IRISH Defense vs. Miami Offense

If the IRISH wish to have success against Miami on Friday, then it will no doubt start on defense, which has led the Irish to their last three victories. While Miami has yet to name a starting quarterback, both Jacory Harris and Stephen Morris are both dual-threat quarterbacks that will pose challenges to the ND defense. The Miami offense averages 232 yards in the air (49th in nation) and 190 yards on the ground (26th in the nation) for a total of 422 ypg and 27.1 ppg (58th).

With such a balanced offensive attack, Notre Dame will be forced into key individual match-ups that will no doubt influence the outcome of the game:

Kapron Lewis-Moore/Ethan Johnson vs. Seantrel Henderson/Brandon Linder

The starting freshman tackles for Miami (both heavily recruited by Notre Dame) are instrumental in protecting the Miami quarterback and for igniting the run game. It will be important to watch the pressure ND is able to put on Harris/Morris. With Ian Williams returning from injury to man the middle, the IRISH D line needs to get pressure on the quarterback. If they can contain Harris/Morris from big gains on the ground, and force some bad throws (Harris has 12 INTs on the season), the D will put the Irish in great position to win the game.


Manti T'eo/Brian Smith vs. Damien Berry/Lamar Miller

Miami's strength on offense is its run game. Therefore, it will be up to the Irish inside linebackers to put the squash on the two-headed rushing attack of the Hurricanes. If T'eo and Smith tackle well and play their assignments to stop the run, then it forces Miami into to rely on the passing game. At the same time, T'eo and Smith will have to play spy on both QBs, as they have the ability to stretch the field with their legs.


Harrison Smith vs. Leonard Hankerson

Hankerson is Miami's big play receiver and at 6'-6", he's a tough target to miss. Miami lines Hankerson up all over the field, but he is most effective at the slot/tight end spot. This creates one-on-one match-ups with slow linebackers and undersized safeties - i.e. Harrison Smith. It will be up to Smith to stop Hankerson's ability to stretch the field down the middle, as well as provide support to the corners on the outside islands.


It's no secret that as the IRISH defense goes, so does the ability to win the game. I expect the Irish D to rattle the Hurricanes early. If they can force a few turnovers, the IRISH will be in great position to win.


-DH