Notre Dame-BYU Preview

After an academic war last Saturday, Notre Dame will battle in a Holy War this week. The #5 Fighting Irish host the Brigham Young University Cougars, a Mormon-based school in Utah. The Cougars enter the game 4-3 but it has been a roller coaster ride for them all season. They are a senior-laden team and they had high expectations before the season began. BYU is similar to Notre Dame in the sense that they rely on their talented defense to win games but their offense has been explosive at times. In their four wins, BYU has outscored opponents 128- 22. However, in their three losses, they have been outscored 73-54. This has resulted in BYU ranking 72^nd in total offense and 5^th in yards allowed nationally.

Keys to Victory

Attack BYU’s Secondary- Throwing the ball deep is how Oregon State racked up 42 points against BYU last weekend. If Notre Dame wants the same result, they will need to take shots downfield. This could be a chance for young receivers, like Chris Brown and Davonte Neal, to show their speed and ability. The biggest concern right now is the starting quarterback situation for the Irish is in question. Everett Golson suffered a concussion last week and may not be 100% ready by game time. This means Tommy Rees may get the start. It is also important to establish a run game. This allows for play action and one-on-one coverage on receivers.

Pressure Riley Nelson- Nelson is a senior and starting quarterback for the Cougars. He has struggled this season as he has thrown six touchdowns but eight interceptions. He has also been sacked 12 times, one less than his entire total last year. Last week against Oregon State, Nelson racked up 300 passing yards but he also threw three interceptions. Notre Dame’s front seven should have no problem forcing Nelson to make mistakes.

Don’t Fall into the Trap- This game is being considered a “trap game” because of its place on the schedule. Last week was a huge home matchup against Stanford and next week is an even bigger road trip to Oklahoma. It’s possible that the players are still celebrating the Stanford win or could be looking ahead to Oklahoma. I seriously doubt this will happen for this Notre Dame team. Brian Kelly and the coaching staff are one of the best in the country and will keep the team focused on the BYU game and only the BYU game. Plus, Manti Te’o will also do his part to keep everybody in check.

My prediction: Notre Dame-23 BYU-7

UPDATE 10/20/2012: Everett Golson will not start the game after suffering a concussion last week against Stanford. Tommy Rees will get to start. Andrew Hendrix may get playing tine too.

National Preview

Skipping the preview and just getting to the picks since I’m running late on posting this.

Games are in order of scheduled start time. Predicted winners in bold.

#6 LSU Tigers at #18 Texas A&M Aggies

Virginia Tech Hokies at #19 Clemson Tigers

#24 Iowa State Cyclones at Oklahoma State Cowboys (side note: Cowboys’ next six opponents are in the BCS Top 25)

#7 South Carolina Gamecocks at #2 Florida Gators

BYU Cougars at #5 Notre Dame Fighting Irish

#17 Texas Tech Red Raiders at #23 TCU Horned Frogs

Nebraska Cornhuskers at Northwestern Wildcats

Michigan State Spartans at Michigan Wolverines

#4 Kansas State Wildcats at #13 West Virginia Mountaineers

#21 Cincinnati Bearcats at Toledo Rockets