Kermit the Frog once said, "It ain't easy being green." Well, the truth of the matter for the Fighting Irish on Saturday is that it's indeed easy being green!
During the Charlie Weis era, Notre Dame has beaten their home finale opponent by nearly four touchdowns. So Irish fans, don't get too nervous when the boys don the green jerseys in honor of the Seniors and Green Week (sponsored by NBC).
Syracuse, meanwhile, is limping into this contest 2-8 with lame duck coach Greg Robinson. Greggers was given his walking papers last Sunday but will be able to finish out the remaining two games with the Orange. The question for Syracuse will be whether they will play hard for their outgoing coach or give up like Washington has this season.
1) Don't let the emotions get in the way.
For the Irish seniors, this is their last time running out of their tunnel and playing in front of 80,000+ at Notre Dame Stadium, so make it count! ND hasn't lost a home finale since Ty's last season (41-38 loss to Pittsburgh), and it shouldn't happen this Saturday, as the team needs to play loose and keep their emotions in check.
The Irish also need to quit worrying about bowl destinations because they will take care of themselves after next week's game with Southern Cal.
I wonder if Haywood's soon-to-be departure will have any residual effects on the team as well. We shall see, but the main focus is Syracuse and playing a full 60-minute contest.
2) Continue stuffing the run.
Last week the Irish stopped the vaunted option attack of Navy to the tune of 178 yards, which is well below their season average. That's something Pittsburgh's defense could not duplicate against the Midshipmen.
Notre Dame's defense will have their hands full with Syracuse's Curtis Brinkley. Brinkley is averaging 106 yards per game, while the Orange are rushing 146 as a team. If the Irish can shut Brinkley well below his average, Notre Dame will be in control throughout.
Look for Toryan Smith to have another big game filling in for the injured Brian Smith, while Maurice Crum will end his last home game in grand fashion.
3) Keep on running.
Next to Washington, Syracuse will be the worst run-stopping defense the Irish face this season. The Orange are giving up 209 yards (107th nationally) and 8.5 touchdowns a game.
On the flip side, Notre Dame's 230 yards last week against Navy was their second-highest rushing output this season. That could be in jeopardy because all three Irish backs are running with some confidence now. Look for two of Notre Dame's back to eclipse the 100-yard barrier against the Orange.
This will be another strong showing on the ground for the Irish as long as they take care of business along the line and with the ball.
comments (7) write a comment »
write a new comment
about 1 month ago
For more up-to-date information on Notre Dame Football and Fighting Irish Athletics, log onto the premeier Notre Dame blog on the internet: Irish Band of Brothers
http://www.irishbandofbrothers.blogspot.com
about 1 month ago
The way for the Irish to win:
SHOW UP
from about 1 month ago
You beat me to it...
about 1 month ago
Great write up. I expect an easy win for the Irish and I expect a huge day from the offense.
about 1 month ago
Ahhh. Remember when the Irish wore the green for those special big games?
Remember when the Irish played special big games?
Just a little something for the middle age folk.
You know, the middle ages-the last time the Irish were respectable.
Chuckcentral
about 1 month ago
BWWWHAAAAAHAAAAAAAAA!!! No one left to blame since ND has now fired the DC, OC, and AD THIS YEAR!! Who's fault is it now Domers... TY WILLINGHAMS?????
about 1 month ago
Can't wait to read how you're gonna beat USC!!!!
write a new comment