Blue & Gold Illustrated: America's Foremost Authority on Notre Dame Football
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season averaged 7.2 yards per carry, plus 250-pound Chris Warren adds more muscle. If a quarterback can develop, Texas is capable of pulling off the upset — just like the 24-17 win last year over College Football Playoff-bound Okla- homa — in what should be a raucous environment. NEVADA • SEPT. 10 QB Situation: Despite Tyler Stewart starting every game for the 7-6 Wolf Pack last season and passing for 2,139 yards, there were concerns about his inaccuracy on down-field throws. He did complete a couple of long passes in the spring game, finishing 5-of-7 passing for 79 yards. Top Storyline: The offense returns nine starters, led by 5-9, 200-pound run- ning back James Butler, who rushed for 1,342 yards last season and will put Nevada in contention for a third straight bowl. That will depend more on the defense, which lost some stand- outs up front and must replace six starters. Summary: Former Notre Dame assis- tant Brian Polian (2005-09) is in his fourth season at Reno, He was 7-6 the past two campaigns after debuting with a 4-8 mark in 2013. He hired new coordinators on both sides of the ball, more notably Tim Cramsay, a Chip Kelly disciple who produced top of- fenses the past three seasons at Foot- ball Championship Subdivision school Montana State. Along with Army, this will be con- sidered one of the two games on the schedule where the Irish will be at least a three-touchdown favorite. MICHIGAN STATE • SEPT. 17 QB Situation: Fifth-year senior Tyler O'Connor is the favorite to replace Connor Cook, and he made some im- pressive throws in the spring game, including a 13-yard scoring pass to end a two-minute drill. Former Notre Dame recruiting target Donnie Cor- ley drew rave reviews and could be a prime contributor at wide receiver after enrolling early. O'Connor was the starter in the up- set win at Ohio State last year, com- pleting 7 of 12 passes for 89 yards and rushing for 25 yards. Top Storyline: With only four start- Fifth-year senior Tyler O'Connor is the favorite to replace the NFL-bound Connor Cook at quarter- back for a Michigan State squad that is coming off a College Football Playoff appearance. PHOTO COURTESY MICHIGAN STATE ATHLETIC COMMUNICATIONS