Notre Dame’s Defensive Focus Squarely On USC QB Cody Kessler
One of the premier rivalries in college football will be renewed this Saturday when Notre Dame (7-4) heads west to take on USC (7-4). The Fighting Irish come into this intriguing matchup having lost their last three games, while USC lost to another one of their significant rivals last week, UCLA.
The main component of USC’s team that the Fighting Irish have likely been preparing for this week is the sensational quarterback for the Trojans, Cody Kessler. The junior signal-caller’s play has been the highlight of USC’s season through 11 games, and even though the college football world knew he possessed significant talent, he’s definitely exceeded expectations this year.
Kessler has thrown for 30 touchdowns, 3,133 yards and only four interceptions, while completing nearly 70 percent of his passes. In comparison to other college quarterbacks around the nation, he ranks fifth in passer efficiency, sixth in touchdown passes and 12th in passing yards this season.
Although Kessler is coming off one of his worst outings of the season last week against No. 8 UCLA, Notre Dame’s defense will have their hands full trying to defend USC’s passing attack. The Fighting Irish defense has been inconsistent throughout the season, largely due to injuries continuing to mount on that side of the ball.
Notre Dame ranks 113th in the nation in passing yards allowed per game (298.2) and 117th in passing touchdowns allowed this season (29). It’s reasonable to expect that this game will be won by the team that gets the upper hand in the specific matchup between USC’s passing offense and the Fighting Irish’s passing defense.
Brian Kelly will need his secondary to play perhaps their best game of the season if Notre Dame wants to end their regular season with a solid win against the rival Trojans.
Nick Wilder is a writer for www.RantSports.com. Follow him on Twitter @NickCWilder and add him to your network on Google.
5 Things You Need To Know For Bahamas Bowl
This is the inaugural Bahamas Bowl, and it should be a great one with two talented football teams. Read More
MSU vs. Georgia Tech: Predicting the Orange Bowl
The New Year will be brought in with a bang as Mississippi State (SEC) clashes with Georgia Tech (ACC) in the Orange Bowl in Miami. See the final score prediction based on stats, history and scheme. Read More
5 Things You Need To Know For Cotton Bowl
If you weren't planning on watching the Cotton Bowl, you need to make sure you do. This game is going to be a great one. Read More
5 Things you need to know for Texas Bowl
Check out the five things you should know before the Texas Bowl on December 29th Read More
Peach Bowl: TCU vs. Ole Miss Prediction
Both TCU and Ole Miss have had their share of disappointment this season, but his has also been historic seasons for each. The Big 12 and SEC will do battle in the Peach Bowl in Atlanta. Read More
Big 12 To Blame For CFB Playoff Snub
The Big 12 was shut out of the College Football Playoff and it only has itself to blame. Read More
5 Things You Need To Know For Foster Farms Bowl
Here's what you need to know before the Maryland Terrapins and Stanford Cardinal collide in the Foster Farms Bowl on Dec. 30. Read More
Notre Dame Faces Difficult Future With CFB Playoff
The inaugural College Football Playoff selection process will make it difficult for the Notre Dame football program to gain entry into the final four moving forward. Read More
Michigan State-Baylor Cotton Bowl Preview
Michigan State and Baylor will meet up for the Cotton Bowl. Who will come out on top? Read More
10 Key Factors Behind Oregon's Tenacious Defense
Oregon defensive coordinator Don Pellum has sparked a major fire in the Ducks' defense that burned Arizona in the Pac-12 title game. Here are 10 reasons why they were so effective. Read More
Top 10 Bowl Game Matchups For 2014-15
These 10 bowl games are the best of the 2014-15 college football postseason. Read More
Predicting the Final Score of FSU vs. Oregon
The College Football Playoffs will begin in January, and the more-viewed game of the two will be between No. 2 Oregon against No. 3 Florida State. Read More