Preview: Notre Dame Fighting Irish versus Wake Forest Demon Deacons

Prediction: Notre Dame 31 – Wake Forest 10

All-American TE Tyler Eifert will look to repeat last year’s 60-yard receiving, one touchdown performance against the Deamon Deacons in Notre Dame stadium.  Eifert can become the most decorated Notre Dame Tight End of all-time with five receptions on Saturday, bringing his total to 128 for his career, breaking the record of Ken MacAfee set in 1977. 

Notre Dame Defense
Though ranked third in the nation, the Notre Dame defense is still tops in points scored against (11.1 ppg).  Also, No other team has allowed nine TDs besides the Fighting Irish. The center of the defense and the team, Manti T’eo, will “have to make this game count” being the last time he will play in the shadow of Touchdown Jesus being a senior.

His career may be ending but his legend has just begun. Te’o’s six interceptions in 2012 tie him for second in the FBS (and most for any linebacker in 11 years) and place him first in Notre Dame history. He will end his career as only the second to wear the blue and gold and record three 100-tackle seasons (tied with Bob Crabble).  The Hawaiian’s eight turnovers (6 interceptions, two fumble recoveries) ties him for second in the FBS. And his two quarterback hurries have also led to two interceptions.

Te’o is still remains a strong Heisman favorite after QB Klein on Kansas State and was recently nominated as a Bronko Ngurski Trophy Finalst awarded to the best defensive college player in the nation as decided by the Football Writers Association of America and the Charlotte Touchdown Club.  The last Notre Dame player nominated for this honor was CB Shane Walton in 2002.

Wake Forest Offense
The Demon Deacon offense is one of the worst in the country, ranking only 108th (of 124) in the nation averaging only 20.1 ppg. They have only managed to score more than 14 points twice in the past five games.

The head of the “Weak” Forest offense is QB Tanner Price. Price averages 196.5 ypg passing and has thrown for 12 touchdowns on the year with an efficiency of 111.9. The QB is not afraid to move out of the pocket having rushed for two scores.

Junior WR Michael Campanaro poses a threat to the Irish secondary having accumulated 618 yards and 6 TDs. He recently set a ACC record for receptions in a game with 16 against Boston College. On three occasions Campanaro has caught 10 passes for 100 yards.

FB Tommy Bohanon is also a playmaker at his position. He has 16 receptions over the past six games, including six against Boston College.                                                  

Wake Forest Defense
A weak offense is not helped by a lame defense ranked 72nd in the nation in points against. The team has been tough against the run, however. On the season it is giving up 157 ypg rushing and has held three of its last three opponents to fewer than 56 yards on the ground while forcing six fumbles in the past five games. Notre Dame’s backs may be in for a long a day.

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Nster.com