FOOTBALL

Morning Buzz: My USC-Notre Dame Pick

Two years ago, I picked Notre Dame to blow out USC and was correct as the Irish won, 49-14.

A lot of the same conditions exist today: USC players seem to be tuning out Clay Helton; the practices are not terribly hard based on what I hear; the motivation is questionable. Helton is not a leader of men.

At the same time, I wonder if Notre Dame might underestimate USC after two straight victories? Not enough to lose but maybe the difference between a respectable loss and a blowout for USC.

I don’t like the way USC flew in late Friday. The team hotel is about 45 minutes outside South Bend, so it’s a long flight and then a drive. And then another 45 minute drive Saturday to Notre Dame.

That’s fine when you have Pete Carroll leading the troops. But when you have a non-leader of men, it tends to matter.

So I’m picking Notre Dame, 35-17.

But hey, there is plenty of off-field stuff to revel in during a trip to Notre Dame. Here is last night’s late-night drummers rally.

44 thoughts on “Morning Buzz: My USC-Notre Dame Pick”

    2. Alv –Okay, we need a new coach. One who wasn’t born with a deep psychological need to be loved. But don’t give up on the team today by any means. I think Slovis got over his concussion 10 days ago and is good to go. The receivers are healthy, both lines are healthy. We have nothing to lose —and that makes us dangerous.
      #USC34-28

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      2. 67 — It will happen IF Helton, Harrell and Clancy stay on the attack for 4 quarters —even if we get out in front, we have to keep attacking…..
        #…TheWayPeteWould….

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      4. Alv –If Folt has the brains she was born with she’s already slipped word to Meyer that we’re gonna let things stand as they are for remainder of season, we’ll then put on a sham ‘worldwide search’ and, after it’s over with, hand him the job and leave him alone to do what needs to be done.

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  3. I have a bad feeling about Slovis’ health. You know ND wants to cause a ‘disturbance in his head.’ Hopefully that will only be mentally and not physically like with Utah…

    .And the Irish have a veteran offensive line– I have seen many Irish maulings of Trojans over the years, and I fear another one…

    .Finally, Book is that elusive quarterback that SC has so much trouble handling..

    .If SC loses “only” by the betting margin of 11-points I would say they must have played a fairly good game. But hope still reigns!

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      3. My attitude calabasastrojan (CT) is this: I get excited just because it is an SC football game. I don’t let the quality of the team that particular year interfere with my passion. It is my only sport, you know.

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  4. I don’t think Notre Dame is going to underestimate USC, because they have the ability to score, and have lots of talent at the skilled positions. The Trojans regular weakness under Clay Helton, is always losing at the line of scrimmage, and turnovers.

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    1. Karma —We’ll know on the first offensive series whether USC is playing with belief in themselves. If the o-line isn’t upping their game, if the runners aren’t fighting for that extra yard, if receivers are dropping easy balls — yes, we’re gonna get SO fucked. On the other hand, if we first down ourselves across the field and score —watch out.

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      2. Owns — The 4th quarter will only save Notre Dame if there’s a Pac 12 (death wish) officiating crew ‘at work’ in South Bend….

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    2. It’s being reported that Colorado’s coach told the team in pre-game speech, “let’s get out there and show them what we can do right away!” Unfortunately, the team misunderstood what he meant……
      #…OnlyPlayedFootballForOneSeries….

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  8. Game plan 1. Get on bus head to Michigan claim bus driver got lost forfeit lose by 2 points.
    Game plan 2. Stop at the local grocery on the way to the game. Pick up Lucky Charms just marshmallows (2 boxes one for offense and one for defense) designate a player from each side to drop the marshmallows prior to each play. Take advantage of the Irish players scrambling for their lucky charms.
    Game plan 3. Send coaches to the restroom prior to kickoff. Lock them in, weld the door shut. Call Urban Meyer and bribe him to coach the game from the studio at Fox.
    Game plan 4. Play like Trojans stomp the Irish, wake up in a hotel 45 minutes from the game board bus to Michigan wishing the dream you just had came true, reverting to Game plan 1.

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    1. Rialto — I’m surprised the ‘welding the men’s room door shut on Helton’ idea hasn’t been executed way before now…
      #SeemsLikeSuchANoBrainer….
      #…SometimesItTakesLongTimeToBeginMissingPersonsSearch….
      #[HowLongHasHauntedBrideBeenEncasedInBrickWallAtDisneyland]?

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      1. And the even better news is that they have to have the “bathroom door removal union” first ok that the rank and file guys will work on Saturday. That could add on valuable hours until the door is off.

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  10. One of the Domer starting corners (Bracy, number 28) is 5’9″, a soph, and listed at 170.

    Giving Stepp 25 carries or more and targeting Bracy is IMHO the only chance.

    What are the chances that this will be the offensive game plan?

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    1. It would not be fair to give Stepp that many carries. The other two backs have more seniority.
      Notre Dame has a safety that is 6′ 4” or taller. He will probably move towards Pittman.
      I predict Griffiths will launch a 60 plus yard punt and will get chewed out by Baxter. After getting chewed out, CH will send one of his lynch men to deliver a hug to Griffiths. Just like the hug Hufanga received after his costly penalty during the game against UW.

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    2. I didn’t realize that Tariq Bracy was starting at corner, 67. [I thought he was a backup safety. In any event, he’s not to be feared—to put it mildly].
      Yeah, attack the crap outta him. And, PLEASE, don’t use Carr too much on our side of the field. He’s shown some stuff this year —but mainly he’s a drive stopper. We can’t afford to be kicking the ball back to Notre Dame from our own thirty….
      #SurelyHeltonUnderstandsThat…..
      #…Right?

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      2. Michael, I would love to see what Stepp could do when they drop 8 into coverage.

        And in terms of tall receivers, Drake London is close to 6’5″, 4 star hoops player, with a 36″ vertical. Will he get some targets?

        #TimeForHarrellToDeliver

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      3. 67 –I’m hoping Harrell is gonna FINALLY use “all the weapons at my disposal” —you know, like he promised to do in spring camp….
        #…ItSeemsLikeTodayWouldBeANiceTime,Yes?

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  11. On paper, USC should definitely be competitive against the Irish. But we are a different team on the road. That’s why Las Vegas has us at -11. Helton needs to go, and it is my fear he is going to show us why again today.

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    1. If Helton gives his “this game is too big for me!” look, we’re sunk. [He should tell Baxter, “the minute you see my mouth open, slap me”]…..

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