational response...

BJ won't even need an OL to run around these guys. lol

And of course you could find several misinformed and irrational posts in our own analysis of USF that would seem ridiculous to their fanbase.

 

[BGIF]

“@KeithRIVALS: RT @tbo_usfbulls: USF RB Dontae Aycock has left the program. Aycock walking away from game. ///// <--- Former #Auburn signee”

Phil Steele had Aycock as USF's #2 RB on his Depth Chart.

 

[GO IRISH!!!]

It is getting so close now! A little more than two weeks to go! I can't wait!!!

 

[Buster Bluth]

Dan Hicks will be doing the play-by-play, not Tom Hammond.

Praise Jesus!

 

[NDbrbkny]

Dan Hicks will be doing the play-by-play, not Tom Hammond.

Praise Jesus!

YESSS!

 

[IrishandColts]

I love reading their message boards. I tried to go on Wearesc one but it sends me to ESPN

 

[arrowryan]

I was reading a USF forum at thebullspen.com and they are happy that Crist is starting instead of Rees. They think that they will put a lot of pressure on Crist and they also think Giddins is going to crush him. They are definately stirring the pot on that site. I hope we return the favor on the field. BJ Daniels meet Teo/Moore/Johnson/Tuitt/Lynch/Nix/Cwynar.

 

[Whiskeyjack]

I was reading a USF forum at thebullspen.com and they are happy that Crist is starting instead of Rees. They think that they will put a lot of pressure on Crist and they also think Giddins is going to crush him. They are definately stirring the pot on that site. I hope we return the favor on the field. BJ Daniels meet Teo/Moore/Johnson/Tuitt/Lynch/Nix/Cwynar.

Did they watch the USC game last year?

If they're confident in their ability to get pressure on our QB (which is hard to justify with how well our OL did with pass protection last year, and with how many new DL USF will be breaking in,) then they should have been praying for Rees.

Kelly cited Dayne's escapability as one of the main reasons he won the starting job.

 

[arrowryan]

Did they watch the USC game last year?

If they're confident in their ability to get pressure on our QB (which is hard to justify with how well our OL did with pass protection last year, and with how many new DL USF will be breaking in,) then they should have been praying for Rees.

Kelly cited Dayne's escapability as one of the main reasons he won the starting job.

I guess they dont undersatnd that

 

[Riddickulous]

Did they watch the USC game last year?

If they're confident in their ability to get pressure on our QB (which is hard to justify with how well our OL did with pass protection last year, and with how many new DL USF will be breaking in,) then they should have been praying for Rees.

Kelly cited Dayne's escapability as one of the main reasons he won the starting job.

"LOL our defense is gonna smash him, Oh My God, they're taking us so lightly they're in for a surprise...hurhurhur"

 

[jason_h537]

I was reading a USF forum at thebullspen.com and they are happy that Crist is starting instead of Rees. They think that they will put a lot of pressure on Crist and they also think Giddins is going to crush him. They are definately stirring the pot on that site. I hope we return the favor on the field. BJ Daniels meet Teo/Moore/Johnson/Tuitt/Lynch/Nix/Cwynar.

They do have a solid and fast D but I trust our O-line vs their D more than the other way. Daniels is not 100% and our d line will be impossible to run against this year.

 

[95NDAlumNM]

Were getting close. A little video from und to get me ready for game day. Enjoy.

Notre Dame Official Athletic Site

 

[ndyeater]

Super Close!! Cannot wait to get going!! my prediction is Notre Dame 27 South Florida 10

 

[Whiskeyjack]

John Haynesworth of BGI lists USF as a "must win" game.

South Florida, Sept. 3: There will be plenty of storylines when Skip Holtz returns to South Bend where is father Lou famously led the Irish from 1986-96, winning a national championship in 1988. Season openers against worthy opponents can be a cause for concern, but this is a game the Irish must win – after all, you can’t win them all if you don’t win the first one. The Bulls offense is still seeking some traction after ranking No. 105 in the country last season. A defense that ranked No. 17 overall must replace four all-Big East performers.

Also, Matt Hinton just posted a good article on USF's upcoming season.

 

[TerryTate]

Man, I forgot Spencer Boyd is on USF now...

 

[johnnyoooo]

There is one use issue all teams playing Notre Dame this year must compensate for. Their huge over 300 lb defensive line will stop running games. That forces teams offenses to run off the edges and throw the ball more with a greater chance for interception. Also suspect opposing offenses will have to grab bag trick play more.

 

[military_irish]

I got bored so I threw this together real quick.

 

[IrishLax]

Who is reffing this game? Big East?

 

[Clover]

Bulls Report - Adam Adkins: USF offense mistake-prone in final scrimmage - from TBO.com Sports

 

[Riddickulous]

Apparently there's a 60% chance of rain for the opener.

 

[Riddickulous]

Football Prediction Contest: Bulls vs. Fighting Irish - PRIZE ADDED

Prediction thread from Bulls fans.

Thought it was funny that many of them are predicting 24-28 points for USF but are saying they will only have 250 total yards. Do they plan on having four scoring drives but a half dozen three-and-outs?

 

[ndyeater]

und.com is selling more tickets to this game monday morning just a heads up to everyone!

 

[AvesEvo]

Who are the HS visitors for the game?

 

[KPENN]

Who are the HS visitors for the game?

http://www.irishenvy.com/forums/notre-dame-football-recruiting/60562-12-visitor-list.html

 

[HereComeTheIrish]

Who are the HS visitors for the game?

I'll be the nice guy:

FL OT Evan Goodman (Offer)
MD WR Ian Thomas (Offer)


Thanks for the link KPenn!!!

 

[arrowryan]

It will most likely rain most of the day on Saturday. Will it favor one of the teams? BJ Daniels already isnt that good throwing the ball. Throwing a wet ball wouldnt help a bit

 

[Rhode Irish]

It will most likely rain most of the day on Saturday. Will it favor one of the teams? BJ Daniels already isnt that good throwing the ball. Throwing a wet ball wouldnt help a bit

I really wouldn't get worried about the weather at this point. Six days out, any prediction of weather is little more than a guess.

 

[IrishMoore1]

Yeah yeah it's bleacher report, but I think it's a good read. Gives a good counter-perspective to what lots of people have been saying.

Notre Dame Football: The South Florida Bulls Are Bull | Bleacher Report

 

[tankjeep]

go IRISH!!!!

can't wait for the game to be here.

 

[arrowryan]

Found out during school today that I will have ticket for the game...winning