Keys to the Game

Leading up to the Sun Bowl contest, I identified my keys to the game for the offense and defense. Following a 33-17 pounding by the Irish, let's revisit these points. The key to defensive success was to win three crucial individual match-ups.

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

Prediction: 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.

Result: While the IRISH D accounted for only one sack, their backfield pressure overwhelmed the Hurricane quarterbacks. Jacory Harris finished with zero yards rushing, while throwing three INTs. Harris was benched in favor of Stephen Morris who ran for a net of six yards, and also three a pick. Those turnovers put the IRISH offense in great position, which capitalized by putting points on the board and creating the 27-0 first half lead.

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

Prediction: 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.

Result: Damien Berry rushed for 34 yards, while Lamar Miller tallied only 13 yards. As a team, Miami only gained 103 yards on the ground. For the IRISH, T'eo finished with only six tackles, but sat out the 2nd half due to injury (note: T'eo could have returned, but it wasn't necessary). Brian Smith finished with four tackles.

Harrison Smith vs. Leonard Hankerson

Prediction: 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.

Result: Harrison Smith finished with three INTs, all in the first half, to go along with seven tackles. He led the defense in shutting down the Hurricanes offense. While Hankerson finished with six receptions for 71 yards and a TD, all but one catch came in the 4th quarter during prevent mop-up duty.


The IRISH defense won all three of these match-ups, leading to the 27-3 halftime score, and the eventual 33-17 victory. While the defensive certainly did their part, the offense certainly surprised many IRISH fans as well, especially after that six play, fifty-four opening drive touchdown.

ESTABLISH THE RUN GAME

Prediction: The men in trenches will need make room for the Wood and Hughes in order to get the offense flowing.

Result: Notre Dame finished with 196 yards on the ground with one rushing touchdown. Cierre Wood and Robert Hughes both rushed for 81 yards, and Theo Riddick finished with 32 yards.

CONTROL THE LINE OF SCRIMMAGE

Prediction: The Irish will need to stretch the field to keep the Miami defenders at bay and out of the backfield and off quarterback Tommy Rees.

Result: Notre Dame did not yield a single sack against a talented Miami defense. In addition, the line protected Rees enough for him to throw 201 yards and 2 TDs. Michael Floyd and Tyler Eifert were the beneficiaries, accounting for 66% of the completions and 70% of the yards.

EXECUTE ON 3RD DOWN

Prediction: The IRISH offense will need to sustain drives through execution on 3rd down.

Result: Notre Dame finished 9 for 20 on 3rd down conversions. However, Rees converted a 3rd and 15 on the opening drive which led to a touchdown. In addition, Irish punter Ben Turk was only called on four times.


The IRISH offense set the tone with its opening drive touchdown, getting the ground game rolling, providing Rees with some confidence, and getting the ball to the best player on the field - Michael Floyd. Not to mention, once the Irish capitalized off the turnovers, they found themselves up 27-0 and cruising to victory.


-DH