Blue & Gold Illustrated: America's Foremost Authority on Notre Dame Football
Issue link: https://comanpub.uberflip.com/i/208902
Game Preview: BYU in 2013 (237.4 yards allowed per game). With the Cougars lacking depth in the secondary, Notre Dame might try to spread them out and distribute the ball to some of the options that have emerged in the last month. Van Noy is strong in pass coverage (one interception and six passes broken up), so junior tight ends Troy Niklas and Ben Koyack's greatest contributions might come in run blocking this game. Advantage: Notre Dame Special Teams Kelly has discussed Notre Dame's woeful kickoff coverage unit at length lately after his team sunk to 117th nationally while allowing returns at a clip of 26.05 yards on average. With junior Kyle Brindza performing admirably at kicker and punter, kickoff coverage is the most concerning aspect of Notre Dame's special teams. BYU has not returned a kickoff for a touchdown this season, but it has allowed one. Kelly mentioned how close Atkinson has been to returning one for a score in recent games. A play like that could put the Irish over the top against BYU. Advantage: BYU Coaching Now in his ninth season at BYU, Bronco Mendenhall has developed a strong program that wins consistently with stout defensive play. His squad took Notre Dame to the wire a year ago, and it would not be a surprise for it to happen again in 2013. Kelly, however, has made winning close games a staple of his program. Advantage: Notre Dame Intangibles Notre Dame has the advantage of a scheduled bye week prior to the clash with BYU, which should help in preparation and health. Last year the Irish faced the Cougars after the emotional 20-13 overtime win against Stanford and before the 30-13 victory Senior middle linebacker Uani 'Unga, one of seven first-time starters on the BYU defense, led the Cougars with 84 tackles (5.0 for loss) during their 6-2 start. photo courtesy BYU at Oklahoma. The Irish are aware of BYU's physical play and will not be surprised by anything on senior day. Advantage: Notre Dame