Know your Role

This Saturday I will be rooting for the Irish I will however not be rooting against their opponent.  When Notre dame plays a Service Academy there are two things you need to know.  First I know where these guys could be in the future.  Anyone with a heart and a brain could not boo young men that at as early as next year could be overseas putting their life on the line to defend our freedom and way of life.

Second, I know a lot of people think that having Air Force, Army and Navy on their schedule gives the Irish a fluff schedule and a cop out of playing higher ranked squads.  However it repays a debt of honor going back to when the Services Academies were powerhouses and played Notre Dame and of course for all they have done for our country.

I enjoy watching a good option offense but not against the Irish.  I want a Notre Dame win.  I want over 200 yards rushing, no turnovers, a defensive score and no missed field goals.  On paper against a traditional team this would not even be close.  The heaviest player on the Air Force roster is 285lbs, the next heaviest weighing in at 265, the Irish have 24 players listed at 285 or higher topping of at 326lb Louis Nix.  The Falcons have 4 players standing 6’5’ or taller while Notre Dame boasts 20 players standing at 6’5’ or taller.

This Air Force offense may be undersized but they have the three E’s; Effective, Effort, and Efficient ) one of every six passes goes for a touchdown).  They may throw a lot of formations at a the defense but trust me this is not a “trick” play offense, there is intelligence and discipline at play here.