Texas vs Notre Dame College Saturday, Sept. 5, 7:30 p.m. ET. With Everett Golson moving to Flo State, ND is led by QB Malik Zaire who was 21 for 35 266 yards as a backup last season and observers like his read option playcalling and can run and pass equally well. In the Malik vs. Malik battle, Texas linebacker Malik Jefferson is a top rated linebacker versatile on pass and run coverage, quick for his large size.
Irish Defensive Coordinator Brian VanGorder may be the key as I see this opener as much a defense battle as an offensive one and would not be surprised to see defensive scoring. Coach Brian Kelly has high hopes onTarean Folston a star from last year who benefits from a strong off line..
ND Starting left tackle Ronnie Staley is one of the best.. C.J. Prosise a secret weapon, transitions from slot receiver to running back. Junior Will Fuller junior Corey Robinson (40-539-5 in 2014), senior Chris Brown (39-548-1) backed up by Amir Carlisle (23-309-3) actually give the Irish too much receiving talent. Freshman wideouts St. Brown and Sanders add to the receiving depth. OFFENSIVE LINE: Nick Martin is the soul of the offensive line with new left guards Quenton Nelson, with Alex Bars and right tackle (Mike McGlinchey), Conor Hanratty and Matt Hegarty make for a strong offense.
ND Defensive tackle Sheldon Day, cornerback KeiVarae Russell are solid returners. Middle linebackers Joe Schmidt and Jarrett Grace add to the mix. Also on the defensive line, junior Isaac Rochell, senior Romeo Okwara, sophomore Andrew Trumbetti and tackles Jerry Tillery and Daniel Cage. Reports are very good stopping the run game but there is some question on pass rush. Solid linebackers Joe Schmidt and Jarrett Grace are solid returners coming off injuries. Def backs KeiVarae Russell is a solid anchor wtih Nick Watkins as well as LB Jaylon Smith. ND def hs some good returners but new talent will have to emerge to fill the gaps.
TEXAS coach Charlie Strong is relying on Senior running back Jonathan Gray and an experienced offensive line. Freshmen Connor Williams and Patrick Vahe are adding to the mix. QB Tyrone Swoopes with backup Jerrod Heard, needs more experience to prove himself and has ecellent go to receiver Dajae Johnson. Texas has reported done well in defensive recruiting but newbies will have to established themselves quickly to make up for losses in the def line.
I am anticipating that both teams will be doing more passing than running and look for strong coordination of players on defense making big plays. I would give Notre Dame a slight edge with more experience and better defense. If Texas defensive recruits live up to their preseason hype, Texas could get a surprise boost. No an easy game to predict. Look for quickness, defense and passing offense to determine the winner here. Notre Dame (-9) good on paper but Texas def could make this an under. Too tough to call.
