Irish And Hurricanes Each Look To Contine Winning Ways

It may not quite be to the level of "Catholics vs Convicts," but Saturday's battle between Notre Dame and Miami is generating plenty of buzz.

Both teams have crashed the top 10 after beginning the season standing on the fringes, with fairly mild expectations. But that has changed as the Irish are ranked third and the Hurricanes No. 7 heading into the showdown.

They get it done differently, but both teams boast powerful offenses and a host of playmakers.

Josh Adams makes Notre Dame's ground game go (Bleacher Report)

The Irish (8-1) are beasts on the ground, ranking fifth nationally in rushing yards per game (324.8) and scoring 34 touchdowns. Heisman candidate Josh Adams has been special, rambling for nearly 1200 yards and scoring nine touchdowns. His 8.7 yards per carry is sixth in the country, and a testament to just how Notre Dame is up front. 

"Their offensive line, probably the best in America," Miami coach Mark Richt said. "I don't think very many people would argue that. ... Very experienced but very, very talented. They're paving the way, over 300 yards per game rushing and this isn't triple-option football. This is just line up and physically move people off the ball, a kick-your-tail type offensive line and great runners."

Quarterback Brandon Wimbush is also a running threat, rolling up 639 yards and 13 touchdowns with his legs. He showed a new dimension in last week's 48-37 win over Wake Forest -- the deep ball. Wimbush connected on just 50 percent of his 30 passes, but amassed nearly 300 yards and averaged 9.3 yards per attempt. While still a work in progress, the Irish passing attack is becoming something that needs to be accounted for.

Joe Jackson and R.J. McIntosh anchor a defensive front that will be tested by the Irish, and the Hurricanes may just be up to the challenge. Miami is 10th in the country in tackles for loss and 11th in sacks, and it all starts up front. The energy of the Hurricanes defensive line gets the rest of the team going, and though the numbers aren't eye-popping, the fact that they have allowed just four rushing touchdowns all season certainly is.

"It's an outstanding front four," Notre Dame coach Brian Kelly said. "The linebackers run and tackle as well as any group that we've played. ... They can play a number of different coverages by keeping three linebackers on the field and that's pretty hard to do today in college football. A unique skill-set in that group."

Notre Dame will be challenged defensively by Miami quarterback Malik Rosier Jr, who is gaining his footing in his first year as a starter.  Rosier has thrown 19 touchdowns to just seven interceptions, but has been kept under wraps the last two weeks with subpar games against North Carolina and Virginia Tech. Rosier can also hoof it, picking up double digits carries in five of the last six contests and finding the end zone three times via the rush.

Travis Homer has been more than an able replacement at running back for injured Mark Walton, picking up over 600 yards and rushing for six touchdowns. He is also a safety net for Rosier in the passing game, which ranks 23rd in the nation.

Braxton Berrios (8) is a dangerous weapon in Miami's air attack (Palm Beach Post)

Braxton Berrios leads Miami in receiving with 36 catches and seven touchdowns, and is a real thorn in the side for opposing defenses. Whenever the Hurricanes need a big pass play they look to Berrios, who has 23 grabs for first downs this season.

The Irish will need to disrupt Miami's passing game if it wants to keep the Hurricanes offense off of the field.

Notre Dame doesn't have a true standout up front, though Jerry Tillery -- three sacks, 5.5 tackles for loss and a forced fumble -- comes close.

While the Irish defense has been up and down for much of the season, the offense has been a machine.

"I think when we broke through with over 500 yards rushing against Boston College, I think that that was really where everything started to kind of show itself, that this is who we were going to be," Kelly said. "And then it's certainly taken shape from there."

Last year's 4-8 fiasco seems like ages ago, and the Irish are once again in the forefront of college football relevancy.

“Playing great. Super hot team. Beating people by big margins, one of the best defensive teams in the country, one of the best offensive teams in the country," Richt said.

They say that November is when championships are won, and both teams have plenty on the line.

Notre Dame is squarely in the hunt for a berth in the College Football Playoff, its one loss coming at home to No. 1 Georgia.

Miami is unbeaten after a pasting of Virginia Tech last week, its first real opposition of the season. The Hurricanes dominated in nearly every aspect, and have the look of a true national contender. Whether or not the burden of expectation is too much remains to be seen, but the big stage is there and waiting -- GameDay will host its show from Miami, and the game will have millions of eyes watching as the ABC national contest.

Notre Dame has won five of the last six matchups, including last year's 30-27 thriller in South Bend. The Hurricanes won 27-10 in 1989, the last time the teams played in the Sunshine State, but have just seven wins in the series.

Richt knows first hand about the Irish magic, as he was on the losing end of a 16-14 heartbreaker in 1982 as a member of the Hurricanes.

 “That’s a long time ago, when I was a player," he recounted. "I got my heart broken in South Bend one time. … One time, I went there and got knocked out and another time I went there and got my heart broke when, I think, Blair Kiel was the quarterback and had a last-minute drive to set them up in field goal range to beat us. I don’t remember exactly what it was. … lost that one, but had a chance to win it. … It’s a cool place to go to, for sure. The tradition has been going on there, for obviously, over 100 years.”

Ranked Wolfpack And Irish Ready For Elimination Contest

Just how much is on the line in this Saturday's tussle between 14th-ranked North Carolina State and No. 9 Notre Dame?

I'll take "College Football Playoff elimination games for $800, Alex."

After early stumbles, both teams have reset and gotten themselves back into the playoff discussion. The Wolfpack, seen as a chic pick to upset the ACC hierarchy, lost right off the bat to South Carolina, but have been nails ever since.

Notre Dame RB Josh Adams fuels a powerful Irish offense (One Foot Down)

Notre Dame (6-1), mostly an afterthought at the start of the season based largely on last year's 4-8 fiasco, has ascended up the rankings thanks to a powerful ground game -- the nation's sixth best, as a matter of fact -- and has only a one-point loss to Georgia as a blemish.

While both teams are aware of the carrot dangling overhead, neither is ready to deviate from the blueprint that has taken them to this point.

"You just have to be aware of your situation," Irish coach Brian Kelly said. "You've gotten here because you have stuck to what we have asked you to do. They're aware of the big picture stuff, but they know how they got here, and they like where they're at."

NC State (6-1) has reeled off six victories in a row and has been stingy when it comes to giving up the football. The Wolfpack have lost just three fumbles, and quarterback Ryan Finley has yet to throw an interception. Yeah, he's pretty good.

This is the first real spotlight game of the season for the Wolfpack, and coach Dave Doeren believes they will handle it well.

"All we have been talking about is us and our enemy," Doeren said. "All that other stuff will take care of itself. You focus on what has brought you success. People are chasing you instead of you chasing them."

The Wolfpack, sixth nationally against the run, allowing just 91.3 yards per game, need to make sure they aren't chasing Notre Dame running back Josh Adams, who has entered the Heisman race by rolling up 138.1 yards per game and scoring eight touchdowns. The explosive Adams averages 9.2 yards per carry, and in tandem with quarterback Brandon Wimbush, who averages 6.2 yards per carry with 10 rushing scores, forms the crux of an overpowering ground game.

"I'm excited to watch the line of scrimmage in this game," Doeren said.

Notre Dame thrives on getting teams to turn the football over, ranking fourth in turnover margin. The Irish have converted 13 of their 17 turnovers into touchdowns, but face a tough customer in Finley.

The senior and former Boise State signal-caller has tossed 11 touchdowns and is completing 69.4 percent of his passes. He has a bevy of weapons, notably Jaylen Samuels (54 catches, 453 yards, 3 TDs) and Kelvin Harmon (36-547-2 TD), and the offensive line has allowed just eight sacks.

"Finley is smart, knows the system, a veteran quarterback," Kelly said. "Just does a really good job taking care of the football."

NC State also has a nice backfield weapon in Nyheim Hines, who averages 92.6 yards per game and has six touchdowns, but it wouldn't be surprising if the visitors attempt to take advantage of an Irish defense that allows 253 yards per game through the air.

Adams and Wimbush will be a huge focus for the Wolfpack defense, which is led by versatile end Bradley Chubb. The senior has 13 tackles for loss and 6.5 sacks and leads a group that knows just one speed -- full-go. His matchup with Irish tackle Mike McGlinchey should be worth the price of admission.

NC State's Bradley Chubb is one of the nation's most feared DL (Shanahan Report)

"Defensively, you know, I think as good of a group that we're going to see. Comparable to Georgia," Kelly said. "Physically very imposing. It's led with Chubb and [B.J.] Hill up front. Obviously they're getting the accolades that they deserve. They are very good football players.

"Chubb obviously has the ability to rush the passer, as well, plays with a great motor. I think what I'm impressed with is that not only they're physical, but they play hard every snap. ... We've got our hands full in all three facets."

Notre Dame is coming off of a dominating performance over rival USC, but NC State is the beginning of a stretch of grueling games against winning teams. Notre Dame has games upcoming against No. 8 Miami, Navy and Stanford.

The Irish have won five straight games by more than 20 points, but lost to NC State a year ago 10-3 in Raleigh in monsoon-like conditions.

North Carolina State shouldn't be fazed by the number next to the Irish, as it already sports a pair of victories over teams that were ranked -- Florida State and Louisville. It hasn't beaten three ranked teams in a single season since 1992, and this is the first time since 1980 that the Wolfpack are involved in a game featuring a pair of top 15 teams.

The Wolfpack has everything in its path, but needs to guard against looking ahead because next week is a home game against ACC champion Clemson -- a contest that could very well determine the Atlantic Division title.

Doeren doesn't have to be reminded what is awaiting his team at Notre Dame Stadium.

"It's a top 10 team at their stadium, it means a lot," he said. "We don't need to be perfect. We just need to be better."

Doeren may be in Raleigh, but he's no stranger to the Notre Dame mystique.

“I grew up in a Catholic home, going to Catholic church and that was part of the Sunday conversation,” Doeren said. “Every week it was the Notre Dame score, so I grew up brainwashed there, probably, with Lou Holtz as their head coach and a lot of great players that I got to watch. I really look forward to playing this game.”

High Stakes As No. 11 USC Battles No. 13 Notre Dame

It's been called the nation's best intersectional rivalry, and there's an extra buzz emanating around this Saturday's showdown of USC and Notre Dame in South Bend. Both teams already have one loss, so this game is, for all intents and purposes, a College Football Playoff elimination contest.

The Trojans (6-1), ranked 11th in the nation, saw their football lives flash before them last weekend in a 28-27 comeback victory over Utah. USC rallied from a 21-7 halftime deficit, taking its first lead with less than five minutes to play then stopping the Utes on what would have been a game-winning two point conversion.

USC is often seen as Hollywood, a finesse team, but it was grit and tenacity that made for the victory.

LB Cameron Smith is the leader for USC's defense (Bleacher Report)

"I've always told them never get comfortable, never be satisfied, and the reality is we're still a work in progress," coach Clay Helton said. "To execute on long drives like the offense did in the second half while protecting the football, I thought it was our best half of football. We've challenged ourselves. That's what you are going to have to do when you go up and play a Notre Dame team that's as talented as this group is. Put a full 60 minutes of that brand of football out there."

A single point separates the 13th-ranked Irish (5-1) from unbeaten status, that being a 20-19 loss to a formidable Georgia squad in mid September. Notre Dame has grown from soft to stout, relying on a powerful, ball control running game and showing toughness on defense.

The Irish rank fourth nationally in opponents red zone touchdown percentage (35 percent), which is one reason this group might just be around for the long haul.

"I think it's really important to do a great job of matching personnel," Notre Dame coach Brian Kelly said. "I think we've done that. Our ability to get personnel in and out of the game to match personnel groupings has really helped us in that area and not get shored in -- for example, being in nickel when an extra tight end is in the game or two backs are in the game."

Most people know about USC quarterback Sam Darnold, but even he admits that the Trojans don't beat Utah without a stellar effort from the defense.

Linebacker Cameron Smith has really come into his own, showing great leadership skills and an ability to always be around the football. He made 16 stops against Utah, and had an interception, so his play will be vital if USC is to stop Notre Dame's fifth-ranked rushing offense (308 yards per game).

“They truly believe in running the ball first to set up the pass game,” Helton said.

USC is no slouch with its back to the wall, allowing just 41.4 percent touchdowns in the red zone, good for 12th nationally.

"I think we've got two good ball clubs right now, I'll be honest with you,” Helton said. “There are a lot of high stakes on the line. It’s great for college football when both teams are doing well, and there’s so much excitement around the game on a national scope. It makes it fun for the players, the coaches and the fans.”

Darnold definitely has that "it" factor, even if he has been more prone to turnovers this season. His nine interceptions in seven games matches his total from all of last season, and has lost three fumbles. He's his own harshest critic, stating that he "needs to play better, be more careful," but he also dazzles with his ability to step up in the pocket and make throws that few in America can make.

Darnold has completed just under 63 percent of his passes, but has improved on his decision-making, throwing six touchdowns to just one interception in the last two games.

Kelly knows that he merits a ton of attention from the Irish defense.

"What separates him from the other quarterbacks is his ability to find that open window in tight spaces with a quick, quick release," Kelly said. "I mean, that ball comes out of his hand as well as anybody that I've seen."

Ronald Jones Jr. has rushed for 318 yards in the last three games, scoring a touchdown in each, and averages 106.7 yards per contest, with eight scores. He's shifty and elusive enough that the Irish cannot commit all of their resources to stopping Darnold.

Notre Dame QB Brandon Wimbush is a major dual threat (Indianapolis Star)

Jones won't be the only standout ballcarrier on the field.

Notre Dame's Josh Adams, ranked seventh nationally with 129.3 yards per game and a 9.02 average per carry. The Irish commit to running the football, taking some pressure off of quarterback Brandon Wimbush in the passing game. Wimbush has eight rushing touchdowns and is lethal in the Irish's spread attack. He has been erratic in the passing game, completing just 52.3 percent, but has done a good job minimizing mistakes, tossing six touchdowns to just two interceptions.

The Irish defense has allowed just one rushing touchdown and is among the top 10 nationally in turnover margin. New defensive coordinator Bob Diaco has Notre Dame playing more aggressively on defense, disguising coverages and pressures. Notre Dame has taken the football away eight times in the last three contests.

This is the first time since 2009 that both teams enter the game ranked, and the stakes could be as high as they were in 2005, when USC was ranked No. 1 and Notre Dame ninth. That was the year of the infamous "Bush Push," when USC tailback Reggie Bush gave an assist to quarterback Matt Leinart on a keeper with seven seconds left to play. Leinart crossed the goal line and USC won 34-31.

USC has won 12 of the last 16 matchups, but the Irish have won two of the last three contests in South Bend.

"I think it's important our players are aware of the game and the circumstances because that's why they come here," Kelly said. "It's important not to just bury your head in the sand; be aware of it.

 "I would like to think it's going to be a great atmosphere in the stadium. I'm sure our students will be back for it. I'm sure it will be a great atmosphere."

Irish, Bulldogs Seek Legitimacy As Showdown Looms

Brandon Wimbush gives Notre Dame a dual threat at quarterback

 The last (and only) time Notre Dame and Georgia faced off in a football game, Ronald Reagan was president, Charles and Diana has just gotten married and Raiders of the Lost Ark was riding high at the box office.

 The Bulldogs were coming off of the 1980 national championship (beating the Irish in the Sugar Bowl), and Notre Dame was beginning one of its darkest eras, a five year stretch with Gerry Faust as head coach. He would go 30-26-1, and amass the lowest winning percentage of any ND coach who spent at least five years in charge. Both programs were relevant back then, though their fan bases will tell you that both are still relevant today -- which is debatable.

 What isn't debatable is that this is an intriguing contest between two ranked teams, currently a bit under the radar but with talent and expectations to make an ascent in the rankings.

 Georgia coach Kirby Smart likes the attention the game brings, though he admitted to not seeing very much of the Irish in the last couple of seasons.

 "I think these kinds of games in college football are really cool because you get to go play somebody that you don't normally play," Smart said. "It's just weird for me because you're familiar with your conference players."

 Both squads have new quarterbacks, the Irish by plan and the Bulldogs by injury.

 Notre Dame's Brandon Wimbush was a standout in the Irish victory over Temple, throwing for 184 and two touchdowns and rushing for 106 yards and another score. While Irish coach Brian Kelly doesn't necessarily look for dual threat quarterbacks, he said he does like the idea of having a player who can put pressure on a defense a variety of ways.

 Smart noticed Wimbush's performances and knows that his defense will have to be on point to slow him down.

 "Brandon Wimbush is an explosive athlete," Smart said. "He looks as fast as any player on their team. They do a very good job of the RPO system. They run downhill at you, and they are as good looking an offensive line as you will ever play."

 Wimbush wasn't the only player causing headaches against Temple, though.

 Running back Josh Adams exploded for 161 yards and two scores, and 6-5 wideout Equanimeous St. Brown had four grabs for 80 yards and a touchdown. He is a freakish athlete, one who gives the 24th-ranked Irish a deep threat and gives opposing defenses headaches.

 Notre Dame notched 11 tackles for loss against the Owls, and got some push from its defensive line, which is a change from years past. Mike Elko has changed the attitude and technique of the front, and they are now more aggressive at firing off the ball instead of merely occupying blockers and allowing the linebackers to clean things up.

 Kelly knows the Irish play a grueling schedule every season, but having not faced Georgia before personally, and the school only playing them once, makes for an exciting evening.

 "This the great part about being an independent football team in that you get these kinds of games, getting a chance to play against a team that's regarded as one of the very best in the SEC," Kelly said. "So our guys are excited about the challenge and looking forward to Saturday night."

 Kelly would love for his team to control the line of scrimmage the way it did against Temple, but knows that could be a tougher task as No. 15 Georgia's athletes are a notch or two above what the Owls have. But it isn't just the talent that Kelly notices.

"They like to play the four I defense, which causes some problems with your schemes and combinations," Kelly said. "Two gap noses. They like to move the fronts around, which causes some problems up front. So it frees up linebackers to run and hit. So what it is about his defense is that when you have four linebackers, you've got guys running off the edges. They can get to you off the edge as well as moving the front around. When you're in three down you can easily play three down and four down from week to week. There is that ability to morph into what you want to be. That in itself allows him a lot of creativity."

Georgia, which had an easy time in a win over Appalachian State, may need to lean on that defense due to an injury suffered by incumbent quarterback Jacob Eason. He will not go in this game, which means heralded freshman Jake Fromm will make his first collegiate start, in one of the most hallowed of all playing fields. It will be a step up from the opener, where he went 10 of 15 for 143 yards and a touchdown, and looked poised and mature leading the offense to three first-half touchdowns.

Georgia freshman Jake Fromm will be under the microscope against Notre Dame

 While he possesses a big arm, Fromm may not be asked to do too much.

 And why would he, when he has possibly the best 1-2 backfield punch in America?

 "Sony Michel and Nick Chubb, they are elite backs," Kelly said. "I mean, you're going to see two guys that will be NFL players and have great careers. So two elite backs."

 Chubb had 96 and two touchdowns and Michel added 87 yards and a score of his own.

 Georgia is talented but young, and that would normally be a concern for Smart, especially in an environment such as Notre Dame Stadium. But kids today are cut from a different cloth, and aren't usually flustered by big moments.

 "Kids nowadays are different," Smart said. "If it was my freshman year and we were going there I think it would have been more intimidating. To be honest with you, these kids know Notre Dame's players. A long time ago you didn't know Notre Dame's players unless you saw them on TV because you didn't get recruited with them. These kids have gone to all-star games with those guys. They know those players.

 "Certainly, when you go on the road the environment changes. You have to try to simulate that environment, make sure they are calm and that they play well."

 The Irish are looking for their third 2-0 start in the last five seasons, and have won 40 games at home in Kelly's tenure, including 12 the last three seasons.

 Georgia has been a good road team in recent seasons, compiling an 18-7 record away from home since 2011. The Bulldogs have been money in non-conference games, going 13-2 the last three seasons, with wins over North Carolina and Clemson.

 Fans may not be ready to embrace either team as legitimate yet, simply because it's early in the season and there have been too many disappointments to truly get hopes up. Kelly plays off the must-win talk, preferring to focus on his team improving and showing that last year's 4-8 mark was an aberration.

 Smart realizes what's at stake for his team, that people might actually buy in if the Bulldogs come away with a victory. And though his memories of Notre Dame aren't many, he knows that a win over the Irish will be a feather for the program.

 "My memories of Notre Dame are more Rocket Ismail, Tim Brown (who was, interestingly enough, recruited by Faust), around that time," Smart said. "I was really too young to remember the national championship game, and I was not actually in the state of Georgia yet. It's a special place, I know that. It's just a resume that speaks for itself."