Notre Dame's Key Matchups in 2009

(Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)

The duel threat of Armando Allen and Robert Hughes should improve with the senior offensive line, although don't expect wonders. However, do expect Notre Dame to be in the top 50 or 60 teams in terms of rushing attack, with freshman Cierre Wood joining the 2009 attack.

Michigan State's rush defence was average last season, ranking 67th in the country last season. The middle of the Spartans defence is most definitely it's strength, with Eric Gordon, Gregg Jones, and Adam Decker. However, for this to be effective the Spartans will have to get a pass rush together.

If the Spartans fail to get their pass rush together, then Jimmy Clausen will pick them apart, making the Spartans bite on play action.

Game Four: Notre Dame @ Purdue

Purdue safety Torri Williams v Notre Dame wide receiver Golden Tate:

This is the match-up that I can't wait for. Both players have star potential in the near future. Williams led the Boilermakers in tackles and interceptions last season.

We saw last season that Golden Tate has pace to burn, and he is not afraid to go over the middle. In fact, the post route that Tate runs is one of Clausen's favorite targets.

Golden Tate went over the middle with regularity last season, especially against the likes of Michigan. Williams will be patrolling the middle, and whoever blinks first could turn the match in favor of their team.

Golden Tate is arguably the best player on Notre Dame's offence, and Torri Williams is arguably the best player on Purdue's defence. It will be a highlight reel match-up, and I can't wait to see it.

Game Five: Notre Dame v Washington

Washington's defence v Notre Dame's offensive line:

Washington's defence was one of the worst in the nation last season, ranking 110th in total defence. They forced little pressure on the quarterback, and the middle of their defence allowed runners to glance on through.

I have already highlighted that the Notre Dame rush attack was not efficient last season, and there will be a lot of pressure on the offensive line to open up gaps for players like Allen/Hughes and Wood.

Washington's defence returns the majority of it's players from last season, with one more year of experience. However, there will be one welcome sight for the Huskies and that's the return of E.J. Savannah.

He should immediately improve that defence. If they can get pressure on Jimmy Clausen and close down the holes, then they could be effective against Notre Dame.

Personally, I don't think Washington will offer much this season, but they will be better than they were last season.

Game Six: Notre Dame v USC

USC's offensive line v Notre Dame's defensive line:

This is going to the trenches—the experienced USC offensive line against the relatively young Notre Dame defensive line.

USC has lost two big key components of there offence in wide receiver Patrick Turner and quarterback Mark Sanchez. However, they are returning all members of their offensive line that Notre Dame struggled with last season.

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