Sun Bowl 2010: 10 Things To Know About Notre Dame

Now that the regular season is over, the Irish are going to their first Bowl game since going to the Hawaii bowl in 2008.  

Notre Dame fans seem to be somewhat happy with the performance of Brian Kelly this season, and are looking forward to him bringing the Fighting Irish back to the top of the nation in the next few years.

As the Irish head into the Sun Bowl to face old rival Miami, here are ten things you need to know about the Fighting Irish.

James Evens is a Purdue student and Basketball/Football Featured Columnist for the Boilermakers, along with being a Writing Intern at Bleacher Report.  Follow him on Twitter or like him on Facebook.

Defense Doesn't Give Away Many Points

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LOS ANGELES - NOVEMBER 27: Wide receiver Ronald Johnson #83 of the USC Trojans carries ball against safety Zeke Motta #17 of the Notre Dame Fighting Irish at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum on November 27, 2010 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by S

Notre Dame's defense does not give up many points.  They are ranked 26 in the country in this stat, only giving up on average 20.5 points per game this season.

They even held Utah's high powered offense to only three points.

Although they have given up a few large sums this season, they are still pretty solid about giving up very few points.

Brian Kelly Needs to Win This Game

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LOS ANGELES, CA - NOVEMBER 27: Head coach Brian Kelly and quarterback Tommy Rees #13 of the Notre Dame Fighting Irish embrace after the game against the USC Trojans at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum on November 27, 2010 in Los Angeles, California. No

Brian Kelly needs to win this game for numerous reasons.  

Winning the bowl game would put them at a record of 8-5 on the season.

He promised to restore Notre Dame to it's prime and winning this bowl game, against Miami, is just another step in this process.

Must Be Able To Pass The Ball

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LOS ANGELES - NOVEMBER 27: Quarterback Tommy Rees #13 of the Notre Dame Fighting Irish throws a pass against the USC Trojans at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum on November 27, 2010 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Stephen Dunn/Getty Images)

For Notre Dame to win this game they will need a great game from quarterback Tommy Rees.

Following the injury of quarterback Dayne Crist, Rees stepped up and has passed for a total of 905 yards and 10 touchdowns.  Although he has stepped up and played okay, he has had a problem with interceptions and will need to limit these if they expect to win the game against Miami.

Stop The Run

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NEW YORK - NOVEMBER 20: Josh Jackson #14 of the Army Black Knights is tackled on a kickoff return by the Notre Dame Fighting Irish at Yankee Stadium on November 20, 2010 in the Bronx borough of New York City. (Photo by Nick Laham/Getty Images)

The Irish lacked a run defense for the most of the season.  Although they have really stepped up their game the past few weeks, they will need to continue this stand to stop Miami's high powered rushing attack if they plan on winning the game.

Miami averages 190 yards per game on the ground and basically depends on that, if the Irish can stop their rushing attack, it should be smooth sailing.

Need to Run

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LOS ANGELES, CA - NOVEMBER 27: Running back Robert Hughes #33 of the Notre Dame Fighting Irish carries the ball against linebacker Chris Galippo #54 of the USC Trojans at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum on November 27, 2010 in Los Angeles, California.

The Irish have depended heavily on their passing game so far this season to be successful.  Although it is still vital to pass the ball, they need to make sure the running game still gets it's carries. 

The Irish only average 120 yards per game on the ground ranking them 96th in the nation.  It is essential they keep running the ball though to open up the passing game.

The Irish Have a Strong Kicker

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SOUTH BEND, IN - SEPTEMBER 25: David Ruffer #97 of the Notre Dame Fighting Irish kicks a field goal as Richard Sherman #9 of the Stanford Cardinal tries for the block at Notre Dame Stadium on September 25, 2010 in South Bend, Indiana. Stanford defeated No

The Irish are led on special teams by kicker David Ruffer.  Ruffer the senior place-kicker is perfect on the season for field goals and has only missed three extra points on the season.

It's essential for the Irish to take a shot at long field goals, because they are almost guaranteed points with Ruffer's leg this season.

Michael Floyd Needs to Be Successful In This One

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SOUTH BEND, IN - NOVEMBER 13: Michael Floyd #3 of the Notre Dame Fighting Irish catches a touchdown pass over Brandon Burton #27 of the Utah Utes at Notre Dame Stadium on November 13, 2010 in South Bend, Indiana. (Photo by Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images)

The Irish are led in receptions by Michael Floyd.  Floyd the first round prospect has caught 73 passes on the season for 916 yards and ten touchdowns.

It is essential that Floyd gets open against a struggling Miami secondary.

Cierre Wood Needs to Step Up

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SOUTH BEND, IN - NOVEMBER 13: Cierre Wood #20 of the Notre Dame Fighting Irish runs past Chaz Walker #32 of the Utah Utes at Notre Dame Stadium on November 13, 2010 in South Bend, Indiana. Notre Dame defeated Utah 28-3. (Photo by Jonathan Daniel/Getty Ima

Cierre Wood has had some great games this season, but has yet to break the 100 yard rushing mark on the season.  This year Wood has rushed for 522 yards and two touchdowns.

It's essential the Wood steps up and provides a spark in the running attack for the Irish.

The Irish Must Contain Jacory Harris

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MIAMI, FL - OCTOBER 9: Jacory Harris #12 of the Miami Hurricanes warms up prior to the game against the Florida State Seminoles on October 9, 2010 at Sun Life Stadium in Miami, Florida. (Photo by Joel Auerbach/Getty Images)

Harris came into the season as one of the most highly touted players in the country.  After a disappointing season, he is coming off an injury and is looking to regain the respect of the nation.

Harris the 6'4" junior quarterback has passed for 1756 yards and 14 touchdowns this season.  

Jacory Harris will be looking to make a big impression in the final game of the season as he looks to retain a starting position at quarterback for whoever Miami's new coach might be next season.

Playing As a Team Is Essential

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NEW YORK - NOVEMBER 20: Robert Hughes #33 of the Notre Dame Fighting Irish celebrates his touchdown with teammates agianst the Army Black Knights at Yankee Stadium on November 20, 2010 in the Bronx borough of New York City. (Photo by Nick Laham/Getty Ima

The Irish finished the last half of the season very strong.  They recorded victories over Utah and USC. Notre Dame finished the season on a three game win streak and want to extend that to four over Miami.

An entire team effort to finish the season strong is important in this post season match-up.  Although this game is utterly meaningless as most bowls are, it is important the Irish get a win here to propel them to a great season in 2011 as they look to become one of the nation's elite once more.