Notre Dame and Brian Kelly set for winning start against Purdue

Notre Dame Defense:

This is Notre Dame’s greatest area for improvement. They may continue to have their problems against the run as the Fighting Irish has been hit with injuries to linebackers Anthony McDonald and Steve Paskorz. Look for Manti Te’o and Carlo Calabrese to fill in on the inside of the 3-4 defense. Darius Fleming will be featured as an outside linebacker. Look for Kerry Neal, Brian Smith, or Steve Filer to play opposite him.

Defensive ends Ethan Johnson and Kapron Lewis-Moore should get to the quarterback along with supporting the linebackers. Notre dame is very thin in the backfield with only four scholarship cornerbacks. Look for the linebackers to help out on pass coverage.

Purdue Defense:

The Boilermakers have a very weak defensive line that yielded 173 rushing yards a game in 2009. The team has chemistry with six of seven defensive lineman starters returning. Joe Holland, Jason Werner, and Chris Carlino form a linebacker trio responsible for 229 tackles. Werner stands out with 15 tackles for a loss.

The pass defense is the big question mark for the Boilermakers. The team is showcasing four new starters in the backfield. Purdue however will have Defensive End Ryan Kerrigan who notched 16 sacks.

Prediction:

In spite of Notre Dame’s questionable defense, the team's explosive offense will prove too much for a threadbare Purdue backfield and line.

Notre Dame - 21. Purdue - 13.

Read more - Notre Dame Purdue 'Saturday Night Lights'

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