I really wish Notre Dame had a tuneup opponent this week. Somehow or other I would like to see a solid running game by the Irish to determine whether this is a good line or not. Also I’m not sold on their pass blocking. Our QB’s have very little time to scan the field and are getting hit too often.

I have always been in favor of having a real fullback in my offense, not only to run the ball in the short game but also as a pass protector. I know Kelly not really into the fullback position but if he’s changing in his thinking about his offense he may be open to the benefits of a real fullback, He actually has one in the 2013 recruiting class in Alex Anzalone–who could play ILB and fullback on occasion–think goal line.

On Anzalone, glad to see he’s returning this week for the BYU game. I was very worried when he went to the FLA. LSU game. Really hope ND gives him a lot of loving this weekend.

Ok, onto BYU currently 4-3 but could easily be 6-1 and they really hung in there with Oregon State. By the end of the 3rd quarter score was 21-21. Things broke down in the 4th quarter including a pick by Oregon State for a 47 yd touchdown.

BYU quarterback Riley Nelson has a good arm and can also run as well as pass on the run. He’s dangerous for 4 quarters and given time he could really light it up.

The BYU defense is for real–currently listed in the top 20. They held OSU to 118 yds. rushing but gave up 332 in the pass game. Solid front seven led by a great linebacker in Kyle Van Noy. No doubt he will go at it with Troy Niklas after watching Niklas against Stanford. Hope someone worked real hard with Troy this week.

The BYU head coach Bronco Mendenhall also serves as the DC–he’s good as well as innovative. Just watch what he brings in the ND game. With what I consider a unstable QB situation at ND — BYU will be coming after the QB on every play and you can bet–strip the ball was a priority this week.

Notre Dame has to score 35 points to win and the ND defense must play another shut down game.

I’ve been trying to think who Tommy Rees reminds me of, and it finally came to me–Bernie Kosar who played for Miami and the Cleveland Browns. Kosar had a weak arm but he was very accurate as well as smart as hell re football. It looks like we will never find out with Kelly’s infatuation with Golson.

Anyhow scary game. My prediction:

Notre Dame 31 BYU 24