Week 8: Notre Dame at Temple

The undefeated and 21st ranked Temple Owls (7-0) will host 9th ranked Notre Dame (6-1) tomorrow night in a match-up that carries both playoff and New Year's Six bowl game implications.

What do the Fighting Irish need to due to survive this unexpected, yet crucial battle?

1. Get ahead early. While Notre Dame has shown an ability to score quickly, they have struggled, (particularly on defense) in some games out of the gate. If the Irish can get on the board early and play well defensively, then they could jump out to an early two-score lead. If they do that, then Temple might have trouble keeping up with the Irish when you consider that the Owls' offense isn't built to come from behind.

2. Dominate the trenches. Usually when a big time program faces a Group of Five opponent, the difference in size and skill is most noticeable in the trenches. I expect Notre Dame to lean on their massive offensive line all night, and force Temple to load up the box early on. In turn, that should open up things in the passing game later on. Having watched Temple play against Penn State and East Carolina, I was not impressed with their offense. I think Notre Dame's front seven should be very aggressive and expect them to try to pressure Temple all night long, making it hard for the Owls to withstand long scoring drives.

3. Avoid the big plays. Based on what I just said about Temple's offense, I think they need several big plays to win this game. Whether that comes from gadget plays, a blown coverage, or missed tackles, Temple likely needs at least three big play touchdowns to keep up with the Irish.

Temple has a very good defense, but they haven't faced a team that has the speed and power of Notre Dame. I think the Irish will be too much for the Owls.

Prediction: Notre Dame 38, Temple 17

-Eric Tichelbaut

@etichel07

Week 7 Preview: Notre Dame vs USC

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

Week 6 Preview: Notre Dame vs Navy

After last week's heartbreaking defeat at Clemson, the 15th ranked Fighting Irish of Notre Dame (4-1) will look to get back on track against the Navy Midshipmen (4-0). Although Notre Dame's playoff hopes took a devastating blow last Saturday, there still might be a shot if they win their remaining seven games. And, tomorrow afternoon's contest might prove to be one of the toughest assignments left on the schedule. What do the Irish need to do to avoid an upset in a trap game?

1. Come ready to play. Navy looks at this game as their biggest game of the year, and will bring intensity from the opening kickoff. On the other hand, the Irish just had their dreams of an undefeated season end, and could be looking ahead to their rival USC. Notre Dame can't afford to come out sluggish and sloppy against Navy. If they do, Navy can easily rip off a couple long scoring drives by gashing the Irish defense. Thus, giving themselves more motivation and putting more pressure on the Irish.

2. Get ahead. If Notre Dame has the option to receive, I would take the ball and try to get a touchdown on the opening drive. Much like Georgia Tech, Navy is not built to play from behind. Judging by the previous four seasons, and the success of the Irish offense this season, Navy should have a very difficult time defending the Irish offense. But, the key will be extending the lead and not swapping score for score with Navy.

3. Expect a better option offense. With no disrespect to Georgia Tech, they weren't ready for the Irish defense to play that well. Having said that, the Yellow Jackets offense hasn't looked good the last two weeks either. With a full game of film to study, a disciplined team, and a great head coach, I expect Navy's offense to play much more efficiently and effectively than Georgia Tech's. Also, Notre Dame's defense needs to be ready for plays they may have not seen before. I can guarantee Navy has found a few holes that they can exploit, so it'll be up to the Irish defense to adjust on the fly.

I expect this game to be very close and very competitive early on. Ultimately, I think Notre Dame's offense will score too much, and their defense will adjust to Navy's offense in the second half.

Prediction: Notre Dame 45, Navy 31

-Eric Tichelbaut

@etichel07

Week 5 Preview: Notre Dame at Clemson

Two undefeated teams will be looking to keep their playoff hopes and national championship dreams alive when the 6th ranked Fighting Irish of Notre Dame head into Death Valley to take on the 12th ranked Clemson Tigers. The winner of this game becomes a legitimate favorite to land a final four spot, while the loser might be all but eliminated. Who will come away with the signature win?

Here's what Notre Dame needs to do to be victorious tonight.

1. Pressure and contain Watson. Clemson quarterback DeShaun Watson is an elite talent, and could wreck havoc on the Irish defense if he has time to throw or room to scramble. I don't think Notre Dame's secondary can shut down the Clemson wide receivers on their own, so getting pressure from the front seven, particularly the defensive line will be vital. Sheldon Day figures to play well as he has all year, but the Irish will need pressure and containment from their ends in order to stop Watson from making big plays.

2. Run, run, run. The forecast is calling for rain throughout the night, so the field will likely be a mess. I believe Notre Dame can run the ball on any team in the country, and they will need to tonight. The Irish won't win this game unless the have at least 150 yards rushing, so running it early and often will be necessary.

3. Take some deep shots. While Notre Dame should have success and needs to pound the rock, they also need to open up the playbook and let DeShone Kizer sling it. I believe the only way Clemson can stop the Irish rushing attack is if they crowd the box with eight men fronts. If that proves to be the case, dailing up a few deep balls to Will Fuller or Chris Brown should result in a few big chunk plays.

I expect this to be an extremely close game and the difference could be turnovers with a slick football and sloppy track. Despite the unfavorable weather, I still expect a relatively high scoring game.

Prediction: Notre Dame 31, Clemson 27

-Eric Tichelbaut
@etichel07