Bored at work, figured I'd do a break down of the game. Saturday night can't get here soon enough, just anxious to get past this weekend win or lose at this point.
Irish keys to upset:
1. Got to win the turnover battle. Rees has done a much better job holding onto the ball this year compared to last year, however Golson will be starting and has lost the ball a few times understandly as a redshirt freshman. On the positive side Golson has oddly played much better away from South Bend this year with his best games coming in Ireland, Chicago, and East Lansing.
2. Front seven on defense need to pressure Landry. When Landry is on, he's killer, but he hasn't faired well when a team has been in his face like KSU was early in the game. This will also take pressure off Notre Dame's young secondary which lost 3 starters early in the year. They haven't been tested with an offense as complete as Oklahoma's. On the other hand, Oklahoma hasn't seen a decent defense outside of Kansas State this year. Oklahoma's offensive line has also been considered a patchwork group this year that hasn't been tested outside of that loss.
3. Notre Dame will establish the run if they have any chance to win. I don't see the game playing into their favor if Oklahoma stacks the box and sells out for the rushing attack, the Irish passing game just isn't consistent yet. They'll want to keep the ball out of Oklahoma's hands as much as possible and play field position, so they'll have to be able to run. I think they can get this done, Oklahoma hasn't been that strong against teams that do run the ball (Gave up 200+ yards rushing to UTEP, Kansas State, and 170 to friggin' Kansas).
How the game will likely go:
1. Jones and Oklahoma bring their balanced attack to keep the Irish defense off guard, having a modest rushing attack coupled with a strong passing game that keeps Notre Dame honest. Lots of quick passing attacks to take the Irish front 7 out of the equation.
2. Oklahoma does a better job holding onto the football than they did against Kansas State. Irish will need a turnover or two in their favor to keep points off the board.
3. Oklahoma wins with a defense that will be enough to stop a sputtering Irish offense, and the Sooners will bring their strong offense that wears Notre Dame's defense down by the 4th quarter or sooner. They also win the Special Teams battle hands down, giving them that much more of an edge.
OU 27 - ND 16
Little history, which means nothing for this game on Saturday but I thought was interesting: Irish are 8-1 against Oklahoma all time with the last win coming in '99 against Stoops. Oklahoma's Offensive Coordinator is also their former QB from that '99 game. Irish came back from a deficit at halftime to win 34-30 in South Bend. Stoops has 70+ wins at home in Norman in his coaching career with just 4 losses, which is remarkable.
) Bob strikes again.
