The matchups between the Alabama receivers and ND's defensive secondary are very interesting. I really don't know how to read it. As many on this board have pointed out - the corners and safeties are supposed to be ND's weakness. However, they have played well all year and developed along quite nicely. They are definitely young. Russell is a true freshman - but he plays like a veteran. He drew a PI call on Stills in the OU game that was quite saavy. In addition, he was the one that committed two PIs in a row against Lee in the USC game that also showed some football intelligence. He wasn't going to give up the TD pass and knew that a PI only moved the ball a few inches closer to the goaline. Anway - the DBs have all played very well all year. One thing you can say is that they don't miss tackles. I have NO IDEA how this happened - but ND is a very good tackling defense this year. The Irish have lived all year on not letting receivers gain any yards after the catch. If they have a bad day tackling against the Tide - Alabama could run away with the game. However, if the DBs tackle like they have all year - it makes it harder to score. It's actually quite amazing how few yards this defense gives up after the catch.
I think good tackling plays into the overall philosophy mentioned above - bend but don't break. Clearly the defense wants to get a 3 and out, but this is a very patient group. They will tackle well and force teams to put together 10 or 12 play drives and as you all know - that's a BIG challenge to most college teams. Somewhere along the way, there is a falst start or a dropped ball on a 3rd down...and that's all it takes. ND has not given up a ton of explosive plays all year. I think the 50 yarder to Lee in the USC game was the longest all year and really the only big play that I can remember. If they can force Alabama to make long, time-consuming drives and maybe get away with a field goal or two, then the game will be closer. If the Alabama receivers can get over the top and get some explosive plays like Lee did in the USC game, it will will be harder for ND to stay close.
I think good tackling plays into the overall philosophy mentioned above - bend but don't break. Clearly the defense wants to get a 3 and out, but this is a very patient group. They will tackle well and force teams to put together 10 or 12 play drives and as you all know - that's a BIG challenge to most college teams. Somewhere along the way, there is a falst start or a dropped ball on a 3rd down...and that's all it takes. ND has not given up a ton of explosive plays all year. I think the 50 yarder to Lee in the USC game was the longest all year and really the only big play that I can remember. If they can force Alabama to make long, time-consuming drives and maybe get away with a field goal or two, then the game will be closer. If the Alabama receivers can get over the top and get some explosive plays like Lee did in the USC game, it will will be harder for ND to stay close.
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