Blue & Gold Illustrated: America's Foremost Authority on Notre Dame Football
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GAME PREVIEW: OKLAHOMA of a perfect first half of the season. Junior corner- back Bennett Jackson's four interceptions helped push the Irish past their season total from a year ago in only six games. Senior safety Zeke Motta blossomed to tutor a young group that ranks fifth nationally in pass efficiency defense. Miami's fast receivers found a way to get behind Advantage: Even against top-five rushing defenses. The Sooners, who gave up an average of 128.8 rushing yards in their first five games, should seem a little bit more man- ageable by comparison. The Irish trio of Cierre Wood, Theo Riddick and Notre Dame is coming off of back-to-back games NOTRE DAME RUNNING GAME VS. OKLAHOMA RUN DEFENSE George Atkinson III split carries in the first half of the season. They combined for 877 yards in six contests, but more importantly were able to grind out tough drives late in games. Sophomore quarterback Everett Golson adds another dimension if he can learn to protect the ball. He lost three fumbles in the win over Stanford. Oklahoma's top three tacklers are defensive backs. Senior strong safety Javon Harris recorded 30 tackles (second on the team) and two intercep- tions (tied for the team lead) during Oklahoma's 4-1 start. That's not a good sign even in the pass-happy Big 12 conference. The Sooners average five tackles for loss per game, which puts them in a tie for 90th out of 120 teams in the Football Bowl Subdivision. Notre Dame should be able to move the ball on the ground in an effort to keep the Sooners offense off the field as much as possible. Advantage: Notre Dame choppy. He threw for 968 yards with four touch- downs and three interceptions in his first six games. His ability to scramble has paid dividends at times, Golson's transition to college starter has been NOTRE DAME PASSING GAME VS. OKLAHOMA PASS DEFENSE PHOTO COURTESY OU ATHLETICS COMMUNICATIONS but put him in a vulnerable position at others. The Irish made a more concerted effort to throw to senior tight end Tyler Eifert (15 receptions for 246 yards and two scores) in their win over Stanford, and he rewarded them with a 24-yard touchdown catch. Junior TJ Jones (19 catches for 235 yards and two TDs) is also coming into his own. Notre Dame is still searching for one of its young the safeties a couple of times. Stills and Co. are just as quick and should be able to do a better job of hanging on to the football if they get open. players to step up as a consistent deep threat. Mid- way through the season, the Irish have only six catches of 30 yards or more. Juniors Tony Jefferson and Aaron Colvin headline a defensive backfield revived by returning defensive coordinator Mike Stoops this season. The Sooners have a top-10 pass defense, which is no easy feat