Blue and Gold Illustrated

Oct. 28, 2013 Issue

Blue & Gold Illustrated: America's Foremost Authority on Notre Dame Football

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Game Preview: Air Force "There's definitely a chance," the younger Rochell said of going head to head. "We'd do board drills and stuff together [in high school], but nothing too serious where we were butting heads and going at it. It'll be fun. I think it's a bigger deal for my parents seeing both their kids on the same field." When Isaac Rochell was a 260-pound defensive end as a high school senior, it appeared he was destined for a redshirt season while needing to add more weight. Instead, the rookie gained 20- plus pounds during his summer and reportedly bench-pressed 26 reps of 225 pounds. (As a comparison, Florida State's 2013 first-round defensive end Bjoern Werner had 25 reps at the NFL Combine.) Combine that with injuries and attrition along the Irish defensive front, and Rochell has suddenly found himself in the rotation. "It's one of those things I never really thought about it," he said. "I just thought about starting camp and starting college. I just need to work hard and let everything work itself out." ✦ Predictions Tom Loy: Notre Dame 38, Air Force 16 This should be the easiest contest for the Fighting Irish this season, which includes the season opener against Temple. There isn't much that Air Force does particularly well that would catch Notre Dame off guard, and that's usually the only recipe for an upset. Look for the Irish to establish a strong passing game early, with quarterback Tommy Rees and wide receivers DaVaris Daniels and TJ Jones trying to put this game away quickly. Dan Murphy: Notre Dame 44, Air Force 16 Notre Dame has landed in the softest three-week stretch of its 2013 schedule. Tommy Rees and Irish offense hung 59 points on Air Force the last time these two teams met (2011), and the Falcons' defense had fewer holes in that game. The Irish should have their best offensive performance of the year in Colorado Springs. It might not reach into the 50s, but it should be more than enough for a comfortable win. Andrew Owens: Notre Dame 48, Air Force 13 Air Force stumbles into this contest with a 1-6 record and is still searching for its first 2013 win against a Football Bowl Subdivision opponent. Even with two weeks to prepare for the Irish, this game should be over midway through the second quarter. The only category the Falcons excel in is rushing offense, and that's mostly because only Army runs the ball more than Air Force. The Irish also have been productive at stopping the run. Lou Somogyi: Notre Dame 35, Air Force 13 On paper, Notre Dame should definitely exceed 40 points in this contest, but there just always seems to be something that inhibits the offense from reaching a consistent capacity or rhythm with both the run and pass over the course of a game. The Falcons have had too many problems on defense and at quarterback this year to pull the upset, but look for an inspired, energetic and maybe even refreshed start for them after not playing for 16 days.

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