How big of a role does coaching play in college football. Just ask the Notre Dame Fighting Irish who, under Charlie Weiss last year, found an offense which had been absent for years. With last years top returning Heisman vote-getter, Brady Quinn, back under center and after a 9-3 2005 season, the expectations couldnt be higher in South Bend. The pollsters and odds makers seem to agree that Notre Dame is in great position to once again hoist a national championship trophy, but despite their talent, it will be difficult for them to top a team from a major conference such as Ohio State or Oklahoma. However, the fact that they are an independent gives them a great chance to get to the title game this season. Although the Irish play a tough schedule, they often play their opponents during their opponents conference season when a game with Notre Dame isnt nearly as important as a game with a conference rival. With that said, things could be slightly different this season, as the Fighting Irish will be marked men because of their potent offense led by the aforementioned Quinn, and standout wide receiver Joe Samardzija who tied Notre Dames catch record with 77 receptions last season and set new marks in receiving yards with 1,249 and touchdowns with 15. The Irish also return 4 offensive lineman including the all important center John Sullivan and big left tackle Ryan Harris. Having the majority of their O-line in tact is even more important to the success this team will have in 06 than any of the big names returning. One player that has gone forgotten, but could prove a major asset to lure defenders away from double covering Samardzija, is Rhema McKnight who was the Irishs leading receiver in 03 and 04 before missing most of last season with an injury. Despite returning 9 starters on the defense, the D might just be Notre Dames Achilles hill which keeps them from a National Championship. The Ds biggest problem last season was its susceptibility to giving up big plays. You dont have to look too far back to remember that the Ohio State Buckeyes torched them with plays of 56, 68, 85, and 60 yards in the Fiesta Bowl. Weis and his staff will likely need to find replacements for linebackers Corey Mays and Brandon Hoyte as they just werent able to get the job done a season ago. The defensive strategy will be to put more pressure on the opposing teams quarterback with Abiamiri who stood out last season recording 8 sacks and 15 tackles behind the line of scrimmage. Well find out what this defense is made of early on as they will be tested by Big 10 powerhouses Penn State and Michigan in weeks 2 and 3 after opening at Georgia Tech. The good news is that Penn State and Michigan will have to come to South Bend. The bad news is that both Big 10 teams are expected to bring in running attacks that the Irish may not be ready for so early in the season. |
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