I don’t believe that any single player or even group of
players will need to play the game of their life to carry this team to
victory. I do believe that poor play by
even a single player on a single play could cost Notre Dame the
championship. In the same train of thought,
I also believe that every single player must play well for Her Loyal Sons to be
victorious.
Everett Golson does not need to throw for five touchdowns,
pass for over 300 yards or run for one 150 and three scores. He also cannot turn the ball over or allow
the offense to stall or become one dimensional.
The receivers need to get open enough to give Golson a
chance to get the ball to them. They
cannot drop passes that hit their hands.
The running backs need to move the ball well enough to keep
Alabama’s defense honest. They also need
to catch passes out of the backfield. They cannot turn the ball over.
It is pretty simple for the offensive line - they need to
control the line of scrimmage. They need
to make holes just big enough for the backs to gain positive yardage and give
Golson enough time to make his plays either with his arm or legs. They cannot let the defense into the backfield
and they absolutely cannot have stupid penalties like holding and especially
off sides.
Overall, the offense needs to move the ball, control field
position and build confidence as the game progresses and preferably take the
lead early and play with the lead for the entire game. They cannot turn the ball over or conduct too
many three and outs.
On the defensive side of the ball, the Irish face a very
solid offense led by their offensive line.
Diaco’s squad needs to continue their “bend don’t break” mentality. I don’t expect the Irish defense to control
Alabama, but I hope they can contain them.
Notre Dame’s front seven will need to hold their own against
an offensive line that could hold their own in the NFL right now. Along with two 1,000-yard rushers, the front
seven will have to stop and shed blockers then make sure tackles.
The defensive backs need to do what they have done all
season - keep receivers in front of them and make good tackles.
Special teams don’t have to have runbacks for touchdowns,
although that would be nice, but they can’t give any up either. At the very least our special teams must
match if not beat Alabama in the battle for field position. Kyle Brindza must make the most of his
chances. Missing even one attempt may
cost the Irish the championship.
A crisp, clean, balanced game could be more than enough to
win. A penalty, a turnover, a dropped
pass or a missed opportunity could be enough to give the Crimson Tide the win. No one player or player has to win the game
but any one player or play could lose it.
With the team’s next man in philosophy, I think they will be ready.
