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."