Comments on: Wildcats Lie in Wait for Irish

By: Matt Polge

Matt Polge — Fri, 02 Nov 2018 19:25:27 +0000

Northwestern scares me! They are a capable team that does not have glaring weaknesses! As such, Kelly needs to have Book dropback on early downs to prevent Northwestern from stacking the box with 8 and 9 guys and stuffing the run. If Book is able to get the ball to all of his receivers in stride and allows his receivers to be athletes allowing them to gash the Northwestern D. Then the Northwestern will not be able to stack the box and Notre Dame’s offense will be able to run and pass at will! Defensively, the Irish will need to be ready for a trick play or two from the Cats and the defensive line needs to have a great game and control the line of scrimmage! My prediction is this: If Holtz were running this team – ND 38 Northwestern 17 with Kelly and the fact that he doesn’t make adjustments quickly enough – ND 31 Northwestern 28

By: BrendenO'Malley

BrendenO'Malley — Fri, 02 Nov 2018 18:50:25 +0000

OSU color guy Jim Lachey talks about running the football in terms of moving a man against his will. Sounds like a former Hog. Until I see ND have that ability on a more consistent basis i.e. Stanford, these games will scare me to death.

By: Farsdahl

Farsdahl — Fri, 02 Nov 2018 18:37:38 +0000

That’s it right there. The offensive line did what it needed to do against an overpowered Navy defense, opening holes and protecting Ian, but Northwestern’s defense is a whole ‘nother deal. This, for me, has been the key the whole year: as the offensive line goes, so goes the entire season. I’m going to be totally riveted by the O-line for the entire game.

THAT BEING SAID, we’re still going to crush this one, for the following reasons:
1) Our performance on the road was totally validated in Blacksburg.
2) If our defense has a weakness, it’s on the ground at the edges, which is definitely not Northwestern’s strength.
3) The Wildcats’ turnover issues play right into the strength of our defense.

Northwestern will keep it close for the first half, but we’ll make the adjustments we need during halftime and own the whole third quarter. I don’t think Northwestern’s going to score during the second half at all, except maybe something late in garbage time. ND, 44-17.

By: Dan

Dan — Fri, 02 Nov 2018 18:29:07 +0000

I fear an upset in the making. Northwestern at home (5-1) is trouble. I hope Brian Kelly has ND really really well prepared-mistakes may make the difference.

By: PC

PC — Fri, 02 Nov 2018 18:28:20 +0000

I think Northwestern will play well but the real test over the last 4 games is ND against themselves and not fading under the November pressure. None of the 4 remaining opponents can beat ND if they play well. In the past several years there was 1 or more legitimate highly talented opponents waiting on them. I dont think this is the trap/let down game everyone is predicting. Irish 33-16

By: Scott

Scott — Fri, 02 Nov 2018 18:01:51 +0000

Should be a great game. However, I’m not entirely sold on Northwestern after beating a Hornibrook-less Wiscy. Truth be told, I think Wiscy would have beaten them by double digits if Hornibrook were in the game. They were also beaten AT HOME by Akron, so their defense is suspect. Notre Dame prevails in this one.

Irish 38, Kitty Cats 17

By: tim verhey

tim verhey — Fri, 02 Nov 2018 17:15:58 +0000

My prediction? Pain! Still smarting from being ranked behind a one-loss LSU team that they beat within the last 12 months, the Irish open a can of whup ass on the Mildcats and avenge the 2014 loss. Score: 31-10.

By: Tim VerHey

Tim VerHey — Fri, 02 Nov 2018 17:11:06 +0000

My prediction? Pain. The Irish, smarting from being ranked behind a one-loss LSU team that they defeated within the last 12 months and recalling their overtime loss to the Mildcats in 2014 hang 4 touchdowns and a field goal on them en route to a 31-10 victory. Book it.