USC WEEK
The defining moment(s) arrive for this Notre Dame team in the next 2 games.
First up– USC (5-1). First real test for the ND secondary with Matt Barkley at QB. This guy can throw and everyone knows if he played last year USC would have won that game. This is not the powerhouse teams of the Pete Carroll era but they are good enough to beat this ND team. They have a great receiver in Woods, they will try to match him up against Gary Gray as well as the ILB’S.
Barkley is basically a pocket passer–so ND’s pass rush is critical–Aaron Lynch must have a super game.
A lot is riding on this game–ND’s season as well as recruiting–ton of prospects will attend. Atmosphere will be electric and don’t be surprised if the Green Jersey is worn.
Week 2–Navy and the option game. I am not buying that “we planned to give up yards but not points” ND has not solved the option at all–this will be a tough game
The key to both games is ND’s OL play and QB Rees.
Hope the bye week doesn’t put Rees back to game 1–USF.