Week 1: Notre Dame vs. Rice

The 2014 regular season gets underway tomorrow afternoon for Notre Dame as the Fighting Irish welcome the Rice Owls to South Bend, Indiana. Despite a rather low-profile opponent, this home opener carries several storylines.

This will be the first game played on the new FieldTurf surface that was installed during the season at Notre Dame Stadium. I realize that some fans are upset with the change, but it needed to be made. The playing surface had become an absolute joke, and there was no reason to continue to play in those conditions. The new turf will allow for better footing, sharper cuts, less falling, and lessen the chance of knee injuries.

Everett Golson returns as quarterback and will be making his first start since the BCS Championship game on January 7^th, 2013. Golson beat out Malik Zaire to earn his starting spot back this offseason, and he should give the offense a much needed boost with his ability to expand plays with his legs and make throws from outside the pocket.

Of course, the biggest news is the current investigation regarding the possible academic fraud of several key players. Wide receiver DaVaris Daniels, defensive back KeiVarae Russell, defensive end Ishaq Williams, linebacker Kendall Moore, and defensive back Eilar Hardy are all suspended indefinitely. With all five players out for at least this Saturday, younger players will have to step up and play a lot earlier than expected.

With that being said, the 2014 season figures to be another exciting year of football for the Irish. I expect the offense to be one of the more explosive attacks in the nation, while the defense will likely face some major growing pains. The Irish lack depth with their front-seven on defense, and will have to improve quickly and avoid injuries if they want to be a successful unit. With a brutal schedule looming that feature games against Florida State, USC, Stanford, Michigan, Arizona State, and North Carolina among others, the Irish will have a difficult time reaching double digits in wins. I think nine wins is definitely doable, and it would be a very successful season. If the defense matures quicker than expected, than Notre Dame could reach or even surpass ten wins.

But first, what will happen on Saturday?

Much of the focus tomorrow afternoon will be on Everett Golson. It will be interesting to see how he plays, and I would expect to see some rust early on. With Brian Kelly now calling plays again, I would imagine that Kelly wants to get Golson involved early and often. I expect to see Golson involved with the running game early on and moved outside the pocket to alleviate any nerves or pressure that he may have Saturday. Also, don’t be surprised if Kelly dials up a few deep balls early to Chris Brown or Corey Robinson try to make a quick strike. However, once the game settles into the second quarter, the Irish rushing attack should see a lot of work. Tarean Folston, Greg Bryant, and Cam McDaniel should give the Irish one of the more potent running games in the country. With a big offensive line creating holes for them, the Rice defense will likely have a tough time slowing down the trio of talented rushers. As long as Notre Dame avoids turning the ball over, the Irish should put up a ton of points against a weaker defense.

While the offense seems to be the strong point for the Irish, the defense is big question mark. With many veterans no longer with the program and two key starters suspended, the Irish are very inexperienced defensively. Obviously, the talent is there, but it remains to be seen how they will play as a unit. Linebacker Jaylon Smith has moved from the outside to the inside this season and will be the leader of the defense. Defensive coordinator Brain Van Gorder has stated that he will be moving Smith all over the field to utilize his speed and skills in different situations. I’m excited to see what Smith can do this season, and he has the potential to be one of the best defensive players in the nation despite only being a sophomore. Smith and the rest of the Irish defense will be tested by the Owls’ quarterback Driphus Jackson. Jackson has only seen limited action in his first two seasons, but he has the ability give defenses trouble with his legs. Notre Dame’s young defense will have to show discipline and contain Jackson to avoid any big plays. If Notre Dame can keep Jackson in the pocket, then the defense should be able to keep the Owls in-check. I don’t think the Rice will be able to line up and run right at the Irish, so it will take extended plays and creativity for the Owls to score enough points.

This one might be close early on, but the Irish should win comfortably.

Prediction: Notre Dame 41, Rice 17

Twitter: @etichel07