Notre Dame Expectations Cool but Still "Golden" If They Make Improvements

With the end of Notre Dame’s third football game, Irish fans were left with a stinging feeling of reality. Fresh off their dominating performance against Michigan, Notre Dame relapsed into their dismal play from last year, aside from a slightly improved passing attack.

They failed to gain significant yards on the ground, they were unable to avoid costly mistakes at the worst times (see both of Clausen’s picks and freshman Michael Floyd’s fumble at the MSU 20), and compared to their past two games, could not protect the passer.

However, before we declare Notre Dame’s season a failure after their third game of the season—like we so often do—let’s take a look at a few things that offer glimpses of hope to the “Domers.”

First, the obvious surprise of the season is the breakout of sophomore receiver Golden Tate. Providing a deep threat element to a passing game that seemed boring and predictable last year, Tate has racked up 101 receiving yards per game and is averaging 20.2 yards a catch, confirming his big play ability.

In one particular instance during the often lackluster MSU game, the electrifying receiver was able to catch a ball at the sideline, break a high tackle, and propel himself back to his feet for a spectacular play after the catch.

The other glimmer of good things to come for the Irish of 2008 is their defense. In perhaps their best move of the offseason, the Irish added defensive whiz Jon Tenuta from Georgia Tech, and his-blitz happy philosophy is already shining through a much-improved defensive team.

Unfortunately for the defense, they have not reached a level where they can outright win a game for the Irish, unlike some big school defenses like USC and Ohio State.

Consequently, no matter how much better they look to the fans who watched the games last year, their efforts fall short on the stat sheets because of untimely turnovers and the offense’s inability to establish the run and give them a rest.

If the offense can put it together, defensive standouts David Bruton, Maurice Crum Jr., Brian Smith, and special teamer Mike Anello give this team something they haven’t had even when Brady Quinn was at the reins for the Fighting Irish: a collection of defensive playmakers that give Irish fans confidence that they don’t have to blow a team out to win.

With the 2008 Irish football team, mid-level bowl expectations aren’t out of the question. A 9-3 record is reaching but not out of the question either because of their favorable schedule.

All the Irish must aim to do is improve their ground game and continue to work on eliminating costly mistakes.

That way they can utilize electric playmaker Golden Tate and the unexpected mature play of true freshman receiver Michael Floyd to create a decent enough offense to give their defense and its assortment of playmakers a chance to finish games and get to a bowl this season.