Notre Dame vs. Pittsburgh: Fighting Irish Primed to Deliver Panthers Beat Down

With Notre Dame it's all about trust. I am about to step back on the Fighting Irish bandwagon and trust that they have learned from their past mistakes. 

The Pittsburgh Panthers are no pushovers. This is a game that Notre Dame could easily lose if they allow themselves to. 

The Irish can be a sloppy team, something we learned very early on in their loss to USF. That lackluster performance may have ruined the season, but Notre Dame holds out hope that a string of wins can offer some modicum of redemption. 

That is the only way they can build up that trust that they perennially break with voters. We build up this program only to see them let us down time and again. 

On Saturday, they will face a team that can be beat by the air, but can also wreak their own havoc on the ground. 

Ray Graham will be the first—and last—option the Panther look to on offense. The Pittsburgh running back has looked capable as a leader and producer of the bulk of the Panthers' offense.

Unfortunately for Pittsburgh, Notre Dame's front seven looked markedly better against Michigan State. Graham might have some difficulty finding the wide gaps needed to push the Notre Dame defense back on their heels. 

This game is being touted as a close one that the Irish may in fact lose. Something they certainly have experience with so far in this still young season. 

However, I have to believe that an offense featuring an emerging Tommy Rees and Cierre Wood will do a great deal of damage. 

Both players will get open looks as receiver Michael Floyd commands the bulk of the attention. Notre Dame is a more versatile team that will get a huge win as they continue to quiet critics. 

All Notre Dame needed was some humility. They got that in droves in the first two games and now they will be playing with more assured hands.

This one won't be close.