Blue and Gold Illustrated

Nov. 10, 2014

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

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GAME PREVIEW: ARIZONA STATE Sullivan. • In each of former Irish head coach Charlie Weis' last three seasons from 2007-09, the Navy game was followed by losses to Air Force at home (2007), a 2-8 Syracuse team at home (2008) and another setback at Pitt (2009). "Navy is a very good opponent, but there shouldn't be any carryover," Notre Dame head coach Brian Kelly said. "We should be able to play con- sistently the next week." However, Kelly did say that after a bye week Oct. 25 and then having to play Navy Nov. 1, some preparation for Arizona State had to take place while also practicing for the Midship- men's triple-option attack. "We're running some [skeletal] plays and some seven on seven against our defense with our base call, because we have to get back to our base calls next week," Kelly said of balancing the preparation for Navy with look- ing ahead to ASU. "… We don't want them to forget what quarter coverage looks like." Arizona State likely is the most chal- lenging opponent Notre Dame will face the past decade the week after Navy. The Fighting Irish toughness will be put to the full test in Tempe. ✦ Predictions Douglas Farmer: Notre Dame 38, Arizona State 28 A passing attack as strong as Arizona State's could pose problems for Brian VanGorder's attacking sys- tem, but if the Irish defensive coordinator learned anything from the second half at Florida State, it will be how to adjust. Look for Notre Dame to ease some of the pressure against the Sun Devils — ease, not halt — and allow its line to provide heat on quarterback Taylor Kelly. Tom Loy: Notre Dame 38, Arizona State 20 The Sun Devils have a strong offense, but when they play against a tough, physical defense like Stanford, UCLA or Washington, they slow down quite a bit. With continued strong defensive line play, the Irish should be able to keep Arizona State in check. ASU is vulnerable defensively and quarterback Everett Golson should be able to pick it apart through the air. Andrew Owens: Notre Dame 37, Arizona State 30 Notre Dame witnessed how explosive Arizona State is during last year's Shamrock Series win in Arling- ton, Texas. With quarterback Taylor Kelly back from an injury, the Sun Devils are as dangerous as ever with plenty of playmakers. The difference is an Irish offense that is vastly improved over last year's group that scored 30 on ASU (not including an interception return for a score). Expect a shootout in the desert. Lou Somogyi: Notre Dame 31, Arizona State 28 Deep down, I felt Notre Dame would upset Florida State because the Seminoles were ripe — and now deep down I believe this is the game the Fighting Irish get beat. Yet I can't pick against them right now. It will be imperative to get off to a quick start in the road environment, and also because ASU's defense has been improving and head coach Todd Graham usually has his offense scoring in the 30s.

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