Notre Dame Football: Why Notre Dame Will Beat USC

Throughout much of the Charlie Weiss tenure the Irish were pummeled by the Trojans. Things are changing under Brian Kelly.

The Irish actually look like a football team. Growing up in Valparaiso, Indiana (roughly 45 minutes west of South Bend), I haven’t missed a ND football game in years. The new coaching staff has done wonders on the defensive side of the football in regards to developing talent.

Te’o is now in the top fifteen on Mel Kiper’s big board. More importantly guys such as Shembo, Fleming and Nix, are really starting to develop.Aside, from a few hiccups early on in the season, the defense has been very solid.

The Offense Is Taking Care of the Ball

Offensively, I can’t stress how impressed I am with the play of Jonas Gray. Many critics really let Kelly have it after some of his tirades  that were caught on camera.

Kelly’s reaction when Jonas Gray fumbled?

The coach responded by consoling his player, and providing reassurance.

That was huge for Gray's confidence. Since the game against South Florida, the senior has averaged nearly eight yards per carry with four TDs on fewer than 50 carries.

This equates to a TD once every 10 touches.

Don't Forget About Cierre Wood

Cierre Wood is emerging as a solid draft pick as well. He has six TDs, and is well on the way to a 1,000 yard season. 

If you can run the football and play defense, such as the Irish have done, you always have a chance to win.

What killed Notre Dame early on is that they turned the football over, point blank.

Floyd Is Saving Tommy Rees

When Rees takes care of the football the Irish are filthy on offense. Michael Floyd is…well Michael Floyd, no real surprises there.

However, the senior has been lights out, and is now the leading receiver in all categories in Notre Dame History.

Not bad.

The Irish have scored outscored their opponents 87-43 over the last two games. 

The Freshman Have Been Impressive

George Atkinson III, Aaron Lynch, Stephon Tuitt, and Troy Niklas have all stepped up in a large way.

I can’t recall the last class of freshman that has performed at this high of a level.

Atkinson III has two TDs, including an explosive kick-off return for a TD. Lynch and Tuitt are proving why they were touted as elite defensive lineman in high school.

These players are providing much needed depth to the Notre Dame d-line. Niklas has started a game this season, and has impressed at the linebacker position.

Notre Dame Will Throw the Football Well Through the Air

USC’s defense has given up an average of nearly 300 yards per game this season; this bodes well for the Irish.

Add in the talents of Andrew Hendrix and Notre Dame looks much more potent this season.

The Irish have averaged over 250 yards rushing each of the last three victories, and if they establish the run early, Floyd and Eifert will likely reap the benefits.

There Will Be Top Recruits in Attendance

There will be several recruits on hand, however no prospect is more talented then RB prospect Keith Marshall.

This RB is arguably the best running back in the country, and he is strongly considering Notre Dame.

In fact, he has scheduled only three official visits thus far, with the others being Florida and Georgia.

With the recent struggles of the Gators, I predict this race will come down to Georgia and Notre Dame.

Look for the Irish to put on the full-court press to land Marshall.