Notre Dame Football: Can the Terps Upset the Irish?

Notre Dame (6-3) vs. Maryland (2-7)

Saturday, November 12th, Fedex Field

7:30 p.m. (NBC, Westwood One)

Notre Dame will make their second leg through the ACC as they travel to Fedex Field to take on a supremely disappointing Maryland team.  The Irish, despite some injuries, should have enough to defeat a fading Maryland team.

Maryland Offense vs. Notre Dame Defense

Maryland fans had high hopes heading into the season, as they returned the ACC Rookie of the Year, quarterback Danny O'Brien.  Those hopes have faded, as the offense has struggled throughout the season.  Head coach Randy Edsall actually benched Danny O'Brien in favor of C.J. Brown, who appears to be a better fit to run his offense. 

A larger problem facing the Terps is a lack of front line playmakers on offense. 

Leading rusher Davin Meggett is averaging just 72 yards per game, while leading receiver Kevin Dorsey has just 31 catches and a 12.4 average per reception.  Aside from an explosion in Week 6, where they scored 45 points, they have not scored over 21 since a Week 4 victory vs. FCS program Towson University.

Under most circumstances, I would look for the Irish defense to dominate a weak Maryland offense.  However, injuries are beginning to mount at Notre Dame and this will keep this game closer than it should be for a while.  With a lack of weapons in the passing game, the weakest part of the Notre Dame defense (the secondary) should be able to hold their own.

EDGE: NOTRE DAME

Notre Dame Offense vs. Maryland Defense

Maryland is giving up over 30 points per game in their last five outings.  This is a defense that has struggled throughout the year. 

Notre Dame, on the other hand, continues to put up good numbers against almost every opponent. 

It is funny that the biggest concern on offense in the preseason, in my opinion (running back), has been a pleasant surprise.  I would not be surprised if both Jonas Gray and Cierre Wood top the 1,000-yard mark.  Although this unit is still sloppy at times and capable of a turnover fest, I still think they have more than enough to handle a hapless Maryland defense.

EDGE: NOTRE DAME

Special Teams

Nick Ferrara handles both the place kicking and punting duties for Maryland.  His stats are slightly better than both David Ruffer and Ben Turk's. 

Notre Dame appears to be slightly better in the return game.  In my opinion, special teams have improved steadily throughout the year, though, the punt return game is still weak.

EDGE: EVEN

Intangibles

Much has been made of Notre Dame bringing out the green jerseys for this game, which to me is a sign of how far the program has fallen. 

Green Jerseys to take on a 2-7 Maryland squad? 

Some people will argue this is like a home game for Maryland, but I'm not buying it.  Maryland travels poorly and has a mediocre fanbase at best.  Despite a 75-50 record and a 5-2 bowl game record, Maryland opted to fire alum Ralph Friedgen.  Maryland was 60-103-1 in the 15 years prior to Friedgen's arrival.  Nevertheless, the University's desire to go from "good to great" led to his ouster. 

Many people thought that Mike Leach would be the successor; however, Randy Edsall, with his career record of 76-77 as of press time, is the man who they hope will deliver greatness.  So far it has not gone well: attendance is way down, the team is struggling and Edsall has alienated some fans, alumni and players.  I predict this will not end well.

Notre Dame appears to have moved past their family squabble following the USC debacle and now appears poised to head to Stanford with the hopes locking up a medium-tier bowl and playing spoiler to Andrew Luck and the Cardinal.

EDGE: NOTRE DAME

Final Analysis

What part of "You are a basketball school" did Maryland not understand?  You had a good coach and a fairly successful program.  You will never be a regular BCS contender. 

This reminds me of the Syracuse situation a little bit.  Syracuse also had a successful program but is more known as a basketball school.  They were 107-59-1 under Paul Pasqualoni and decided they could do better.  They are 27-54 since he left.  Maryland now appears to be facing a similar situation.

Notre Dame should have any easy time with a Maryland team that likely finishes 2-10.  Maryland will use the excitement of playing in prime time and being close to home to help stay in it, but these two teams are clearly heading in opposite directions.

NOTRE DAME 44, Maryland 19