You’ve got questions…we’ve got answers.

Here are some questions (in bold) in an article posed by ND Nation’s John Vannie along with Talking Irish’s responses (in italics).

Can Golson and the Irish keep their emotions in check and get off to a solid start?

One of the goals Brian Kelly has had for his team is to get off to a fast start, which they have done very well thus far, outscoring their opponents 75 – 9 in the first quarter this season.  The Irish statistically play better on the road leaving all the distractions associated with home games behind, and I think this game will be no exception.

Will Notre Dame’s secondary minimize USC’s yards after catch with proper angles and crisp tackling?

I for one hope that Notre Dame’s secondary will minimize catches.  I believe three things will happen: first, USC’s wide receivers will have some big chunk play receptions (hopefully not too many), second, the Irish secondary will make solid tackles; and finally, Wittek will be intercepted at least once in this game.

Can USC stop the run while keeping its safeties back in a Tampa-2 defense?

Yes, at times, but not enough.  The Irish running backs will break off some big runs (the sooner the better) forcing the USC safeties to step up more often than they want to.

Will Wittek have time to display the poise and accuracy the Trojans will need?

At times, but he will also see the likes of Nix, Shembo, Tuitt, and Lewis-Moore crashing in on him causing him to think twice on throws, question his audibles and running for his life.

Can USC’s offensive line repeat last year’s domination of the Irish front seven?

No.  If you have seen any of Notre Dame’s games you know that is an easy question to answer.

Will this be the game that special teams play finally costs Notre Dame a victory?

I don’t think so.  It will not be the game in which it has to.

Which struggling kicker will come through for his team?

Overall, neither.  Although Kyle Brindza has blown simple kicks, he seems to be better under pressure.

Will the referees dare to call holding on the Trojans?

Contrary to a statement made a ridiculous and irresponsible article ,“All I can say is Max be prepared to go against the most one sided officiating in the history of officiated sports with a BCS championship game for Notre Dame on the line.” the officials should do their jobs as assigned.

USC Preview Podcast

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R3rtxny6lQI&feature=plcp

USC

As we progress toward USC, there should be some comfort in knowing the enemy.  Each year, it seems we know we will have to do battle at the end of the season against mighty Troy.  A team with speed, skill and often a superior record (at least over the last couple of decades), a team with a history and winning tradition of their own who pride themselves on winning, especially against the Irish.  Brian Kelly was asked this week about his team heading to Southern California as the number one team and he explained that they feel that pressure every week, that every team gives Notre Dame their best when the Irish come to town.

At 7-4, USC may not be the force it was at the beginning of the season when they held the number one ranking, but with the exception of Matt Barkley being out, they still have the talent that got them that preseason ranking.  This may not be a great team, but even without their preseason Heisman favorite they are still a very sound team.  The USC running game still has two above-average backs in Junior Silas (740 yards, 5.4 yards per carry and 9 touchdowns) and Senior Curtis McNeal (658 yards, 6.3 yards per carry and 2 touchdowns), both of whom have multiple receptions out of the backfield. 

The Trojans may have lost their quarterback, but their passing game still has powerful weapons in the receiving corps.  Leading the charge are 6’1” sophomore Marqise Lee (107 receptions, 1605 yards, 15 yards per catch and 14 touchdowns) and 6’1” Junior Robert Woods (66 receptions, 721 yards, 10.9 yards per catch and 10 touchdowns). 

With Matt Barkley out, the Trojans will turn to redshirt freshman Max Wittek.  Wittek’s stats may not measure up to Barkley’s, but he has made the most out of what he has done.  Wittek has completed eight passes for 95 yards and a touchdown, giving him a quarterback rating of 214.2.  Kelly said he can’t be all bad being on scholarship at USC, and Wittek also had offers from most of the big programs including Notre Dame.  Here is the high school scouting report two years ago by Scott Kennedy of Scout.com:

Wittek is a greedy quarterback that is always pressuring the defensive backfield. He has tremendous vision and always wants to make the big play before checking down to his shorter routes. He has a quick release and a strong arm. He struggles with accuracy at times, but shows poise under pressure and a willingness to hang in the pocket and take a hit. A gun-slinger mentality, Wittek likes the high risk, high reward throws.

On the other side of the ball, the Trojans defense has been sub-par this season, especially for a USC team (giving up 24.8 points a game).  Expect the Irish to mix it up between the run and pass.  Notre Dame should try to come out fast and big to break the Trojans’ spirits early.  Going from number one in the beginning of the season to unranked at the end of the season (last happened in 1964), not being in contention for the Pac-12 championship let alone a BCS bowl makes a win over Notre Dame even more important.  Beating Notre Dame would be one of the only bright spots in this season, especially since doing so would likely crush Notre Dame’s chance at of perfection and a shot at the National Championship.  If they see that slipping away early, they may begin to give up all together.

Wake Forest Review Sample Podcast

 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=36qDwBOn7zM

Number 1 ?!?!

For the younger generation this is foreign soil, but those in their late thirties and up remember when this was a little more common place.  Cautious optimism will be the theme this week for me, as I will install Kelly’s 24 hour rule - celebrate and then get back to work for next Saturday.  I am scared to death that this is a dream, and that the alarm is going to go off in the form of the USC Trojans.

As for right now, the Irish are 11-0, ranked number one, and poised to play in the National Championship Game.  With that being said, the most important game is USC.  Why?  Because as has been the Irish mentality all season - it’s the next one. 

Brian Kelly has the “Process” running on all cylinders.  So sit back and enjoy the ride…but only for 24 hours.