(Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
Game One: Nevada @ Notre Dame
Nevada ground attack v Notre Dame ground defense:
It's not hard to see where the key match-up lies on opening day of the 2009 college football season.
Nevada has one of the best rushing attacks in the country. In 2008, Nevada ranked 3rd in rushing offence and 5th in total offence. They have a multi-dimensional quarterback who is as likely to take off on foot as he is to send the ball long.
In fact, Nevada quarterback Colin Kaepernick is likely to run more this season because of the losses in the receiving core at Nevada. Mike McCoy and Marko Mitchell will be missing from the receiving core.
Kaepernick ran for 1,130 yards last season, although he was not the leading rusher for Nevada which shows just what kind of ground attack they possess.
Vai Taua ran for over 1,500 yards last season and is a danger everytime he touches the ball. Along with Kaepernick, Vai Taua was one of the main reasons Nevada averaged over 500 yards per game on the ground in 2008.
Notre Dame ranked 45th in rushing defence last season, but there is reason for optimism. With Jon Tenuta calling the plays, and more pressure coming, holes should be filled quicker and players brought down in the backfield.
Notre Dame will be quicker on defence with Freshman Manti Te'o offering a lot, and standout Brian Smith will use his speed from the OLB position to track down opponents. If runners do get into the secondary, Notre Dame have the pace to track them down.
However, Nevada will offer a very early challenge to Notre Dame's new attacking defence.
Game Two: Notre Dame @ Michigan
Notre Dame's passing attack v Michigan's passing defence:
It seems like no player is talked about in college football as much as Jimmy Clausen...well that's what it seems like to the Irish. There is so much potential, and this is his season to shine.
Notre Dame's passing attack is almost guaranteed to be their main strength this season. With Golden Tate and Michael Floyd returning, as well as Kyle Rudolph over the middle, Notre Dame could have one of the best pass attacks in college football.
On the other hand Michigan's pass defence last season was nasty. It ranked 87th overall and 9th in the Big 10.
The loses of several key defensive players are bound to impact a defence that wasn't that great to start with.
Safety Brandon Harrison, defensive end Tim Jamison, defensive tackle's Will Johnson and Terrence Taylor, and cornerback Morgan Trent will all be missing from the Wolverines' defence this season.
Will Michigan's defence be able to hold Jimmy Clausen and the Notre Dame offence? That will be the key to the game.
Game Three: Notre Dame v Michigan State
Notre Dame ground attack v Michigan State ground defence:
There is little doubt that the Notre Dame run game has to be more effective this season. Notre Dame ranked 100th in it's ground attack last season, and although they have the talent, the offensive line found it hard to open up holes.
We're going to send you the most entertaining Notre Dame Football articles, videos, and podcasts from around the web.
21 Comments
Loading more comments...
This comment and all replies have been deleted This comment has been deleted Undo delete