Keys to the Game

Ahh it is finally here, Notre Dame vs. Michigan. I look forward to this weekend every year. This weekend will either give me bragging rights for another 365 days or leave me with my tail between my legs (As previously mentioned by Martinez). This game is unlike many of the past ones however. Both teams are 0-2, and looking for their first win, and they are both going to be starting a freshman quarterback.

Jimmy Clausen started last week against Penn State. I thought he looked poised and under control. His numbers were not that bad. For the year Clausen is 21-38 for 178 yards. He is completing 55.8% of his throws, and has one interception (that probably should have been caught for his first TD toss). The stat that stands out is that he is only averaging a meager 4.6 yards a completion. Yes you did read that right, about five yards. I think Notre Dame is going to have to find a way to throw the ball downn the field this weekend. Michigan's secondary has been abused as of late and we have to take full advantage of this. They are starting a freshman corner (#6) also, and that needs to be utilized. To throw the ball, however, you have to be able to run the ball, and BLOCK (DUNCAN, TURK, WENGER). The O-line needs to show up this weekend. Hit someone, and push! Stay on your blocks until the whistle blows. For Gods sake, come off the ball, get mean!

The running game needs to be bruising this weekend. Aldridge is just the person to do that. He has only touched the ball 7 times this year for 16 yards, his longest run was only 7 yards. That being said, if he rushes for over 60 yards this weekend, we win. Allen is a very good running back, but not with a struggling line. He is our leading rusher to date with (and I can't believe this either) 36 yards. Allen is going to be our big hit guy (and we could use a big one this weekend), but we need someone to be the work-horse, and I think it is Aldridge.

With Henne out, Mallet is getting the start for Michigan. Okay, the kid has a cannon, but that does not mean anything. Ron Powlus had a cannon, and that did not win us ball games. You can bet that Michigan is going to ride the back of Mike Hart( 48 carries for 315 yards and 3 TD's). Mallet has only thrown the ball 17 times in his career, completing 6 for 49 yards.

Notre Dame needs to stop the run, and make this rookie throw the ball. Our secondary has looked tough this year, and I think we can bank on them. Stack the line, stop Hart, and make Mallet chuck it. Just be sure to cover Super Mario!

SO:
ND~
Throw the ball down field
Establish a running game
BLOCK
Stop the Michigan running game (Otherwise known as Mike Hart)
Cover Manningham (The only guy Mallet throws too)