The Next test for the 3-3 Notre Dame Fighting Irish comes this Saturday against the 2-3 Broncos of Western Michigan. Notre Dame comes into this matchup with an impressive 23-17 win over the Pittsburgh Panthers. The Broncos are hot as well having bested David Letterman’s alma matter, Ball State, 45-16.

The kick off time is 3:30 PM Eastern Time. The game will be broadcast on NBC.

Here’s a preview of this Week’s Notre Dame vs. Michigan State Match Up:

Notre Dame Offense

In the win over Pittsburgh Dayne Crist hit on 24 of 39 passes for 242 yards with a touchdown and no picks.

The reliable running game for the Fighting Irish was stymied. The team rushed for a total of 83 yards on 23 carries. (2.8 Yards per rush average). Armando Allen finished the day with 56 yards on 13 carries. Cierra Woods added 28 yards on the ground.

Theo Reddick paced the Notre Dame air attack with 7 snags for 75 yards. WR Michael Floyd pulled down 7 balls for   59 yards.

The Fighting Irish offense suffered a major blow losing steady and dependable TE Kyle Rudolph to injury for the remainder of the season.
Western Michigan Offense

The Broncos offense is helmed by QB Alex Carter. Last week Carter played extremely well completing 17 of 19 passes for 265 yards and one touchdown. He had no interceptions. Carter also was successful on the ground gaining 66 yards and notching 3 scores against Ball State.

RB Jordan White paced the running attack Tevin Drake ran for 63 yards on 8 carries.

WR Tevin Drake led all receivers for Western Michigan with 96 yards.

Western Michigan Defense

The Broncos defense played stingy against Ball State giving up 348 yards of total offense (averaging 363) and only 3 third-down conversions. The run defense was porous allowing 239 yards on the ground or over 6 yards a carry. They did force five turnovers while committing none.

Notre Dame Defense

Typically allowing 397 of total offense a game, the Fighting Irish limited Pittsburgh to 382 yards and a paltry 5 third down conversions. The run defense was particularly strong for Notre Dame yielding only 110 yards. The team played mistake-free in taking away 2 turnovers and giving up none.

Prediction

The Fighting Irish must pose a strong running threat against the weak Western Michigan Defense. This will open up the spread offense for Crist and the Fighting Irish. On the defensive side Notre Dame must contain Bronco QB Alex Carter who is just as lethal passing as rushing. Also, as exemplified against Pittsburgh: no turnovers equals big win.


Notre Dame 31 Western Michigan 14