Notre Dame Vs USC Predictions

This is a toss up game since no one knows which team wants it more. In this scenario I’ll go with ND since all these Freshman will play lights out even if half the time they go the wrong way.

The key for the ND defense is to get in USC’s QB face fast. They will not be able to do that with just the front 4. They need to send 6. ND’s CB’s have to hard press USC receivers and force Cody Kessler to throw the perfect pass.

Sure ND may give up a few big plays, but the alternative 5 yd back for DB’s is courting disaster for Kessler if given time will eat them up in a short passing game. Kessler completes about 70% of his passes.

ND has to figure a better way to get Jaylon Smith into the action. He’s not the factor he was last year since he’s getting tangled up inside.

I’d use him strictly as an outside rusher with Colin Hill or Farley blitzing from the other side. The inside blitz hasn’t worked so far and ND must protect against the inside rush that USC is very good at – way too many big run plays right up the middle.

I don’t know what the deal is with Shumate and Redfield, but Kelly has to relent. We have too many injuries for them to sit. It is too obvious that Collingsworth is still hurt. He can’t run and can’t tackle. CB Cody Riggs may not play or may play very little. With Tranquill finished for the year we are really scraping bottom.

ND defense must keep Nelson Agholor smothered and stop the run. This SC offense is perfect for VanGorder to blitz – do it all game.

ND on offense is severely hampered by absolutely poor OL play. DE Leonard Williams will have a field day against Lombard or Stanley. Hell I’d line him up over center he’d eat Hegarty and Martin alive. Play a 6 man OL and use Tyler Luatua as the blocking back.

If Golson has time to throw ND wins. If he is constantly harassed he’ll turn the ball over and we lose. I can understand Kelly wanting to pass every play. There is not a lot of trust in the OL to protect Golson, so short quick passes down-field – not in the flat. Golson telegraphs those for easy picks. Get a lead and run the ball even if that means replacing some of the OL.

This game is up to Golson to win provided he does not melt down.

Brindza makes a couple of FG’s and ND comes out on top.

Notre Dame 34 USC 27