Game Preview: temple
Junior cornerback Anthony Robey made 41 tackles and broke up a team-best six passes last season.
photo courtesy temple
Kelly and defensive coordinator Bob Diaco were
both sought-after commodities on the coaching
market last season after leading the Irish to the BCS
title game. The entire 10-man staff returned to Notre
Dame this season, though — a major accomplishment for a talented group.
Advantage: Notre Dame
Intangibles
First-time visitors to Notre Dame Stadium have
had good luck in recent years — South Florida won
in 2011, and so did Tulsa in 2010. Temple will have
plenty of adrenaline stepping in front of 80,795 fans
with a chance to play David to the Irish Goliath. But
can Rhule and the Owls channel that into good en-
ergy instead of nerves?
Notre Dame should be calm and confident to start
the season. Rees provides a veteran leader to the offense, and the rest of the Irish will no doubt be looking to wash the taste of an embarrassing national
championship game out of their mouths after having
it on the palate for the past eight months.
Advantage: Notre Dame
Predictions
Lou Somogyi: Notre Dame 31, Temple 3
Dan Murphy: Notre Dame 42, Temple 6
Tom Loy: Notre Dame 27, Temple 10
Andrew Owens: Notre Dame 38, Temple 10
