I'm expecting the big-game performance from ND in this one that we've all been waiting for (the Oklahoma game in '12 was great, but I predict this one goes better).
BK is going to have answers for everything scUM tries to do defensively, regardless of what he's said about Mattison's defense, simply because he knows his QB can execute in whatever way necessary. No longer limited by his QB's physical limitations, BK can call upon any strategy necessary throughout this game to win the offensive matchup. ScUM's defense is good, but not good enough to keep BK from dictating what he wants to do.
Defensively, Gardner is going to have success at times. But I also think a couple of timely sacks and an interception or two are going to widen the scoring margin. ScUM may have some success running up the middle, and Schmidt may struggle to knock ballcarriers backwards, but simply being in the right place at the right time will keep the defense from getting fully gashed, and thus will keep Gardner throwing on third and medium-to-long situations. BVG is gonna break out some complex stunts and blitz packages, and at some point I expect Redfield or Shumate to get home on an overload blitz, or for Gardner to make a terrible decision against such a blitz.
Special teams looked good against Rice, but we'll see what type of answers scUM might have for a retooled punt return game. I predict GB breaks a big one at some point in this game.
In general, despite the business-like attitude that BK has put on display, I expect him to have these guys amped like never before once 7:30pm hits on Saturday night.
Finally, we're going to see ND lay it on scUM like those meatchicken f*ckers deserve.
