1. #1
    WorkHorse
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    SUN BOWL - El Paso, Tx

    Times have changed since Notre Dame (7-5, 5-5-2 ATS) and Miami (7-5, 5-7 ATS) were powerhouse football programs. The Catholics and Convicts get a chance to dust off the old Rivalry in a sold out Sun Bowl this afternoon. Both teams have had quarterback issues with the starter being injured and a freshman stepping in to lead the offense. ND true freshman Tommy Rees led the Irish to three wins in November after starter Dayne Crist went down. Miami starter Jacory Harris had injury problems missing two or three games allowing freshman Stephen Morris to fill in. Harris should start today but he has been up and down all season. Each team has an outstanding receiver in (ND, Michael Floyd, 916 yards, 10 TDs) and (Canes, Leonard Hankerson, 12 TDs)and could be a factor if the quarterbacks can get them the ball.

    Miami comes in with the #2 pass defense in the nation and will present a real challenge for freshman QB Rees. The Canes only allowed 7 passing TDs all season. To go along with the ball hawking secondary, the defense forced 28 turnovers and was very solid in the red zone area. The defense allowed a very respectable 19 points per game (#21).

    Notre Dame's defense improved late in the season limiting opponents to just one offensive touchdown in their last three games. For the season, the defense has given up 146 ypg rushing and 206 per game passing holding opponents to a respectable 20 points per game (#29).

    Knowing that both team's stats are fairly similar, my concern turns to Miami's player reaction with the firing of Shannon. Offensive line coach Jeff Stoutland will run the show, with new coach Al Golden watching from the press box. Word out of Miami is that many players were clearly not pleased with the firing of Shannon. Will this hurt team performance....that's the big question. The Canes were only money 2 of their last 7 games so it's difficult to trust a team with a new sub-coach and players who may not have their heads in the game.

    Notre Dame head coach Brian Kelly is 0-3 ATS in bowl games and the Irish have been a money burner covering just one of its last seven bowls. Even knowing these negative trends, I will play Notre Dame and take the 3 today. The Irish were just playing better football down the stretch. Good luck with your play.


  2. #2
    terrortwylight
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    nice write up

  3. #3
    WorkHorse
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    Marty, I took the under 48. Almost kickoff.

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