Well, I thought I would start up a thread since no one else is talking about this game. This game should be a good measuring stick for East to see what they are made of and where they could finish in the conference. ND is by far considered the favorite to win the conference and so should be a heavy favorite to win this game. I have a few mixed emotions about this game too since my son is an East JV player/reserve varsity player and I am an ND alum/former player.
East must contain the ND running game and not allow many big plays to hope to have a chance to stay in the game. I know ND's starting RB is very fast and rushed for a lot of yardage last year. I also read where ND's QB has a very good arm and can make all the throws so they can't totally sell out to the run. Also, I know ND has a couple of pretty capable WRs. With all that being said, East has been pretty solid on defense most of the season. They have some good size up front in the interior of the DL and also some pretty good LBs, with one being a 2 year starter and all conference last year.
On offense, East returned 9 starters from last year but started slow the first two games because of injuries. Their starting QB was knocked out for the season with a knee injury in the first game and also one of their starting RBs who also plays some MLB on defense, was out sick the first two games so their offense really struggled. They were forced to move the JV QB up to varsity but so far he has done an admirable job managing the offense. With the starting RB back, their offense has ran the ball very well the last 2 games. I think the key matchup this week is how well the East OL matches up with the ND defensive line. If East can't effectively run the ball and control the clock somewhat, then I don't think they have much of a chance. They do have two very good RBs but if they don't have any blocking then that doesn't matter much. East needs to also be able to mix in some passing to keep the ND defense honest. If they continuously get in long down and distances then they won't have much of a chance to score or stay in the game.
Any ND fans have any thoughts or opinions?
East must contain the ND running game and not allow many big plays to hope to have a chance to stay in the game. I know ND's starting RB is very fast and rushed for a lot of yardage last year. I also read where ND's QB has a very good arm and can make all the throws so they can't totally sell out to the run. Also, I know ND has a couple of pretty capable WRs. With all that being said, East has been pretty solid on defense most of the season. They have some good size up front in the interior of the DL and also some pretty good LBs, with one being a 2 year starter and all conference last year.
On offense, East returned 9 starters from last year but started slow the first two games because of injuries. Their starting QB was knocked out for the season with a knee injury in the first game and also one of their starting RBs who also plays some MLB on defense, was out sick the first two games so their offense really struggled. They were forced to move the JV QB up to varsity but so far he has done an admirable job managing the offense. With the starting RB back, their offense has ran the ball very well the last 2 games. I think the key matchup this week is how well the East OL matches up with the ND defensive line. If East can't effectively run the ball and control the clock somewhat, then I don't think they have much of a chance. They do have two very good RBs but if they don't have any blocking then that doesn't matter much. East needs to also be able to mix in some passing to keep the ND defense honest. If they continuously get in long down and distances then they won't have much of a chance to score or stay in the game.
Any ND fans have any thoughts or opinions?
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