On to BYU

Looking forward to the match up with BYU I have been focusing more on the Irish than their opponent this week.  Here at Talking Irish we prepare by scouting the opposition, their players, schemes and tendancies.  Since the loss to Pitt and to some extent since the loss to Michigan Irish fans seem to be internalizing the season and the team itself.  Instead of asking; what are the keys for an Irish win or what should we expect from a given team each Saturday we are thinking what will go wrong next or what will happen if they don’t perform well or worse yet lose.

After Notre Dame’s loss to Michigan the Irish knows that another undefeated season was lost and a shot at a BCS National Championship Game was a long shot.  Following the loss to Oklahoma the hopes for a Championship was gone and BCS Bowl appurtenance itself was at risk.  Now all feels lost, a second tier bowl against a subpar opponent will be our fate.  How can this be with wins over three current top 25 teams?  Did Kelly change “the process”, did the players just not execute or did the luck run out?

Out of respect for the seniors that have given us wins and bowl appearances over the past four seasons here is what we should expect from BYU and what are the keys are to an Irish victory.  At 7-3 BYU is a solid team but one that the Irish should beat.  The Cougars are made up of a lot of good players, some very good players and a couple of borderline great players.  The offense if fast moving lead by a very good running attack spearheaded by sophomore duel threat quarterback Taysom Hill.  Hill leads BYU in rushing with 956 yards (averaging 5.8 yards per carry) and 8 touchdowns while passing for 2379 yards and 16 touchdowns.  Hill is supported by running back Jamaal Williams who averages 5.5 yards per carry for 940 yards and six touchdowns.   BYU also boasts a decent (not great) pack of wide receivers.

Defensively the Cougars are led by 6’2” 305lb defensive lineman Eathyn Manumaleunan who has 44 tackles, 22 solos, 6 for a loss, 1 pass deflection, one QB hurray and a blocked kick.  He has experience because of his time away on a Mormon mission he was playing college football when the man he will be going up against in South Bend Notre Dame Center Nick Martin was playing freshman football in high school.  Manumaleunun is backed up by outside linebacker Kyle Van Noy who leads the Cougars in tackles for loss and sacks.  Van Noy’s stat line for the season; 56 tackles, 33 solos, 15 for losses, 4 sacks, 2 interceptions, and 7 passes deflected 13 quarterback hurries, 1 safety and 2 fumble recoveries.

BYU special teams do have some special players.  Kicker Justin Sorenson has had 51% of his kickoffs go for touchbacks although his is 0-6 from 50 yards or more on field goals.  Kickoff return man Adam Hine is averaging 29.5 yards per return good for 6^th best in FBS. 

If the Irish defense well against the rush and contain Hill to the packet they should be ok.  Notre Dame needs to have a good ground attack and I feel Folston and McDaniel can both have good games Saturday afternoon.  Kelly and crew don’t need luck or fancy play calling just smart play (no turnovers) and good execution.