Preview: Syracuse @ #8 Notre Dame

Date: 9/20/2014

Time: 8:00 PM ET

Television: ABC

Spread: Notre Dame (-10)

Players to Watch

Everett Golson, quarterback (ND): You would never have thought Golson missed the entire 2013 season through academic suspension.  He has completed 64.6% of his passes which have went for 780 yards,  seven touchdowns and no interceptions.  He has passed accurately,  concise and with full confidence.  Furthermore,  he has four touchdowns on the ground.

William Fuller, wide receiver (ND): Through three games Fuller has 19 receptions for 225 yards and three touchdowns.  He and Golson have linked up not only often,  but in crucial situations.  The Sophomore will get better and better as the season goes on.

Terrell Hunt, quarterback (SCU): Hunt is one of the most dangerous dual-threat quarterbacks in the nation and has looked twice the player he was as a junior.  He has six total touchdowns with five coming on the ground and,  while he is not lighting up the world as a passer,  he is taking care of the football.

Cameron Lynch, linebacker (SCU): Lynch has begun the season at a rate of knots with 30 tackles,  5.5 tackles for a loss and 4.5 sacks.  Despite being undersized,  he has wreaked havoc coming off the edge.

Oranges’ Offense Vs Fighting Irish’s Defense

Hunt may lead the team in rushing but senior tailback Prince-Tyson Gulley has also started the season well.  He has posted 251 yards from his 32 touches including a touchdown while Adonis Ameen-Moore is averaging just less than seven yards per carry.

 The Irish will back themselves to stop Hunt through the air so stacking the box and stopping the run game will be a priority.  Solid tackling from the linebacking corps lead by Jaylon Smith will be imperative to success.

Oranges’ Defense Vs Fighting Irish’s Offense

The ‘Cuse’s defense has struggled to keep them in games despite the offense keeping the pressure off the unit.  They have just one forced fumble and one interception through three games and they will need to add to those totals if they are to have a chance of beating Notre Dame.

The Irish’s offense has developed into a well-oiled machine.  Golson is throwing darts,  Fuller and his fellow receivers are catching everything and running back Greg Bryant is doing a solid job pounding the rock.  They have broken the 30-point barrier every game so far this season and are in a good position to make it four out of four.

Game Preview

Notre Dame were upset by Pittsburgh from the ACC last season and will be doing all they can to ensure it was not the start of a bad trend.  Meanwhile,  the Orange have found enough to give Brian Kelly something to think about and will certainly cause problems on both sides of the ball.

Implications

Many experts are now talking about Notre Dame as certain play-off contenders.  Nobody could have predicted how strongly Golson would be playing and he is the oil that drives the offensive engine.  The pre-season negativity surrounding the school in the wake of the academic scandals is quickly being washed away.

Prediction

Notre Dame are playing superbly and there is a 99% chance they continue their roll in this contest.  ND 38-14 SYRA