Preview: Notre Dame Fighting Irish versus Utah Utes

Notre Dame squares off this week against one of the nation’s best in the #14 Utah Utes

Utah Defense

The LB unit is an inexperienced one as all the starters from last year have been replaced. This group has 172 tackles, 12 TFL, 2.5 Sacks, an INT, and 2 passes broken up.

The D-lIne which goes for a 4-3 formation has 114 tackles, 12 TFL, 5 sacks and 2 passes broken up.

The secondary for Utah is also inexperienced one with few players returning from last year. The have allowed 189 yards per game, along with 169 tackles, 16 TFL, 7 sacks and 5 INTs. The squad is led by DB Lamar Chapman’s 9.5 TFLs and 5.5 sacks. The Utes are 25th in the FBS in passing defense.

Prediction

In spite of Utah’s rushing defense weakness the Irish do not have the potent running game to take advantage. Tommy Rees will give it a good go and hope to continue his hot streak by hooking up in the end zone with Floyd numerous times. The Notre Dame defense will have no cure for the Utah rushing and passing attack. Plus, Utah is coming off an embarrassing spanking last week at the hands of TCU and will want blood. Teams, like the Fighting Irish, tend to be lethargic and unmotivated after a week off. Notre Dame will have its hands full with the Utes and will come up way short. This will be their 12th consecutive lost to a ranked opponent.

Utah 31 Notre Dame 13

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Nster.com