To Hell with Michigan State!! The media is giving us no shot at winning this game, Jevon Ringer will run over us at will, they will smoke us according to Cowherd on ESPN. Fine I say, let them doubt us spend all week talking about how Michigan outplayed us really and it was just their unfortuneate turnovers that kept them from winning the game. It serves a purpose, it reminds the team that they haven't really accomplished anything yet, that they still have a lot of work to do to restore the repurtation of Notre Dame football. Hopefully all the scorn they will take from the media will keep them focused on the task at hand...beating MSU. That said MSU should be tough test, they have been a physical team that we've had a hard time with since Lou left town. Ringer is a very good back, and they have a vet at QB who is also very good. I have read that they are a little thin on the DL so maybe Clausen keeps a clean uniform for a 3rd week in a row and the passing game gets us rolling and maybe the running game can then make some yards. Last year Aldridge had over 100 yds and they had a better DL last year. To hell with Michigan State.... Go Irish!!
This game is winable. It requires continued improvement from last game. It requires poise by a lot of young players. Unlike many prior years MSU does not come into this game undefeated having played weak teams that allow them to play vanilla and keep playing time down to avoid injuries. They've already been beaten and have shown to have difficulty stopping the rush. If we keep our composure, we can score over 30 on them. We need to keep the defense off the field. We've won that last 3 games in E. Lansing. We historically beat MSU if we beat Michigan but that's because M is usually a higher ranked team. I think that too many are buying the "Michigan outgained ND" line. While that's true, we averaged way more per play in the second quarter and then in the second half monsoon spent our time running down the clock rather than trying to score. (OSU outgained SC in the first half. It sure didn't look like they were the better team to me.) Sacks first two games 2007-17 2008-0 I can't say enough about the improvement in the O line.
:lol: Whats the weather forcast ,,, heavy rain .... sleet ice ????? Just in case I have the holy water and rosary ready
This game is pretty big <t>I see this game as a table setter. If the Irish win this, they find themselves in a position to have quite a nice season. If they lose, they will be mired in a weekly struggle for identity and respect.<br/> <br/> To me, there are 2 opponents that are symbolic to me of ND's decline: Michigan State and Boston College.<br/> <br/> ND struggles with these teams and each time they lose, even when the loss is resounding, I find myself wondering 'how in the hell did we lose to that team?!'<br/> <br/> These are games we could win and should win. I think we're about to find out if we are taking baby steps back in the right directions, or leaps.</t>
ND/msu <r>Terry,<br/> First of all I'm glad to see that you are O.K.<br/> <br/> I'm still not sure where this team is at so it's hard for me to say if they will win this game or not. As long as the Irish don't give up a ton of points early, they can probably hang in there and maybe pull out a win. <br/> <br/> Still to early to see where this team is at for me. <br/> <br/> As much as I hate the media and the comments about the outcome of this game, the guys have to get out there and show it on the field if they are going to get some respect back. <E>8)</E></r>
Truer words were never spoken... I don't think beating this edition of Michigan means you're back. :wink:
Some interesting stats The sophomore class is Charlie's first complete recruiting class. (Recall that He was coaching with the Patriots almost up until NLI day in 05. Most of his groundwork is completed before the football season begins) In any event, of the 17 players in that class 16 have played and 9 start. (the one who doesn't is an OG who is behind 4 older players.) Of the 11 starters on offense, 7 have 2 more years of elligibility. It's a start.
Terry, let me say, perhaps a bit late, it's nice to see you posting. I hope things are ok for you right now with the storm aftermath. As to the game, I have no feel for it. I'm to busy worrying about Tennessee.
I think this will be a pretty good test for your Irish. I have always liked D'Antonio and this looks like a pretty decent Sparty squad. Playing in E. Lansing is never a picnic. I hope both teams play well. It should be quite an entertaining game...
I'm concerned about our run defense. Watching the MI game live, I saw #2 run well against us. He did an excellent job of reversing direction at the line of scrimmage which resulted in several long gains. I'm afraid Ringer is even better at that kind of decision making on the fly. If he hurts us, it will open up the passing game for MSU. I feel that we can move the ball because we now have the ability to stretch the field, which should keep defenses "honest" and prevent them from stacking against the run. All in all, I fear this game.
I've watched both a couple of times and MSU looks to be a better team than Michigan to me. That doesn't mean ND can't rise to the occasion but they need an A-plus game in E. Lansing.
Ringer is an outstanding running back and D'Antonio is a tough, hard nosed old school coach....your Irish are going to be tested at the line of scrimmage for sure. I would expect that he'll give you a full dose of Ringer until you show you can stop it....
Interesting sidline on this game is that this is the first conventional offense that the Irish defense has faced. We've been playing nickel defense basically as our base defense. It will be interesting to see how we do. Harrison Smith was the star of the fall camp but since we've played so much nickel he hasn't played all that much and hasn't had an impact. I'm hoping this will be a comming out party for Harrison. The other thing is that as much talk as there is about Tenuata being a blitzmiester and we have certainly blitzed a ton in the first two games, his defenses traditionally have been very good run stopping defenses. If we can handle the MSU run game then we have a good chance. Also Corey makes a good point that if we lose this game that we will have a short bat to fight for respect the rest of the season. Terry
I agree with most of the comments here, especially if you can control their running game, This game should be a realistic test for the Notre Dame defense. It should be and interesting game and I think you will challenged very early. Good Luck! Don
Ringer is a really a great back. I just hope his Heisman campaign doesn't get a jumpstart this weekend. PJ in Jersey
ND/msu <r>Well it seems not many of the "experts" are giving ND a chance in this one. Seems MSU is just too big and physical and has superman for a running back. <br/> <br/> It will be the first test on the road in a really hostile environment for some of the boys so it may be a tough one for the Irish.<br/> <br/> Until I see a little more of the running game start to take hold it will be hard to pick the Irish to win. <br/> <br/> Doesn't mean I can't hope though, and the last game gave me a little of that for a change. <br/> <br/> If they can get some points early and keep turnovers to a minimum, they may have a shot. <br/> <br/> Anyway, as CW would say "THE HELL WITH MICHIGAN STATE" boys, go out there and beat that spartan as*. <E>8)</E></r>
ND/msu <r>well a quick search around the web and on the TV sports channels and it seems the "experts" are picking the Irish to get their butts kicked in this one. <br/> <br/> I guess us domers might as well just sit back and watch Ringer run up about 300yds and 5 or 6 TDs then hopefully have some mercy on our boys and send in the second string. <E>:cry:</E></r>
I don't think it's a make or break game, but do think that if the Irish win and are 3-0 they will be getting much more respect and attention than they are now. Good luck, I won't see the game because it's on at the same time as the Gators and the Vols!