A ferocious pass rush and tough secondary, fast, athletic linebacker play, and a d line that can slow down a run game effectively. Neither SMU nor Boise (!) featured anything like this. Ditto on offense. True that they have a better vertical passing game than we do, but our athletic qb play combined with the rotation of talented running backs will be a new challenge for them. And I get the sense they are taking the old media line seriously - "ND is overrated! ND hasn't played anyone!" Neither of these assertions holds up to data-based analysis, but Franklin's asinine and jocular behavior makes me think that perhaps have not yet processed that this ND team is the real deal. I think they will be in for a surprise tonight.
Replies to: "But the reverse is also true. Their playoff run has not prepared them for what ND will bring."
- Area of concern - O-line not getting much going on rushing plays - MarkHarman - 10:18pm 1/8/25
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- The zone run scheme vs UGA was leaving gaping holes and the LBs with free reign [NT] - Rocketman84 - 8:59am 1/9/25
- Given blocking assignments, pass use of tight ends has withered. Flanagan out could also be an issue - LanceManion - 6:37am 1/9/25
- I’m also nervous about tonight. PSU is the most complete team ND has faced. [NT]
- jray - 8:27am 1/9/25
- I think it will come down to 2-3 big plays; could go either way [NT] - LanceManion - 1:18pm 1/9/25
- But the reverse is also true. Their playoff run has not prepared them for what ND will bring. - murph78 - 8:51am 1/9/25
- The more I think of it, the more this PSU team reminds me so much of the 2021 ND team - Turkish - 10:14am 1/9/25
- Exactly…their QB actually throws down field accurately to the tune of 3200 yds - WoodstockIrish - 8:33am 1/9/25
- Now would be the time for the offense to uncork it [NT] - LanceManion - 1:15pm 1/9/25
- I’m also nervous about tonight. PSU is the most complete team ND has faced. [NT]
- jray - 8:27am 1/9/25
- This is our biggest issue. Unless we can throw the ball down the field our offense will - ndphysics - 5:18am 1/9/25
- Running the ball is the key - OklahomaIrishman - 8:59am 1/9/25