How’d We Do Last Week?
As a refresher, I feature the most interesting, most wildly inaccurate, and most accurate takes for the Notre Dame Fighting Irishfrom the previous week. Let’s get started!
Most Wildly Inaccurate
The Lord Giveth, and he taketh. Oben didn’t play poorly, but did not record a stat. Not a one. Hand up, that’s on me.
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Most Interesting
#Respect
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Most Accurate
ND outrushing Army was a GREAT call here.
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And now onto the take for the Notre Dame Fighting Irish and the USC Trojans
Cold Take
Riley Leonard has 2 TD runs over 20 yards
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Leonard has been playing great football and is exactly the dual threat type of player we hoped we were getting. The Irish offense has been so good that they have not relied nearly as much on Leonard’s legs, which has allowed Price, Love, and Williams to flourish. Love can make the argument that he is the best RB in football…..Yes we say that here at OFD. If I am USC I am focused on stopping Love at all costs, which will open up some option room for Leonard to work with. Leonard takes advantage of it and has 2 long touchdown runs. I expect Denbrock to empty the tank in this game…..It is a playoff game after all. Win, and we are hosting football in South Bend in December. Let that sink in.
Hot Take
Irish force 4 turnovers
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This game will be much much closer if the Irish do not take the ball away. USC has been playing ok-ish football, but they have a lot of talent and play really hard. At this point, this game could be their super bowl(especially if they hang around). The way to kill any shot of them hanging around is to get them to turn the ball over EARLY and OFTEN. Al Golden knows this and will bring tons of pressure on third time USC starter Jayden Maiava. This pressure will force some errant throws as well a strip sack from hanging in the pocket too long. Also, let the records show…..We simply have more Jaydens than they do. Ill throw in a big play by each of our Jaydens as well. (Harrison + Thomas).