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BYU, Notre Dame still worth watching |
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brandonjudd | Saturday, November 15, 2003, 11:00 am
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Brandon Judd
COUGARBLUE 2
There may not be any Travis Hall sacks or Jamal Willis heroic touchdown dives, but don't use that as a reason to keep your T.V. permanently tuned away from NBC today.
Today's BYU-Notre Dame game will have its own unique flavor.
Granted, many will think this flavor is more like spoiled milk, but that doesn't mean the game won't be entertaining.
Note that I didn't say it would be a good game, though it could certainly turn out to be one. I did say it would be entertaining, and I'll tell you why.
Signs of Rudy
Rumor from South Bend is that Rudy still has one year of eligibility remaining, and that he jumped on the Notre Dame 2003 boat midseason. He's back because he felt that he would finally have his chance to start at the Division 1 level.
FUI, FUI!!!
The freshman Vakapuna gave BYU something to smile about in their dismal 50-12 loss to Boise State in a game that seems eons ago. He racked up over 80 yards and scored the lone touchdown, making up for Rey Braithwaite, who missed the game injured. Maybe Fui would like to do a touchdown dance on the hallowed ND field today.
Interceptions aplenty
The quarterback tandem of BYU's Matt Berry and Notre Dame's Brady Quinn have combined forces this season for one common goal: make a cornerback's life happier. The Cougars and Figthing Irish have had difficulties with turnovers this season, and expect Berry to be picked off by Notre Dame's Vontex Duff or some other back. But that goes BYU's way, as well. Quinn has thrown 11 interceptions to just six touchdowns, so he's due for at least one day.
Will the real BYU quarterback please stand up?
Why, thank you, Jackson Brown. You may be seated. Brown was very impressive in his Boise State drive at the end of the game and his leadership of the JV team in a 17-7 win over Georgia Military Academy. The sophomore walk-on needs his chance to play, and why not today. Forget Rudy; the Cougars got Jackson.
Defensive domination
Notre Dame won't be scoring in the 40s like they did against BYU in their first two meetings in the early 90s. Nope, look for something more along the lines of 7-3. Just kidding. The defenses likely won't be that dominating, but both teams have good defensive squads. Sorry, all you offensive fans, you'll have to wait a year or two for the chance to watch a Holy Way shootout.
The Holy War: A rarity
Today's game marks only the fourth time these two teams have met. Plus, it's virtually impossible to find any tapes of the previous three meetings, so this will be the only way to watch these two religious squads in battle. Unless, of course, you pit them against each other on the PlayStation 2.
BYU may be 8 1/2 point underdogs, but expect them to give the Fighting Irish a good run. As is par for this season, the defense will keep the Cougars in the game, but the offense will need to step up and take the lead. It's a road game for the Cougars, too, which means they'll likely keep it close to the end. Unfortunately, even if Notre Dame is in a down year, they still are Notre Dame.
My pick for the game: Notre Dame 20, BYU 17 |
