In an odd twist of football fate, Notre Dame’s last few weeks have had more excitement than the last couple of weeks that featured actual games. All of the transfers, all of the opt-outs, and of course, the Mike Denbrock news. It’s been a lot to take in and process. But one thing is for sure, Irish fans are excited about the future.
But the Sun Bowl isn’t in the future, it’s in the present. Notre Dame and Marcus Freeman really want to notch win number 10 heading into what seems to be an ultra-bright future with the roster turning over to the plus side and a staff that breeds confidence on not one, but both sides of the ball. In a way, this game is the end of the beginning of the Marcus Freeman era. And Irish fans feel like they are really going to like what comes next.
Let’s talk about three keys to an Irish victory.
Notre Dame Defense
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Given all of the opt-outs and transfers from both Notre Dame and Oregon State’s rosters and staffs, it’s hard to know what to expect when these teams line up. That being said, I feel that the Irish’s defense should be the best unit on the field from either side.
This unit must dictate the game to help aid the Notre Dame offense that will be run by a seemingly capable but inexperienced Quarterback in Steve Angeli. If the defense can set the offense up with short fields and a couple of turnovers, Irish fans will be toasting to a new year with joy.
Mistakes
Matt Cashore-USA TODAY Sports
In a game like this, with so many disjointed parts trying to come together in an actual game situation for both teams, whoever makes the fewest big mistakes has a great chance to win the contest. Which team can limit errors and force the opposition into them?
How will the Irish offense gel as it runs out a unit that looks nothing like the one that faced Navy to open the…
Source link : https://sports.yahoo.com/2023-sun-bowl-end-beginning-212153719.html
Author : Fighting Irish Wire
Publish date : 2023-12-28 21:21:53
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