Quick Takes: Notre Dame (by Mike Roach)

[HornSports Staff]

Story via Mike Roach

Who: #10 Notre Dame Fighting Irish (0-0) vs. Texas Longhorns (0-0)
When: Sunday, September 4th at 6:30 PM CST
Where: Darrell K. Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium, Austin, TX (ABC)
Odds: Notre Dame – 3.5

The Good: 

Notre Dame comes into this game with a strong advantage in the trenches. Their offensive line is again one of the best in the nation, and the left side might have the best duo in college football. The Irish will also play two quarterbacks in this game, but both Deshone Kizer and Malik Zaire look to be better options than the Texas duo. Notre Dame is also experienced on the defensive line, and they should have the edge over a young Texas offensive line.

The Bad:

Notre Dame was weakest in the secondary coming into this game, and it was made worse by injuries and suspensions. Starting free safety Drue Tranquill brings about the same criticisms from the Irish fans as Dylan Haines inspires in the Austin faithful. Devin Studstill will man the other safety position, and while his future looks very bright he’s still a true freshman starting his first game on the road. Tight End Alizae Jones was lost to grades before the season which puts a big hole in the Notre Dame passing game.

The Uncertain:

While Kizer and Zaire are both talented quarterbacks, there are always challenges when you have two players battling for the starting role headed into the season opener. All indications are that Kizer should separate as they go into the schedule, but they will have to work these issues out early on. Notre Dame also has an issue with proven playmakers on the offensive side of the ball. Their top returning skill player (Torii Hunter Jr) logged 363 yards and two touchdowns last season. Brian Kelly recruited a ton of talent in his past classes, but none of them have proven it yet in extended action.

What’s at Stake:

The Irish are after a playoff berth, and a stumble in Austin could throw those aspirations out the window. Like many other programs, Notre Dame recruits heavily in the state of Texas, and the opportunity to put on a show in front of the state’s best prospects can only help them going forward. For Texas this game will set the tone in what amounts to a pivotal season for the program. A win over Notre Dame could cement a starting quarterback and ignite the team to play above expectations. With many of the top targets on their board expected to be in attendance, this could also boost recruiting considerably. 

 

[MBHORNSFAN]

Good notes Mike

 

[Mike Roach]

I'm tired of talking about it. I'm ready to see it

 

[Criqui]

Well done.

One minor correction... 6th year Senior, Avery Sebastian, will actually be starting at S over Studstill. Not sure how many snaps he'll actually see... He's actually less mobile than Tranquil (who's coming off his 2nd consecutive season ending knee surgery). Studstill is definitely the future at the position and there's a good chance/hope that he's able to take most of the reps, but the staff went with the veteran on the road in Game 1.

The only member of the Irish secondary I have any confidence in is Cole Luke. He's a legitimate NFL prospect and a big time talent. The rest are question marks or have no experience. If the Texas OL can give whichever QB is in the game time to throw, it will be a long day for the Irish defense IMO.

 

[mctmatt]

The part that scares me the most in your post Mike is that Notre Dame has one of the best Offensive Lines in the nation which does not bode well for a young Texas Defense. If Notre Dame controls the trenches then it is going to be a long night for the Longhorns as they will wear down our defensive linemen.  

 

[Mike Roach]

Well done.

One minor correction... 6th year Senior, Avery Sebastian, will actually be starting at S over Studstill. Not sure how many snaps he'll actually see... He's actually less mobile than Tranquil (who's coming off his 2nd consecutive season ending knee surgery). Studstill is definitely the future at the position and there's a good chance/hope that he's able to take most of the reps, but the staff went with the veteran on the road in Game 1.

The only member of the Irish secondary I have any confidence in is Cole Luke. He's a legitimate NFL prospect and a big time talent. The rest are question marks or have no experience. If the Texas OL can give whichever QB is in the game time to throw, it will be a long day for the Irish defense IMO.

Thanks for the insight.

 

[Brandon17]

anyone know if the game will be streamed to listen for an android?

 

[TeamMayhall]

anyone know if the game will be streamed to listen for an android?

I think 104.9 the horn will be airing it, you can download the app

 

[Brandon17]

I think 104.9 the horn will be airing it, you can download the app

Mayhall for the win! thank you!