The Six Players Key to Getting Irish a Sixth Win

Charlie Weis will need a lot of different players to step up and contribute to get the Fighting Irish their sixth win of the year. A sixth win not only makes Notre Dame bowl eligible, but will also double their win total from the dreaded 07' season. Most importantly, a win over a quality team like Pitt will be the start of a roll through November in which expectations beyond "bowl eligible" will return to South Bend. Here are the six players key to beating Pitt on Saturday.

1. Jimmy Clausen- Of course a QB is always key to victory. In the second half vs. UNC, the UNC defense routinely dropped 8 defenders in coverage and had both safeties run outside the hashes pre-snap to help the corners with Tate and Floyd. Washington had some success frustrating Clausen by doing the same thing. Don't be surprised to see Pitt use this strategy, especially after giving up big plays against Rutgers. Clausen will have to be patient and find the open windows in the coverage, but not too patient and take sacks like he did against Washington. If Clausen can do this, and leave the bye week accuracy rust in Seattle, he could have another career day.
2. Maurice Crum- Pitt will attack with LeSean McCoy inside and outside the tackles. As the defensive captain Mo will have to inspire the defense to play with focus and intensity. As a linebacker, Crum will have to chase McCoy sideline to sideline, not miss tackles, and do a better job of shedding blocks then he has so far this season. If Crum finishes the day with double digit tackles that would be a good omen for the final score.
3. Ian Williams - The first half of the season was full of opponents whose offensive style dictated defensive personnel groupings that did not feature the 310lb. sophomore. Despite the limited playing time, Ian is second in tackles amongst all defensive lineman with 15 total. Williams will be essential to helping the defense try and neutralize McCoy. Williams has a great opportunity to remind everyone why he was a Freshman All-American in 07', because Pitt will be playing Saturday with a new center. If you see big #95 moving backwards, beware of older ND fans having Dorsett flashbacks which can induce violent outbursts.
4. Terrail Lambert- Remember which corner Michigan state went after when deciding to pass? Does the name Mark Dell ring a bell? The Irish defensive scheme this season requires corners who can play on an island, but even more so when playing against an offense with a feature back like Javon Ringer or LeSean McCoy. Expect to see either of the safeties drop down into the box to support the run and linebackers being sent on run blitzes. Those factors both require corners who can hold their own without any help. If you see Lambert lined up alone on the wide side of the field across from 6'5" Jonathan Baldwin don't be surprised to see Pitt try to exploit that matchup.
5. Duval Kamara- Since coming back to life against UNC, all hope is not lost on Duval in 2008. You can bet your bottom dollar Pitt is going to give their corners safety help with Golden Tate and Michael Floyd. You can then double down your winnings on the previous bet that every Pitt linebacker will know where Kyle Rudolph is at all times. Both David Grimes and Duval Kamara should be the ones ignored most in coverage providing opportunity for both to have a solid day. With Kamara being the easier target to see in the open windows of a zone and the fact Grimes has a back that may limit his action, Clausen could rely on Kamara early and often. Kamara will also be a big factor in the run game as the coaches seem to prefer his bigger frame to be in when running out of normal personnel packages. If Kamara continues on his path to redemption the day gets much easier for Clausen.
6. Jamandobertnas Alldridhugray- What? Just when you thought Armando Allen was becoming the lone ranger and feature back, James Aldridge breaks out while finally looking healthy, and a freshman back looks real good closing out a game. Then there is that Huuuuuuuuuuuuughes fellow who pounded the Wolverines. Allen will most likely continue to be the 1a runningback against Pitt. However, what was supposed to be a three-headed monster at running back in the "pound it" offense is actually one running back who morphs into different bodies and changes jersey numbers from time to time. If Alldridhugray can be productive early and keep Pitt from selling out against the passing game expect a decisive victory for Notre Dame.

Prediction: Notre Dame - 44

               Pitt - 31

               Lou Holtz shots at Mark May - 137

               Mark May's blood pressure - 180/105