Notre Dame will be too good for Tulsa

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Notre Dame quarterback Dayne Crist drops back to hand off against Michigan during the second half of an NCAA college football game in South Bend, Ind., Saturday, Sept. 11, 2010. Michigan defeated Notre Dame 28-24. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)

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Tulsa Offense

The Golden Hurricane offense is helmed by QB G.J. Kinne. His 1,855 yards passing with 15 touchdowns and 6 interceptions lead the 30th best passing attack in the nation. Kinne is a threat on the ground as well with four rushing touchdowns. Last week Kinne threw for 200 yards for 2 scores and no interceptions.

His two main targets include WR Damarius Johnson and RB Charles Clay (27 catches for 337 yards, 6 TDs) . Clay caught four balls for 86 yards and 2 touchdowns against Tulane.

The Tulsa rushing attack is ranked 13th highest in the nation, averaging 221 yards on the ground each contest. It is bolstered by Sophmore RB Alex Singleton (306 yards and five touchdowns). Singleton scored twice last week on the Green Wave.

Johnson is an effective rusher as well adding over 300 yards on the ground this season to his 300 plus receiving yards.

Tulsa Defense

The defense is very porous. It’s ranked 80th nationally in points allowed, giving up roughly 29 points a game. It all surrenders 443 yards a game of total offense. Against Tulane, the Tulsa defense surrendered 527 yards.

Up front the defense is solid, having only allowed 113 yards average rushing this year. They have also totaled 44 tackles for a loss and 17 sacks.

The secondary is another story. Teams are averaging 330 yards passing against the Golden Hurricane and they have allowed 19 passing touchdowns. Tulsa should be wary of the possible return of Fighting Irish WR Michael Floyd.

The sad departure of Declan Sullivan will play a factor in Saturday’s game. Will the team be distracted or become more motivated? I figure it will be the latter also considering the BCS bowl implications of this game as the Irish need ten wins for a berth this year and can’t afford another loss.

Michael Floyd’s return and a weak Tulsa secondary are in Notre Dame’s favor this week. The running attack and run defense will have to both step up and Crist must play turnover- and mistake-free football for the Fighting Irish to pull this one out.

Notre Dame 31  Tulsa 18

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