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This is my first post here so please be gentle :)

I've seen a lot of negativity regarding this game and wanted to post some thoughts to hopefully get some people excited about this game!

1. Early schedule and scheme
ND rarely gets an opportunity to play lightweights their first two games of the season. Going back the last ten years, here's who ND has had to face before the third week of the season:
2009: Michigan
2010: Michigan
2011: Michigan
2012: Purdue (I guess?)
2013: Michigan
2014: Michigan
2015: Texas (season opener)
2016: Texas (season opener)
2017: Georgia
2018: Michigan (season opener)

At ND there isn't much of an opportunity to save some offense and defensive schemes that you might otherwise use against tougher opponents. This year I think they've had the opportunity to put a vanilla scheme offensively and defensively on the field. Given Louisville was tight through the first quarter and a half, I don't think they had to give up the ghost and put everything they've been working on on game tape.

2. Personnel changes
* I'm expecting Finke to move back to slot and McKinley should start outside. Finke was ineffective playing outside, getting him back to his natural position should give Book his security blanket back for underneath passes.
* Kmet getting back onto the field is going to help the run game. There's no doubt ND had struggles blocking the edge with Tremble and Brock.

3. LBs
Again I'm expecting a lot of different looks we haven't yet seen. There was a lot of trial-and-error trying to find the right mix at LBs and even throwing Gilman down there occasionally in three safety sets. I think they treated the first two games as glorified practices to get the LB group right. I expect a surprise improvement at that level this game.

4. RBs
Jones Jr. was pretty much resting last week. He didn't get a lot of playing time so the coaches could see what C'Bo could do (he lead all RBs with 7 carries last game). Jones will see the field much more this game obviously. Plus, Smith might be back for the game to provide some much needed depth.

This should be a close game and there's no reason ND can't win it.

GO IRISH!