Another night game, another so so team looking to make their season. ND must start now and put together a complete game in all phases as they have 2 monster opponents coming up.

Pitt plays a traditional offense like Wisconsin, where head Coach Paul Chyrst came from. They have a cobbled together OL which Tuitt and Shembo should feast on – that is if Shembo shows up. Pitt QB Savage is a very good passer if given the time, and very wobbly when rushed. ND should be able to feast on him all game.

The Pitt defense has one very good DT in Aaron Donald and the rest of the D is comprised of marginal type players. I would think that the Pitt staff will elect to have Donald attack the right side of the ND line – Elmer and Stanley. If they hold up, barring fumbles and interceptions, ND should roll in this game and take out their frustrations of the last 2 games. But they have to be ready to go from the first whistle – if they start out like sleep walkers, it’ll be a long night. Finally, on defense both Fox and Calabrese must start playing like 5th year pros to stop the inside running game.

It has been a year of redemption for Tommy Rees and I really hope he can close out his career in the last 3 games without making disastrous decisions that cost us a win.

Finally, ND has to play to win and not play hoping they don’t lose. I think this coaching staff over thinks everything and just confuses the players with a rigid game plan – this just makes them tight. Most of these guys are top flight athletes – so unleash them – let them play all out – aggressive aggressive and aggressive. Forget that timid, tepid defensive scheme–cut loose, play loose and we win easily.

Notre Dame 38 Pitt 17