This is an extremely important game for a few reasons. Winning could set us up to go 9-3 going into a bowl, possibly get us into the top 25, and most importantly it would show the world that ND can win a game against an opponent with a winning record.

 

I think this one will be close. I dont see either team lighting up the scoreboard for some reason, even though both offenses are in the top 50 nationally. I think Clausen will have a pretty good day spreading the ball around and using checkdowns (Allen over the middle) and I think our running attack will net around 100 yards. Both defenses play well in terms of points allowed and this thing ends up being....:

 

ND 24

Pitt 21

 

 

What are you guys predicting?

charlie shows again he is too much for wanny--- clausen 5 tds ND 45 pitt 17

I think it's going to be blow out and here's why. ND's losses have been those of the self-destructing type, very much in both games until a crucial turnover or the clock runs out. Pitt's losses have been those of the team-doesn't-even-show-up variety, i.e. BG, Rutgers both dominating Pitt for the entire game. IMO, our 2 losses could beat theirs' hands down, but that's all very speculative. After showing that they can't defend the pass...

 

ND 41

Pitt 14

 

"Flipmode is the greatest"

38-21 nd.....

ND 48

Pitt 41

i don't think this will be a high scoring game. Pitt's defense plays well specially their front seven and NDs offense hasn't played a 60 minute game all year.

 

-ND was able to pass the ball against MSU and UNCs defense so there should be no reason not to against Pitt. the running game will struggle, Pitt's DL plays pretty sound.

 

-ND could slow down McCoy but they won't stop him, he's going to get his yards and if Pitt can control the line then it'll be a long day. ND will have to force their QB to pass the ball and hopefully ND can get some pressure on him and force some Ints.

 

this should be a close game and low scoring, i hope or FG kicking problems dont bite us in the ass.

 

Notre Dame - 24

Pittsburgh - 23

any chance we see golden tate running the wild cat formation for ND in this game? probbly not but it's fun to think about.

Does anyone know if Stull is going to start?

no real info but they said he has returned to practice and his status for the ND is still unknown.

 

http://www.pittsburghlive.com/x/pittsburghtrib/sports/college/pitt/s_595826.html

any chance we see golden tate running the wild cat formation for ND in this game? probbly not but it's fun to think about.

 

I would think the chance would be between slim and none. Now maybe before a bowl game, when they would have time to install a new package of about 5-10 plays off a special formation w Tate would be doable, but I would think it would still not be tried this season. JMO

31-17, same prediction I made for last weeks game. I thought Ty's team would be more pumped but I guess they werent. This time Pitt is coming to SB so our boys will be up for this one. McCoy will get a bunch of yards but not enough.

stull apparently was in a neck brace on monday after a night in the hospital-- however he was in full pads yesterday and many pitt fans think he will play-- seems a little risky to me-- but whatever --you have to believe hes going to be very very gunshy in face of our blitz if he does play

31-17, same prediction I made for last weeks game. I thought Ty's team would be more pumped but I guess they werent. This time Pitt is coming to SB so our boys will be up for this one. McCoy will get a bunch of yards but not enough.

 

I like your prediction and reasoning. I think ND will have their hands full, but will be able to slow down the Pitt running game just enough.

 

31 - 17 sounds good.

24-14 Irish. We might even kick a field goal!!!

Darius Fleming is going to perform surgery on that Pittsburgh Backfield! Mark my words! ND will dominate this game!

Irish 38

 

Pittsburgh 24

 

 

6 and 2 and fresh potential begins to really sink in. Our guy's are feeling invincible!

24-14 Irish. We might even kick a field goal!!!

 

It's going to be pretty hard to get to 24 if we don't.

LOL!

It's going to be pretty hard to get to 24 if we don't.

LOL!

 

not hard at all....make 4 touchdowns, and don't make any extra points, you know we're capable of that, hahaha jk

Some guy on the Pitt bored who claims to have inside info said that Stull is highly unlikely to play, and apparently they were working on the "Wildcat" offense in practice this week.

 

Anybody have a way to get that info to Coach Brown?

not hard at all....make 4 touchdowns, and don't make any extra points, you know we're capable of that, hahaha jk

 

I really hope you knocked on wood or something.....

After last weeks whipping of the Pitt secondary, I am optimistic that Clausen can expose them as well. I have to imagine that these kids are coming in with battered egos and lacking confidence. It's not like Rutgers exposed a hole in Pitts coverage; Pitt flat out got beat. If Notre Dame can put some early scores on the board, I see Pitt having to turn to the pass game and playing straight into our hands. If we cannot get early points, the 1-2 punch of McCoy and Stephens-Howling can spell diasterous as Pitt has more than capable receivers to hit us for big plays. Early scoring may lead to a lower scoring game, but if all goes as planned in the first half, look for a shootout in the second half.

 

Notre Dame - 47

Pitt - 42