Notre Dame (2-0) will take on intrastate rival Purdue (1-1) on Saturday evening in a Shamrock Series contest to be played at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis. Coach Darrell Hazell is in his second year at Purdue and is definitely still in a rebuilding mode at 2-12 overall. These teams have played each other 85 times since 1896 and annually for the past 69 seasons, with Notre Dame holding a 57-26-2 advantage. Following Saturday’s meeting the series will go into hiatus until 2020. The game will be nationally televised on NBC starting at 7:30 PM Eastern.

The Boilermakers are still somewhat in shock after losing at home to Central Michigan last week by 38-17. They opened the season by defeating Western Michigan 43-34, so Notre Dame is the first major program on their schedule. I suppose one could argue that the Irish haven’t played anybody either, after coasting to consecutive 31-point victories over nondescript opponents.

Coach Brian Kelly will have to bring his team back to earth after last week’s romp over Michigan. Given their success and Purdue’s current struggles, his young team may have an issue with proper focus on this opponent. Purdue typically exerts maximum effort against Notre Dame, as evidenced by recent contests where heavily favored Irish teams have struggled mightily to eke out victories.

The Irish will again take the field without the services of five suspended players and two others who are injured – wide receiver Torii Hunter, Jr. and safety Austin Collinsworth. Hunter should return for Syracuse on September 27 and Collinsworth should not be far behind him. The University has given no indication when it will announce the status of the five suspended student athletes. For the Boilermakers, wide receiver B.J. Knauf and safety Austin Logan are questionable and will be game time decisions by the coaching staff.

NOTRE DAME’S OFFENSE vs. PURDUE’S DEFENSE

Purdue has senior leadership among the front seven with ends Ryan Russell and Jalani Phillips, along with middle linebacker Sean Robinson and strong side backer Joe Gilliam, who is from Indianapolis. The unit has surrendered an alarming number of points to Mid-American Conference schools, which Hazell attributes to missed assignments and poor tackling. This has caused them to give up big plays, as opposed to long drives. There is talent in this group, however, and it’s likely they will play much closer to their potential against the Irish if they can correct most of these issues.

The Irish counter with an explosive attack fueled by Everett Golson’s strong arm and a surplus of skilled weapons. The Wolverines tried to defend Notre Dame by committing forces to stop the run and keeping everything in front of them in the passing game. This forced Golson to throw several short passes, but Michigan’s defensive backs were not able to handle the speedy Irish receivers in single coverage. The Irish also enjoyed much better field position due to excellent special teams play and four turnovers by Michigan.

Purdue’s athletes are not quite as talented as Michigan’s, but the defensive game plan will probably be similar. The secondary is somewhat vulnerable due in part to a lack of size and physicality, although safety Frankie Williams can be a dynamic performer. Golson should have time in the pocket to exploit this group, as the front four is less skilled at creating pressure on the passer than they are in defending the run.

Regardless of Purdue’s approach, Notre Dame must not give up on the running game. The team gained a grand total of 54 yards last week with a long gain of only six yards, which is unacceptable against any defense for a team as talented as the Irish. Kelly must improve upon that, not necessarily to win this game but to better prepare his team for the challenges that lie ahead.

PURDUE’S OFFENSE vs. NOTRE DAME’S DEFENSE

The area of greatest concern to the Boilermakers is the quarterback position, where the pass completion rate is below 50%. Two sophomores, first game starter Danny Etling and backup Austin Appleby, will likely see action. Hazell pulled Etling following his second interception and inserted Appleby during last week’s loss. Appleby proceeded to throw a long touchdown pass on his first attempt but completed only seven of 17 throws. According to Hazell, “both are young and need to get better.” He has not named a starter for this game at this time.

The Boilermaker running back is Raheem Mostert, who is backed up by Akeem Hunt. Both are under 200 pounds and quick, but certainly not bruisers. Versatile Justin Sinz, who lines up as an H-back and a wideout, is the leading receiver. He and tight end Gabe Holmes are experienced players who find a way to get open. Hazell does not try to hide the fact that he needs more production from his outside receivers. Junior Danny Anthrop is probably the best of the group. He starts with a pair of sophomores, Cameron Posey and DeAngelo Yancey, with Knauf in reserve if available.

There are also no senior starters on the offensive line, where junior Robert Kugler lines up with four sophomores. Hazell praised the performance of this group in terms of the pass protection provided to date and the running game, but the Irish will test them with greater speed and intensity than they have seen to date. One observation made by the Purdue staff is that Notre Dame’s defense is completely different on third down, particularly in long yardage situations. The Irish employ several personnel and rush schemes to confuse the opposition, and this should be particularly effective against the Boilermaker quarterbacks who are still learning the basics.

Purdue also respects Notre Dame’s speed and won’t try to go wide. Instead, they will default to quick hitters and misdirection. Etling is the better runner between the two quarterbacks, and the Irish will have to defend a few designed runs as well as scrambles when he is on the field.

SPECIAL TEAMS
Notre Dame has demonstrated strength in this area rather than mere competence. Kyle Brindza has done an exemplary job in dictating field position, and his 43-yard field goal last week could have been good from 55 or more yards. The Irish coverage teams have not had to break a sweat due to Brindza’s powerful efforts, and don’t figure to be busy on Saturday in the indoor environment. Cody Riggs is the primary punt return man while Amir Carlisle will return kickoffs if the Boilermakers manage to score.

Purdue kicker Paul Griggs is a seasoned performer with above average skill and leg strength. Punter Thomas Meadows does not boot it for long distance but has very few returned. The two running backs, Hunt and Mostert, return kickoffs. Frankie Williams returns punts and is a dangerous weapon in that role.

SUMMARY

Purdue’s best option is to follow the Michigan defensive plan and hope that Golson has an off night. If the Irish can get the running game going and introduce play-action passes, they will light up the scoreboard. The Boilermakers also need to play turnover-free football, which does not seem likely given the youth and inexperience of its quarterbacks. Their best option is to establish the running game and avoid third and long at all costs. Etling and Appleby may become more efficient passers if the threat of a running play is still viable.

The key for Notre Dame is to start the game with intensity and remove all doubt regarding the outcome by halftime. Since this is a Shamrock Series game with a few special bells and whistles, the players should be excited to play. The contest could deteriorate into a dogfight if the Irish are lethargic or commit turnovers – something they have not done to date this season. If they respect their opponent and play a solid game, there won’t be any surprises.

Here are a few questions that will shed light on the outcome:

Can Purdue stay out of third and long situations?

Will Notre Dame rejuvenate its rushing attack and lessen the reliance on Golson?

Can The Boilermaker secondary stay with the Irish receivers?

Which team will commit costly turnovers?

Can the Irish special teams maintain their dominance?

Will Purdue’s quick running backs find creases in the Notre Dame defense?

Can the Irish defense score a touchdown that is not called back by Big-10 referees?

PREDICTION
The gap between these teams has widened since last year and the Boilermakers are not yet ready to step back into the ring and go toe-to-toe with Notre Dame. The resumption of the series is several years away, but right now the Irish should be able to give Purdue a send-off similar to the beating they inflicted on Michigan. Since we have already seen two victories by 31 points, we’ll stay with that margin once again.

NOTRE DAME 41 PURDUE 10