Air Force Preview
UHND.com - Frank Vitovitch
October 27, 2000

Notre Dame, Ind - Last time Notre Dame and Air Force faced off the Falcons beat the Irish in overtime.  Notre Dame was enjoying a #8 national ranking and was flying high after a blowout win over #16 Washington.  Air Force however took it to Notre Dame and won it in overtime on a field goal.

That loss hurt Notre Dame's chances at making it to a major bowl game.  Then went on to win out until they lost another overtime game to USC.  The two losses, combined with their early season loss to Ohio State left Notre Dame at 8-3.  They didn't go to any bowl, declining an invite from a lesser bowl, and Lou Holtz retired before the end of the season, effective at season's end.

This time Notre Dame is facing Air Force with it's slim hopes of a BCS game on the line.  Another loss this year and Notre Dame can kiss its chances at playing in one of the big money bowl games good bye. 

Notre Dame will have to dominate up front on both sides of the ball in order to keep the balanced Air Force offense from making it a game.   Notre Dame must not let the Air Force offensive line push them around.  Notre Dame has to shut down the Air Force run game down.  If they can take out the running game early they will find themselves with a nice lead at half-time.

On offense the Irish have to run the ball.  Notre Dame ran for 227 yards against West Virginia last week and will need a similar effort this week in order to win.  Julius Jones is a little banged up so Tony Fisher and Terrence Howard will have to carry the load at running back.  Howard had 97 yards last week including a career long 80 yard touchdown run.  Look for Howard and Fisher to get the bulk of the carries again this week.

Matt LoVecchio is 3-0 as a starter and should be 4-0 after this week.  As long as he doesn't force anything and make good decisions he will lead the Irish to a win.  He will have to throw the ball effectively.  I'm not saying he will have to throw a lot, just effectively.  Last week he only attempted 16 passes, but he was effective and the Irish won.

This is a game Notre Dame should win easily, but its classically the type of game Notre Dame has trouble with.  Notre Dame needs to win this game too and as long as they control the ball and play tough defense they will win this one easily.

I rarely say this, but Notre Dame needs a true blowout.   They had one going last week, but let West Virginia back in it.  Polls are going to be against the Irish since they have two losses, and this is the type of game that voters probably won't watch.  For these reasons Notre Dame really needs a blowout.

Notre Dame 42, Air Force 10.