Make or Break Game Part 3
UHND.com - Frank Vitovitch
October 4, 2000
Notre Dame, Ind - The last two weeks have both been makeor break games and this week is no different. After the tough loss to MichiganState, the Irish must beat a Stanford team that beat them a year ago in a shoot out. If Notre Dame losses to a Stanford team that they should beat the Irish's seasoncould fall apart as it did in '99.
After loosing to Tennessee last year the Irish simplyfell apart. They lost their final 4 games including Tennessee and ended the season5-7. If Notre Dame losses to Stanford next weekend, they could find themselves inthe exact same position as they were last year.
This year the Irish face a big hurdle heading into therest of their season however which a quarterback controversy. After Battle's injuryGary Godsey stepped in and lead the Irish to a victory over #12 Purdue. AgainstMichigan State however the offense was sluggish and Davie put in freshman Matt Lovecchio. Lovecchio has a big edge in mobility over Godsey, but Godsey has a slightexperience factor on him.
At 2-2 the Irish find themselves in decent positionheading into the weak part of their schedule. With the likes of Navy, West Virginia,Boston College, and Air Force the Irish can run the table heading into the yearly showdownwith USC. To make this happen however the Irish need to come out firing againstStanford. The offense needs to get going early.
Mat Lovecchio looks like he can move the offense. Once he gets settled in he may be able to lead the team to some good things. Stanford will bring the heat on Matt however. He will get blitzed early and oftenand will see 8 and 9 man fronts on running downs.
If Kevin Rogers has any tricks up his sleeve this wouldbe the week to use them because Notre Dame can not lose this game. The offense hasbeen horrible up to now. Notre Dame has scored a lot of points but many have comefrom huge special teams and defensive plays. The offense has struggled to find anykind of a groove this year.
Stanford is an interesting opponent since they have lostto San Jose State, but have also beaten Texas. No one knows what Stanford team willshow up on Saturday, but if history is any indication look for the Stanford team that beatTexas. Stanford always seems to play Notre Dame tough and this year won't be anydifferent. They will come out fired up and ready to play.
Defense and special teams will have to carry the loadagain this week however. Both units have been excellent so far and should continueto do so as the season progresses. The defense is much improved from last andspecial teams have been better than they have in years.
If the offense shows up to play this week Notre Dame willwin - I have no doubts about that. That's a big question mark though. Willthey show up or not? As of now we still haven't seen the offense take control of agame and help its defense out.
Tony Fisher needs to get the ball more. He has aton of talent and needs the ball a lot more than he is getting it. Julius Jones is agame breaker, but Davie is starting to use him as he used Autry Denson - till he drops. Fisher needs to be used in any capacity, even if it is as a flanker.
With Notre Dame's wide receivers and running backs thereis no reason that Notre Dame should be struggling to score points. The talent onoffense needs to be utilized more. For crying out loud GIVE JABARI THE DAMNBALL!!!!!!!!!! Fans have been crying for Jabari to get the ball for three years nowyet the coaching staff still doesn't call many plays his way. He is an All Americantalent stuck in a situation where he looks bad because he never gets the ball.
I predict Notre Dame will win this one closer than theyshould. Notre Dame 28 Stanford 24.