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Nevada v. Notre Dame preview
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This is predicted by most to be a big year for Notre Dame but the journey of 1,000 miles starts with one step, and this year that step in Nevada. The Wolf Pack went 7-6 in 2008, but lost to the three ranked teams that they played. They have returned most of their offense, including WAC Offensive Player of the Year Colin Kaepernick, but lost their top receivers. They have a potent offense whose lowest output last season was 17 points, and they top 30 points in 11 of their 13 games.
Air Attack
ND - Jimmy Clausen passed for 3,172 yds last season with 25 touchdowns and 17 interceptions. Entering his third season under center for the Irish in the same system. Questions about arm strength seems to have been answered, but is a pure pocket passer with limited mobility.
NU - Colin Kaepernick became the first player in NCAA history to pass for over 2,800 yds and rush for over 1,000 in 2008. He put up 22 touchdowns through the air and another 17 on the ground. Entering his third year as quarterback, can put the points on the board.
Edge: Even Kaepernick puts up better numbers, Clausen faced tougher defenses.
Ground Game
ND - Look for Armando Allen and Jonas Gray to split time for the Irish. Allen led the Irish with 585 yds on the ground last season and added 355 yds in receptions. Gray only carried the ball 21 times in 08 for 90 yrds, and added a lot of time on special teams.
NU - Vai Taua will carry the load for the Wolfpack. He rushed for 1,521 yds last year and added 18 touchdowns. A bruising runner who isn’t afraid to go up the middle. If Taua gets rolling, the Irish could lose this one. Senior running back Luke Lippincott topped the 1,000 yard mark in 2007 and should get touches as well. That gives Nevada two 1,000 yard backs and a quarterback who also rushed for 1,000.
Edge: Nevada
Out in the Flats
ND – The Irish will send out the trio of Tate, Floyd and Parris to play catch with Clausen this year. Tate led the team with over 1,000 yds receiving and 10 tds. last year. Floyd will work the other side and in 2008 he broke first year player records for yds (719), tds. (7) and receptions (48). Parris, a senior, broke through this year with a strong spring. He has 38 receptions for over 400 yds in his career.
NU – This is the only area of concern for the Wolf Pack offense. Kaepernick’s main targets last year are no longer with Nevada. Look for inexperience to show here. Junior Chris Wellington is the only receiver returning with more than one career catch. He will partner with Tray Session, and Brandon Wimberly to haul in the throws from Kaepernick.
Edge: Notre Dame
The Stoppers
ND – Lack of experience will also come into play on the Notre Dame Defensive front. A load of talent, but not a lot of experience will come into play will Nevada unleashes three 1,000 yard rushers at them. If they cannot contain the run, Nevada has a good chance to win the game. The secondary for the Irish is their strength, and with an inexperience Nevada receiving corp., the turnovers should be there for the blue and gold.
NU – The Defensive Line is a strength for Nevada where Kevin Basped and Dontay Moch put up 36 tackles for a loss, including 21.5 sacks last year. They are better pass rushers than run stoppers, so the Irish will need to pound the ball. Nevada graduated there top two linebackers last year, but their secondary is experienced. The bad news is they had the worst pass defense in the NCAA last year, and experience only gets you so far.
Edge: Notre Dame
Keys:
If Notre Dame controls the ball and establishes the run early, look for a Notre Dame blow out. If Coach Weis gets into a shooting match with this Pistol Offense Nevada runs, and fails to lock up the Nevada ground game, look for a close game, and possible upset.
Prediction:
Notre Dame at home by 20.
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