YTD 9-7 + 1.00 Units
Wash.St. returns 7 starters on D while ND returns 8 on D.
A quick look at the Cougars defensively and they have another solid group who have either led the Pac-10 or tied for the league lead in sacks the last 2 years. They should pressure the Irish running game with 4 of their front seven returning. The three replacements are solid seniors especially DT Tupai. The Cougars were ranked 9th in the nation against the run last year something ND will rely on with Grant and Jones in the backfield.
Defensively the Irish finished ranked in the nation's top 13 in four major categories last year: No. 9 in scoring defense (16.7 points per game), No. 10 in pass efficiency defense (98.24) and No. 13 in both rushing defense (95.2 yards per game) and total defense (300.0 yards per game).
Gone from the starting lineup are defensive end Ryan Roberts and Sapp and Walton, who were both standouts in the secondary.
But Notre Dame returns all three of its top tacklers from last season, including inside linebacker Courtney Watson and safety Glenn Earl along with middle linebacker Mike Goolsby.
Add in senior CB Vontez Duff and this defense could surpass last years stats.
Offensively the Cougars will struggle on offense returning only 4 starters. They only put up 25 pts. against a weak Idaho team last week. As for the Irish offensively I look for a strong year from QB Holiday after playing under Tyrone's system for a year now. Stovall and McKnight are great young WR's and will need to make up for the loss of Arnaz Battle.
Bottom line I see a low scoring game especially with the Irish playing their first game of the season they might stuggle a bit out of the gate on the offensive side of the ball. I look for a 20-13 Irish win.
Playing:
Wash.St./ND u42(3 Units)
Back later with more plays!
GLTA!
HORNS
Wash.St. returns 7 starters on D while ND returns 8 on D.
A quick look at the Cougars defensively and they have another solid group who have either led the Pac-10 or tied for the league lead in sacks the last 2 years. They should pressure the Irish running game with 4 of their front seven returning. The three replacements are solid seniors especially DT Tupai. The Cougars were ranked 9th in the nation against the run last year something ND will rely on with Grant and Jones in the backfield.
Defensively the Irish finished ranked in the nation's top 13 in four major categories last year: No. 9 in scoring defense (16.7 points per game), No. 10 in pass efficiency defense (98.24) and No. 13 in both rushing defense (95.2 yards per game) and total defense (300.0 yards per game).
Gone from the starting lineup are defensive end Ryan Roberts and Sapp and Walton, who were both standouts in the secondary.
But Notre Dame returns all three of its top tacklers from last season, including inside linebacker Courtney Watson and safety Glenn Earl along with middle linebacker Mike Goolsby.
Add in senior CB Vontez Duff and this defense could surpass last years stats.
Offensively the Cougars will struggle on offense returning only 4 starters. They only put up 25 pts. against a weak Idaho team last week. As for the Irish offensively I look for a strong year from QB Holiday after playing under Tyrone's system for a year now. Stovall and McKnight are great young WR's and will need to make up for the loss of Arnaz Battle.
Bottom line I see a low scoring game especially with the Irish playing their first game of the season they might stuggle a bit out of the gate on the offensive side of the ball. I look for a 20-13 Irish win.
Playing:
Wash.St./ND u42(3 Units)
Back later with more plays!
GLTA!
HORNS
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