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- Jan 27, 2012
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Notre Dame is 24th in yards per play which is solid but not great territory. Their rushing offense chews up the clock, and their defense plays prevent to stop the big play. By limiting their time on the field, and usually playing with a lead, they are able to get results as offense are forced to go for big plays. When teams can establish an offensive rhythm and ND does not build a lead, the ND defense gives up big points.
So I'll say this. USC, who is scoring on everyone, scored 14. NC State only scored 7 on offense. MSU got blown out and just beat PSU...Notre Dame was beating wake Forrest 41 to 16 late in the 3rd quarter.
Common theme here?
ND played second team, third, team, and walk-ons starting in the mid/late 3rd quarter.
Most of MSU s yards came with the game out of reach. NC State wasnt in it after halftime, and same thing with USC. End result? Lots of playing time for the non starters, hence more yards against them. The starters have been lights out so far (of course that could change against Miami)
Wake Forest was just a bad game, but it wouldn't surprise me if there was an eye on Miami that somewhat influenced that. If ND wins tomorrow I think they run the table.
ND doesn't play prevent defense. They're actually pretty aggressive. Now, when the game is under control and there are second and third teamers playing, I think it's pretty normal for them to play prevent, a) to protect the younger players and build confidence, and b) try to keep the score down.
Friend says his team plays walk ons in the third quarter.