Notre Dame v. Nevada: Preview

After two mediocre seasons during a stretch of subpar performance by the most historic program in college football history, Notre Dame Fans are ready for Weis’ finished product. The Fightin’ Irish look to set the tone for the 2009 season with a dominant win versus the underdog Nevada Wolfpack.

Matchup(s) to watch: Without a doubt, the quarterbacks for both teams will be the focal point of attention. How much has ND’s Jimmy Clausen approved and matured? How effective can the Wolfack’s QB Colin Kaepernick be against this slower Notre Dame defense? Clausen’s performance against Hawaii in the Bowl game last year may have been either an indication of development or simply ease against an inferior opponent. It can be justly said that Kaepernick has the ability to be more of a threat against the respective defense. Advantage: Notre Dame

Offense: Again, the quarterbacks of each program will receive all the attention in this game. However, they do not need to be the focal point of the offensive playbook to win this game. ND has plenty of weapons at the skill positions including three outstanding running backs led by Armando Allen, two dominant deep threats and a tight end that can exploit a defense much like John Carlson did for Brady Quinn three years ago. Nevada will have to rely on its offensive line. It should be no surprise that Notre Dame will bring various blitz packages early and often to disrupt the Nevada offense. To be successful, they must hold their blocks to allow Kaepernick time to get of the pocket and into the secondary of Notre Dame. Advantage: Notre Dame

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Defense: Neither school has had a defense to write home about in the last few years. When they lose, they give up a lot of points. The question will be which defense will be capable of not only containing the other’s skill players, but also which will make the fewest mistakes. I am unsure Nevada has the ability to bring too much pressure against Clausen-but they will try. If successful, ND will be in for a long afternoon. However, this ND defense has added a MLB that has the potential of blowing up some plays, freshman Manti Te’o. Advantage: Notre Dame

Overall: September, Notre Dame Stadium, and a lot on the line.The Irish are looking to improve form the last two seasons and contend for a BCS Bowl bid. Well, it starts on Saturday. The Irish must be relaxed on offense and poised on defense and not rely on the kicking game to win the game for them. Charlie won’t let this one get away. Prediction: Notre Dame 31 Nevada 17

By Ben Barrick
CollegeSports-fans.com Guest Writer