Blue & Gold Illustrated: America's Foremost Authority on Notre Dame Football
Issue link: https://comanpub.uberflip.com/i/366772
GAME PREVIEW: RICE proven, it's just that — talk. Kelly has changed the way he approaches the returning games and cover‑ age units this fall, and time will tell if the production changes as well. Senior kicker and punter Kyle Brin‑ dza, however, is a sure thing. Rice punter James Farrimond has a strong leg, but a spotty punt coverage unit sometimes negated the gain. Redshirt freshman Taylor Knopf replaces four‑ year starter Chris Boswell at kicker. Advantage: Even COACHING Bailiff has done a fine job in his seven years at the helm of a program that traditionally has been an NCAA bottom‑feeder. He has led the Owls to consecutive bowl games and a 10‑win season a year ago. Under his direction, the rushing game should not have too much drop‑off despite breaking in new starters at quarterback, running back, left tackle and center. Kelly begins a critical season in South Bend, where fans have grown restless with eight‑ and nine‑win seasons in three of his four years. Advantage: Notre Dame INTANGIBLES It often takes time for teams to shake off the rust in season openers, with last year's 28‑6 win over Temple that was still in question in the third quarter a prime example. Golson could feel some jitters returning to the Notre Dame Stadium field for the first time in game action since November 2012, but poise is typically not an issue for the Myrtle Beach, S.C., native. Although it's difficult to consider a 10‑win team a tune‑up, that's exactly what Rice should be for Notre Dame with a night game against Michigan the following week. Advantage: Notre Dame Fifth-year senior linebacker James Radcliffe recorded 63 tackles, one sack and one forced fumble a year ago to help the Owls finish 10-4. PHOTO COURTESY RICE