Emotions will be high when the 14th ranked Fighting Irish of Notre Dame (5-1) host their hated rival, USC Trojans (3-2), under the lights tomorrow night. Last year, the Trojans took advantage of a depleted Irish defense, and manhandled Notre Dame, 49-14. But, this is a new year, and now the Irish will look to knock off the Trojans who just fired their head coach. What do the Irish need to do to come out on top tomorrow night?
1. Start fast. In their only loss to Clemson, the Irish spotted the Tigers a 14 point lead by playing sloppy and missing several tackles. After the game, players and coaches said the team had trouble adjusting to the speed of Clemson after facing Massachusetts the prior week. Considering that the Irish just played Navy, it is safe to assume that the difference in speed will be noticeable once again. And like Clemson, USC is still too talented of a team to be playing an uphill battle against.
2. Finish tackles. The Trojans have elite skill players and playmakers across the board, so tackling them in space is never easy. The Irish defense needs to fly to the football and successfully tackle the ball carrier on their first attempt. Missing tackles will allow USC to break off big plays all night, which will make Notre Dame's job on defense a lot harder than it already will be versus a prolific offense.
3. Pressure Kessler without blitzing. Trojan quarterback Cody Kessler torched the Irish secondary last season, due in large part to having all day to throw. Notre Dame was very depleted up front, with Sheldon Day being the most vital missing component. Day is healthy, but USC center Max Tuerk is not. This should allow Day to disrupt the middle of the Trojan offensive line, and allow others to put pressure on Kessler. If Notre Dame is able to get in Kessler's face with four or five defenders, then the Irish secondary should be able to contain the USC receivers. If not, it could be another big day for Kessler and company.
The Irish will score against the Trojans, but I think USC will make some plays as well. Despite the supposed turmoil in Southern California, I expect the Trojans to come to South Bend fired up, and ready to wreck Notre Dame's season. It'll be very heated and close throughout, but I think Notre Dame finds a way to get it done. This year's team remembers how last season derailed after the Florida State game, and they won't let that happen again.
Prediction: Notre Dame 34, USC 27
-Eric Tichelbaut
@etichel07
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