After a week of discussion on the come from behind victory against the Hokies, the Fightin’ Irish are ready to head for tobacco road. The Irish need to keep on the winning pace. The one thing that people need to know is that these guys hate to lose. In the conversations with them post game, they continue to have an upbeat persona and still think they have the best fans in the world. The also say in the social media world, “we don’t need the haters” and that’s their right to feel that way.
Press Conference Opening Remarks
All right, we’ll get to work here. Obviously getting back to preparation this week for Duke, a little quieter around here. I don’t know why, but it seems like if you win it’s a little quieter. We are going to continue to try to do that. Our preparation will be such that we’ve got our players understanding what it
takes to prepare and play the right way.
We’ll build off that and go have some fun, play the game, enjoy it, enjoy being with your teammates. Play fast, play physical against a really good Duke team.
They’ve had a week off to prepare for us. Really like obviously what they’re doing. Coach Cutcliffe does a great job offensively using personnel groupings, what they do best, and taking their pieces and really putting them in good position to succeed, starting with Harris at the quarterback position. Dual threat quarterback. Also the second leading rusher on the team. Throws it well in the one-on-one match-ups. Has got a good, experienced offensive line, a young offensive tackle who is playing really well for them.
Key Factors To Winning
Offense
Convert on third down! Third down has been the Achilles Heel for this team. The team need to set them selves up for a third and short situations. Try and avoid the unnecessary penalties. False starts have been kryptonite for this team as well. The Offensive line needs to go back and make the holes for the Running Backs to run up the middle. The good thing is that the same Running Backs are catching the ball when they are thrown at.
Defense
The defense needs to stay away from the penalties as well. The biggest thing missing from the defense is the take away and getting to the Quarterback in the form of a sack. The defense has not been getting the the turnovers that they had in the first half. Quarterback pressure has not been in the cards either. All of these things made the defense great in the first half.
Special Teams
Jay Bramblett has been the silent hero. After last weeks two bad snaps barely getting to him, Bramblett still stands to be cool under pressure.
Our Picks
Remember these statements and picks are made before the season starts.
Jimmy
Duke will drop in the ACC this year. Duke lost their QB to the NY Giants in the draft in 2019. They are definitely in a rebuild phase. The Blue Devils return 13 starters and there is a strong possibility of large ND crowd.
Jimmy Chooses ND 37-20
George
The Irish need to play Duke as a “faceless opponent” if they are to come away with a victory. They simply need to execute. Also, ND fans will be praying and hanging a rosary as they do not want rain again on a NC region football game. This has happened the last three year against opponents in the RDU (Raleigh-Durham Airport) area.
George picks ND 42-17
Game Day Information
Date: Saturday, November 9, 2019
Time: 7:30 p.m. ET
Site: Brooks Field at Wallace Wade Stadium
• Capacity: 40,004 (Natural Grass)
• Durham, N.C.
TV And Radio
Remember this game is on the ACCNetwork. Unless your cable company has the ACC Network as part of their package, you will not be able to see this game.
TV: ACCN (national)
• Dave O’Brien (play-by-play)
• Tim Hasselbeck (analysis)
• Katie George (sideline)
Radio: Notre Dame Radio Network
• SiriusXM (Channel 129)
• 96.1 FM, 101.5 FM & 960 AM
Cheers and Go Irish!🍀🏈⚡