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Message: [QUOTE="sutomcat, post: 2776988, member: 27"] [I]So given the somewhat rambling opinionated summary of ND, playing the advantage game, where would you give SU the advantage?? When Notre Dame Runs- When Notre Dame Throws[/I] ND will get some big plays here, even if Wimbush ends up playing. But the SU pass rush, which is excellent, is likely going to cause a turnover or two. [I]When Syracuse Runs - When Syracuse Throws -[/I] I am very interested to see how ND tries to defend the SU offense. Will they try and take away the passing game like Wake did, play 5 and 6 DBs all game long and dare Syracuse to run the ball? Most teams elect to play press coverage, move the safeties up to help shore up against the run and try and force SU to best them deep, and blitz a lot. That was what UNC and NC State did. [I]Special Teams -[/I] Expect ND to get no chances to return kickoffs. Hofricher has a very strong leg. With the hang time on Hof's punts, it is unlikely the Irish will get a big punt return as well. Hofricher is close to an AA punter. Syracuse is 16th in net punting. ND is 56th. It looks to me as though Syracuse has a big advantage with AA candidate Andre Szymt at placekicker (27 of 29 FGs). Justin Yoon is 12 of 16. Syracuse is also tied for 11th in the country in punt returns (ND is 49th). Bid advantage overall here for the Orangemen. [I]Coaching -[/I] I think Kelly is a good coach. He will get points and move the ball against the SU defense. No question. It will be a huge test for Coach Lea to try and devise a way to defend the SU offense, something this ND team hasn't seen before. If there is a weak link in the ND pass defense, I think SU will find it and exploit it. [I]X-Factors -[/I] ND might be feeling the pressure of keeping an undefeated season going. ND might have to play this game without their best QB, or with their best QB not at his best. ND should have a strong home field advantage. I expect 90% of the crowd will be rooting for them. I think good weather helps Syracuse a little, since they are a little more dependent on passing. Right now the forecast looks good. SU has banged up corner backs. Both starters and a key sub are unlikely to be at 100%. At the least, there is a good chance they will be gassed late in the game. [/QUOTE]

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