2 The observer | FRiday, November 7, 2014 | ndsmcobserver.com Insider

COMMENTARY recruiting Notre Dame’s QB Wimbush, WR Guyton season is on the line excelling in senior years

didn’t surrender more than Mary Green 17 points in any of its first five Sports Editor games, but since facing North Carolina in mid-October, the Saturday’s matchup against team has let opponents score at Arizona State will be Notre least 31 points in three consecu- Dame’s biggest and best oppor- tive games, including yields of 43 tunity to make a statement this and 39 points. season. On a similar note, the Irish However, it will be up to the have shown their tendency to Irish to determine which type of play to the level and style of their statement they make to future opponents in those last three opponents, fans nationwide and, games, which has both helped perhaps most importantly, the and hurt them. Playoff selection North Carolina was a shootout. committee. State was considered by Every team in America can some to be the best game of the Photo courtesy of Blue & Gold Illustrated, 247Sports say it doesn’t pay attention to the college football season so far. Class of 2015 Brandon Wimbush committed to Notre Dame in October after flipping from Penn State. Irish recruiting analyst Tom Loy said Wimbush is “a five-star quarterback in [his] book.” rankings, but those rankings still Navy should not have been as control whether a team makes it close as it was, and as a result, the By MIKE MONACO The three-star pledge checks in “Those are guys that are very into the playoff and has a chance Irish fell down two spots in the Senior Sports Writer as the No. 494 overall player in the much perceived as long shots at to contend for a national cham- AP poll to No. 8 and were jumped nation, per 247Sports’ Composite this point, but they could surprise pionship, and Notre Dame is no by Arizona State in the College Amid the seemingly never- Rankings. Loy said Guyton had you,” Loy said. “I could see any exception. Football Playoff rankings. ending stream of commitments, an “average to good” junior sea- one of those guys choosing Notre That’s why this week is so And now, at a most conve- visits and other activity during son, highlighted by a strong post- Dame come signing day.” important. nient time, Arizona State wel- the past few weeks, attention season at Allen High School in Nonetheless, Loy said there’s The Irish have won all the comes Notre Dame to Sun Devil hasn’t always been directed at Texas. This season, Guyton has value for Notre Dame even in games they were supposed to Stadium. It’s the spark the Irish Notre Dame’s current group of 21 teamed with his quarterback, just being under consideration in win, outscoring opponents 256- need to revive a dull patch in pledges in the class of 2015. Texas A&M commit and five-star some scenarios, especially with 142 in victories. The defense has their season and rocket them But many Irish commits have prospect Kyler Murray, to form a blue-chip recruits from states like posted a shutout, the offense closer to those coveted four spots compiled strong senior seasons strong duo through the air. Florida, Texas and California. has posted more than one blow- in the rankings. as they get set to don the blue and “He’s just been dominant. He “You get a kid on campus, it’s out, and Vegas has posted that If the Irish play to the level gold next year in South Bend. looks faster. He’s playing with still a win,” Loy said. “It shows na- Everett Golson currently has the of the Sun Devils, this top-10 Irish recruiting analyst Tom Loy more confidence,” Loy said of tionally that Notre Dame is worth fourth-best odds of winning the matchup will be everything said class of 2015 quarterback Guyton. “He’s added size. … Now a visit. … You don’t always have Heisman Trophy. viewers could hope for, with two commitment Brandon Wimbush you look at him and you see a guy to sign a kid to make it a win in That’s not bad for a defense highly potent offenses led by dy- has been one of the most impres- that can step in and compete recruiting.” that lost seven starters, an offense namic and talented sive players in the country this for playing time as a freshman. Class of 2016 quarterback Malik that is heavily reliant on previ- receivers facing one another. season, much less the Irish class. He goes from looking like depth Henry announced Wednesday he ously inexperienced sophomores A win would shoot Notre Dame “I wouldn’t say that he’s sur- at the wide-receiver position to will be committing Thursday af- and a quarterback who didn’t closer to the top. It would un- prised me with his performance, a game-changer, potentially a ternoon. Loy, who once thought take a single snap last season. doubtedly pass Arizona State and but Brandon Wimbush has taken difference-maker on offense for Henry would end up at Notre Not many people gave Notre could leapfrog at least one other his game to another level,” said the Irish. He’s been a pleasant Dame, thinks that has changed. Dame a serious shot at beating team, since the victory would be Loy, who covers Notre Dame surprise.” “My guess would be that he’s Florida State, especially at the be- against the country’s No. 9 squad. recruiting for Blue and Gold Among other current Notre going to Florida State at this ginning of the season. In the end, However, a loss would signal Illustrated, part of the 247Sports Dame commitments who could point,” Loy said of Henry’s de- the Irish walked away with their the end of any hopes Notre Dame network. “His overall play as a potentially contribute right away cision. “A lot can change in a first and only loss of the season has of making the playoff. Yes, whole, he’s not only throwing the as freshmen, Loy mentioned week, but it seems like ever since thus far. Arizona State is a quality oppo- ball with arm strength and ball center Tristen Hoge, cornerback Brandon Wimbush committed to But to anyone who watched, nent, so the loss would not be a speed, but he’s throwing the ball Shaun Crawford, receiver C.J. Notre Dame last month, it seems the game was as close as you crazy upset, but it is difficult to so accurate.” Sanders and linebackers Josh like the priority has been to just could come to a victory without imagine a two-loss team outside Wimbush, the No. 4 dual- Barajas, Tevon Coney and Asmar focus on Wimbush going forward actually placing another tally in the SEC West playing for a cham- threat quarterback and No. 63 Bilal. Loy added that three-star and then slow the recruitment of the win column. It was as quality pionship, at least at this point in overall player in the country, ac- cornerback Nick Coleman could 2016.” a loss as any other team in con- the season. cording to 247Sports’ Composite surprise Irish fans. Loy said Notre Dame is also tention for the playoff has had all A win could make the season. A Rankings for the class of 2015, an- Loy has said he could see Notre interested in class of 2016 quar- season. loss would break it. nounced his flip from Penn State Dame taking a class of 25 com- terbacks Jawon Pass and Shea So why is Notre Dame ranked The Irish season is on the line, to Notre Dame on Oct. 7. Many mitments in this recruiting cycle. Patterson. No. 10 in the country, behind and their fate lies in their hands believed the Irish would not He said he doesn’t expect some- seven other one-loss teams? only. It’s time for them to show us land a quarterback in the class one to come from completely off For more on Notre Dame For starters, its strength of if they’re championship material after former commitment and the radar as the end of the season recruiting, check out schedule isn’t as difficult as it or not. five-star prospect Blake Barnett nears and creeps toward National BlueAndGold.com. Email seemed before. Unfortunately for flipped to Alabama in June. Signing Day, but long shots like Andrew Owens at the Irish, opponents who once Contact Mary Green at Barnett is the No. 1 dual-threat cornerbacks Minkah Fitzpatrick [email protected] and seemed formidable — such as [email protected] signal-caller in the country, per and Iman Marshall, safety tell him The Observer sent you. Stanford and Michigan — have The views in this column 247Sports’ Composite Rankings. Marvell Tell and defensive tackle faded into mediocrity. are those of the author and “You compare their numbers Christian Wilkins shouldn’t be Contact Mike Monaco at The defense has given up a not necessarily those of The to their senior season, it looks completely ruled out. [email protected] lot of points lately. Notre Dame Observer. like Wimbush may be the better prospect,” Loy said. “Regardless of what any recruiting [outlet] calls him, he’s a five-star quarter- Follow us on back in my book. He’s arguably the top player at his position in Twitter. 2015. You could say Notre Dame got a huge steal late in the re- cruiting process and a potential difference-maker at the quarter- @ObserverSports back position.” Loy said he has been some- what surprised by the play of Photo courtesy of Blue & Gold Illustrated, 247Sports class of 2015 receiver commit- Class of 2016 five-star quarterback Malik Henry said Wednesday he ment Jalen Guyton this season. will announce his college decision Thursday. Insider ndsmcobserver.com | FRIDAY, november 7, 2014 | The Observer 3

By BRIAN HARTNETT often. And he hasn’t stopped improved play of the revamped “[Folston] does little things offseason competition be- Managing Editor proving his point since then, offensive line. Rather, he said sometimes that don’t show up tween he, McDaniel and Bryant recording 98 rushing yards it’s been a byproduct of the in the stat sheet that as coach- has not yet come to a close. For sophomore and three touchdowns against team’s development over the es, we really appreciate,” Kelly “We all come out every day Tarean Folston, a few more car- North Carolina, 120 yards course of the season. said. “He really is an accom- and just work hard,” Folston ries went a long way. against Florida State and 149 “At the beginning of the sea- plished player, and he’s less said. “… It’s always been a As a freshman last season, the yards and two touchdowns last son, everyone starts off slow,” about potential, and he’s more wide-open race, and it always Cocoa, Florida native, who was weekend versus Navy. he said. “But we continue to in that production, as well.” will be.” ranked as a four-star recruit Irish senior quarterback work hard and be more of a If Folston wants to empha- Folston said the so-called by several services, including Everett Golson said Folston’s complete team. That’s all it is, size his receiving ability, he competition among the run- 247Sports, showed early flashes newfound suc- not better nor worse.” can be forgiven. Folston made ning backs has never been any- of his potential, including a 36- cess has come Though he spends the major- receptions on both offense thing but friendly, as the three yard run in Notre Dame’s 35-21 from his ity of his time running between and defense throughout his players involved spend much loss to Oklahoma. But it wasn’t develop- tackles or trying to get to the time at Cocoa High School, re- time together off the field. until the team’s ninth game of ment as a edge, Folston said his biggest cording eight receptions for 85 “When we are [together], it’s the season against Navy that player. strength is his ability to catch yards and four interceptions a brotherhood,” he said. “We do Folston showed that he could “He’s the ball in the in his senior season. Folston, everything together — we usu- be a featured running back. def initely backfield. who played both cornerback ally eat together, watch film to- That game, he ran for 140 gaining that and safety in the 2013 Under gether, stuff like that.” yards and one touchdown on Armour All-America Game, This spirit of competitive 18 carries, nearly equal to the said he picked up a defensive friendliness extends to Folston’s 22 carries he had received in mentality from his father, relationship with Bryant, who the team’s first eight games. James Folston, a former NFL hails from the same region of Folston said playing extensive- linebacker who played for Florida as Folston. ly against Navy allowed him both the Oakland Raiders and “… We’ve been tight since to validate what he had been T h e Arizona Cardinals. the first summer when we were working on in practice. 5 - f o o t - 9 , “My dad, he’s all for me and roommates,” Folston said. “I guess I got into a little 209-pounder has whatever I want to do, and as “We’ve always had that bond, rhythm,” he said. “But, you caught 12 passes far as giving me knowledge, he not just because we’re both know, I work hard all the time, for 166 yards this gave me knowledge both defen- running backs but because we and it showed up that game, season. sively and offensively through- come from the same area. We and I try to continue to play at O t h e r s out high school,” Folston said. know things, and we both just that ability.” around the “… He did help me out with a want to be successful.” Folston kept up his high level Notre Dame lot of defensive things, taught Folston and the Irish will of play throughout the remain- p r o g r a m , me a lot of stuff, but on the flip try to build on this season’s der of the season, scoring a con- however, side, he helped me out with of- success when they travel to touchdown in his first career fidence had dif- fensive stuff also.” face one-loss Arizona State start against BYU and adding — I think, just ferent Although he is firmly en- on Saturday. For Folston, who another score against Rutgers talking gener- trenched at running back, was squarely in the midst in the Pinstripe Bowl. Folston ally, that’s the big- Folston hasn’t completely of the recruiting cycle when said the late-season success in- gest thing for a lot lost his desire to play defense Notre Dame reached the BCS spired him to work hard in the of these players,” or field kicks, which he did National Championship Game offseason. Golson said. throughout high school. in 2013, a win against the Sun “I just continued to work “… But I think “I wouldn’t have a prob- Devils would be an opportu- hard,” he said. “It’s just one of Tarean definite- lem with [playing defense],” nity for him to move one step those things where you had a ly got that even answers to he said. “I’m here to help the close to a goal he’s envisioned great moment, you can’t just let from last year. that question. team in any way possible, since starting Notre Dame. that go away. You’ve just got to This year, coming “I think he more so if they decide to put me “We’ve had the [national work and try to have more mo- in, going out, play- works with us as a on defense, I’d be hap- championship] in our mind ments like those.” ing good and things running back, just py to do whatever the whole time,” he said. “… Folston entered this season like that. I think he’s reading our blocks and they ask me to We’re stepping up to the oc- competing for carries with se- definitely matured in just helping us set up do — kickoffs, casion and playing big-time nior captain Cam McDaniel that aspect.” our own blocks, forc- kick returns, teams and big-time games and fellow sophomore Greg But Folston said there was no ing the defender to anything.” and coming out with the ‘W.’ Bryant. He spent the first single moment or realization come to us, where For now, We just want to continue to do quarter of the season splitting that helped spark his recent we want him,” Irish Folston has been that and make this run for the carries in the backfield but play. junior offensive line- asked to c l a i m championship.” struggling to find success — “I come out with the same man Ronnie Stanley the lion’s sha re And if the Irish are to make earning just 17 yards against mentality every week — just said of Folston. of carries. But h e such a run, they’ll need to Michigan, 22 against Purdue work hard, grind it out and Irish head coach rejected any make sure the carries for their and 41 against Syracuse. come out with the ‘W’ at the Brian Kelly praised notion that he is top rusher go a long way. But then, just like last sea- end of the day,” he said. Folston’s attention Notre Dame’s No. son, Folston made the case to Similarly, Folston said his to detail in his Oct. 7 press 1 running back, Contact Brian Hartnett at put the ball in his hands more success hasn’t been built by the conference. insisting that the [email protected] 4 The observer | FRIDAY, november 7, 2014 | ndsmcobserver.com Insider HEAD TO sun devil stadium No. 10 Notre dame KEVIN SONG | The Observer KEVIN SONG | The Observer IRISH PASSING IRISH OFFENSIVE COACHING Last weekend, senior quarterback Everett With the recent production from Folston Golson became the first Irish quarterback and the offensive line, Irish offensive co- (So.) Will Fuller 7 to have three passing and three rushing ordinator Mike Denbrock now has several (So.) Torii Hunter Jr. 16 WR touchdowns in the same game. Golson’s more options at his disposal. The Irish have (Sr.) Amir Carlisle 3 (Jr.) C.J. Prosise 20 WR name is still in the Heisman conversation played four consecutive close games, but and for good reason — he has thrown for with the exception of the Stanford game, (Jr.) Ronnie Stanley 78 at least 300 yards and three touchdowns in generating offense hasn’t been an issue for (So.) Hunter Bivin 70 LT 33 each of his last three games. the Irish. (Sr.) Cam McDaniel 72 -OR- (So.) Tarean Folston 25 RB (Sr.) Nick Martin Golson has been complimented by the Keith Patterson is in his first season as -OR- (So.) Greg Bryant 1 (Sr.) Conor Hanratty 65 LG continued development of his receiving Sun Devils defensive coordinator, but he is (Sr.) Everett Golson 5 (Sr.) Matt Hegarty 77 (So.) Malik Zaire 8 75 corps — three different receivers caught familiar with Notre Dame — he was Tulsa’s QB (Jr.) Mark Harrell C touchdown passes against Navy. And defensive coordinator when it upset the (So.) Steve Elmer 79 (So.) Colin McGovern 62 RG sophmore receiver Will Fuller has put his Irish in 2010 and Pitt’s defensive coordina- (Gr.) Christian Lombard 74 name among the nation’s most productive tor during an ugly 15-12 Notre Dame win (So.) Mike McGlinchey 68 RT receivers, as he’s currently tied for fourth the following season. The Sun Devils have (Sr.) Ben Koyack 18 in the FBS with nine touchdown catches. had some struggles replacing six starters (So.) Durham Smythe 80 TE Arizona State’s pass defense has been from last season on defense but enter the -OR- (Fr.) Tyler Luatua 13 solid, particularly recently — the Sun game with some momentum, having held Devils held Utah to only 57 passing yards their last three Pac-12 opponents to a com- (Jr.) Chris Brown 2 last weekend. But the Sun Devils second- bined 40 points. (So.) Corey Robinson 88 WR ary has struggled against top-tier quar- terbacks, as it surrendered 355 yards and EDGE: EVEN four touchdowns to UCLA’s Brett Hundley (So.) Cole Luke 36 and 273 yards and two touchdowns to IRISH SPECIAL TEAMS (So.) Devin Butler 12 LCB USC’s Cody Kessler. Figure the Sun Devils After a strong start to the season, the Irish to have some difficulties with the multi- special teams have started to revert toward (So.) James Onwualu 17 threat Golson. their usual mean. Notre Dame averages (Jr.) John Turner 31 SLB over seven yards per punt return and just (So.) Max Redfield 10 (Jr.) Sheldon Day 91 41 EDGE: NOTRE DAME under 20 yards per kickoff return. Even the (Sr.) Matthias Farley SS (Gr.) Justin Utupo 53 DE normally reliable senior kicker Kyle Brindza (Jr.) Jarron Jones 94 IRISH RUSHING missed two field goals last weekend. (Fr.) Nyles Morgan 5 (Fr.) Daniel Cage 75 DT Sophomore running back Tarean Folston But the Irish have potential for big plays (So.) Michael Deeb 42 MLB 90 has received the lion’s share of carries for against Arizona State’s punt and kickoff re- (So.) Isaac Rochell (Fr.) Daniel Cage 75 DT the Irish after strong performances in his turn defenses, which rank among the worst (Jr.) Elijah Shumate 22 23 last three games. He’s rushed for more than in the nation. The Sun Devils have surren- (Fr.) Drue Tranquill FS (Jr.) Romeo Okwara 45 120 yards in each of the past two games, dered both kickoff and punt return touch- (Fr.) Andrew Trumbetti 98 DE becoming the first Irish running back to do downs this season. (So.) Jaylon Smith 9 48 so since Darius Walker did it in 2006. His (Fr.) Greer Martini WLB emergence has relegated senior captain EDGE: NOTRE DAME Cam McDaniel and fellow sophomore Greg (Gr.) Cody Riggs 2 Bryant to limited roles. IRISH SCHEDULE (7-1) (Fr.) Nick Watkins 19 RCB Folston and the Irish offensive line, Aug. 30 Rice (W 48-17) which has also looked good the past three Sept. 6 Michigan (W 31-0) games, have to be excited to face Arizona Sept. 13 vs. Purdue (W 30-14) State’s rushing defense. The Sun Devils Sept. 27 vs. Syracuse (W 31-15) have allowed more than 150 yards in all but Oct. 4 Stanford (W 17-14) (Sr.) Kyle Brindza 27 (Sr.) Kyle Brindza 27 one game this season and yield an average Oct. 11 North Carolina (W 50-43) (Fr.) Tyler Newsome 85 PK (Fr.) Tyler Newsome 85 KO of more than 180 rushing yards per game, Oct. 18 @ Florida State (L 31-27) (Sr.) Kyle Brindza 27 (Sr.) Amir Carlisle 3 88th nationally. Folston and Golson alike Nov. 1 vs. Navy (W 49-39) (Fr.) Tyler Newsome 31 P (Sr.) Cam McDaniel 33 KR should be able to find running room this Nov. 8 @ Arizona State (Gr.) Cody Riggs 2 (Jr.) Scott Daly 61 Saturday. Nov. 15 Northwestern -OR- (So.) Greg Bryant 1 PR (Jr.) Hunter Smith 99 LS Nov. 22 Louisville EDGE: NOTRE DAME Nov. 29 @ USC

Mike Monaco Brian Hartnett Samantha Zuba Senior Sports Writer Managing Editor Assistant Managing Editor

Tempe looks perfectly primed for a Notre Dame slip-up. One thing is for sure about this Saturday’s game — there Notre Dame and Arizona State have a lot to lose or With Joe Schmidt lost for the season and an improved will be a lot of points. gain. Arizona State defense, the Sun Devils could be favored at Both teams possess high-powered offenses led by dual- The Sun Devils leaped over the Irish this week to No. home in front a crowd looking to prove ESPN wrong for by- threat quarterbacks and quick receivers. And they both 9 in the College Football Playoff rankings with Notre passing the spot for “College GameDay.” have aggressive defenses that at times have struggled to Dame remaining at No. 10. Both teams have 7-1 records But ASU quarterback Taylor Kelly hasn’t looked like him- match such potent offenses. and cling to the fringes of the top four and a playoff self in the last two games since returning from a broken Although the two teams look pretty close on paper, I have berth. foot while Everett Golson continues to roll. There will be to give a slight edge to Notre Dame. Simply put, the Irish On Saturday, both teams will be scrapping to keep offensive playmakers aplenty in the desert coupled with offense has been rolling the last few weeks, and the emer- those playoff hopes alive. young, aggressive defenses. gence of Tarean Folston is not what Arizona State’s sub-par The Sun Devils have beaten Utah — No. 17 in the play- It will be close, just like last year. rush defense would like to see. off rankings — but were clubbed by No. 18 UCLA, 62-27. But Golson will carry the Irish to a marquee victory, The Irish do lose quite a bit with Joe Schmidt out, but Notre Dame has yet to defeat a team still in the rankings. an 8-1 record and, most importantly, a rise in the College Nyles Morgan should make up for his lack of experience But the loss to Florida State proved the Irish could hang Football Playoff rankings. with his athleticism. with anyone, and they will do so against Arizona State.

FINAL SCORE : Notre Dame 34, Arizona State 27 FINAL SCORE : Notre Dame 38, Arizona State 34 FINAL SCORE : Notre Dame 28, Arizona State 24 Insider ndsmcobserver.com | FRIDAY, november 7, 2014 | The Observer 5 TO HEAD 3:30 p.m. on abc No. 9 arizona state KEVIN SONG | The Observer KEVIN SONG | The Observer SUN DEVILS PASSING SUN DEVILS OFFENSIVE COACHING Arizona State has long had a potent pass- Under offensive coordinator Mike 10 Kweishi Brown ( Jr.) ing attack, and this year is no different. Norvell, Arizona State ranked 10th na- FCB 13 Armand Perry (Fr.) Redshirt senior quarterback Taylor Kelly tionally in scoring offense last season. has had a distinguished career — he just The Sun Devils have dropped to 36th in 32 Antonio Longino (R-Jr.) WLB 4 Dj Calhoun (Fr.) passed to move into third in that category this season, but they also Sun Devils history in passing touchdowns, were without their experienced starting LT 1 Marcus Hardison (Sr.) 38 Jordan Simone (R-Jr.) and he threw for 362 yards against the quarterback for three games. DE 6 Chans Cox (R-Fr.) FS 18 James Johnson (R-Fr.) LG Irish last year. Despite some struggles in the past three 90 Tashon Smallwood (fr.) When Kelly missed three games earlier games, the Irish defense under new de- 94 Demetrius Cherry (R-Jr.) this season due to a foot injury, redshirt fensive coordinator Brian VanGorder has DT 28 Viliami Moeakiola (R-So.) C LB 4 DJ Calhoun (Fr.) junior quarterback stepped been fast and aggressive. Notre Dame will 92 Jaxon Hood ( Jr.) RG NG 41 Viliami Latu (So.) in, and the offense didn’t miss a beat as the need VanGorder to prove his worth this signal-caller threw for nearly 1000 yards week as it looks to replace senior line- 97 Edmond Boateng (R-So.) 3 94 Damarious Randle (Sr.) and eight touchdowns in his first two backer Joe Schmidt, arguably the quar- RT DT -OR- Demetrius Cherry (R-Jr.) BS 5 Chad Adams (Fr.) games. terback of the team’s defense. How will The Sun Devils have several good re- defensive calls change with the talented TE 58 Salamo Fiso (R-So.) ceivers, but none has been more explosive but raw freshman Nyles Morgan at mid- SLB 44 Alani Latu (R-Fr.) than redshirt junior Jaelen Strong, who av- dle linebacker? 8 Lloyd Carrington (R-So.) erages more than 100 yards per game and BCB 13 Armand Perry (Fr.) has eight touchdowns on the season. EDGE: ARIZONA STATE Although the Irish secondary has been aggressive and forced turnovers all sea- SUN DEVILS SPECIAL TEAMS 6 Cameron Smith (So.) son, it will be hard-pressed to stop an ex- Field-goal kicking has been one of the WR 15 Ronald Lewis (R-Fr.) perienced Arizona State passing attack. few bright spots for Arizona State’s special teams this season. Sophomore kicker Zane 12 De’Marieya Nelson (R-Sr.) EDGE: ARIZONA STATE Gonzalez has connected on 14 of 17 field TE 83 -OR- Kody Kohl (R-So.) goals this season, and he averages nearly 54 Tyler Sulka (R-Sr.) SUN DEVILS RUSHING 10 points per game, putting him seventh RT 75 William McGehee (R-Jr.) DE 1 Arizona State’s running game doesn’t among kickers and 14th nationally. 73 Deantre Lewis (R-Sr.) Vi Teofilo (R-Jr.) RB 9 -OR- Kalen Ballage (Fr.) quite stack up to its passing attack, but it Arizona State’s kickoff return unit ranks RG 77 Stephon McCray (R-So.) DT still generates over 190 yards per game. above average nationally, but its punt re- 50 Nick Kelly (Jr.) 10 Taylor Kelly (R-Sr.) C 77 Stephon McCray (R-So.) QB 2 Mike Bercovici (R-Jr.) Dual-threat junior D.J. Foster has gen- turn team has been abysmal, ranking DT 55 Christian Westerman (R-Jr.) 8 D.J. Foster ( Jr.) erated many of those yards, though his 122nd in the nation. LG 77 Stephon McCray (R-So.) TB 4 Damario Richard (Fr.) effectiveness in recent weeks has come Notre Dame’s kickoff and punt coverage 74 Jamil Douglas (R-Sr.) mainly as a receiver. units are nowhere near as cringe-worthy 57 Evan Goodman (R-So.) DE LT Perhaps more concerning for Notre as they were the past few seasons, though Dame is the fact that Kelly is a running the potential to give up long returns still threat himself. If sacks are removed from exists. 81 Gary Chambers (R-Jr.) WR 89 Frederick Gammage(R-So.) rushing statistics, Kelly has averaged 21 Jaelen Strong (R-Jr.) nine yards per carry on the ground. The EDGE: EVEN WR 19 Ellis Jefferson (R-Fr.) Irish allowed 132 rushing yards to North Carolina multi-dimensional quarterback SUN DEVILS SCHEDULE (7-1) Marquise Williams last month. Aug. 28 Weber State (W 45-14) Still, Notre Dame’s rush defense has Sept. 6 @ New Mexico (W 58-23) been solid throughout the year. The Irish Sept. 13 @ Colorado (W 38-24) have allowed only two players to rush for Sept. 25 UCLA (L 62-27) 25 Alex Garoutte (R-Sr.) 5 Zane Gonzalez (So.) KO 5 Zane Gonzalez (So.) PK 25 Alex Garoutte(R-Sr.) at least 100 yards — Williams and Navy’s Oct. 4 @ USC (W 38-34) Noah Copeland. The unit has strug- Oct. 18 Stanford (W 26-10) 7 Kyle Middlebrooks (R-Sr.) 26 Matt Haack (So.) KR 1 Deantre Lewis (R-Sr.) P 27 Dylan Kegans (Jr.) gled with running quarterbacks, but it Oct. 25 @ Washington (W 24-10) 66 Donnie Shields ( Jr.) 7 Kyle Middlebrooks (R-Sr.) has been strong enough against run- Nov. 1 Utah (W 19-16 (OT)) LS 63 -OR- Mitchell Fraboni (Fr.) PR 3 -OR- (Sr.) ning backs to make this category a push Nov. 8 Notre Dame overall. Nov. 15 @ Oregon State Nov. 22 Washington State Notre Dame vs. Temple EDGE: EVEN Nov. 28 @ Arizona

Isaac Lorton Mary Green Assistant Managing Editor Sports Editor Check out our The matchup against Arizona State is the biggest Three weeks ago, Notre Dame nearly upset the No. 2 game remaining for the Irish. It is their last oppor- team in the country. One week ago, the Irish lost a second- new Notre Dame tunity to prove they should be put in the mix for the half lead to Navy in what should have been a blowout. College Football Playoff, especially after the playoff If one thing’s for certain, it’s that Notre Dame has played Football blog. committee selected ASU to jump Notre Dame as the to the level of its opponents since its Oct. 4 matchup against No. 9 team. Stanford. Both defenses are quick and aggressive, and dy- Fortunately for the Irish, they face the nation’s No. 9 team namic quarterbacks lead both offenses. But Taylor this week. Arizona State’s Jaelen Strong creates a matchup ndsmcobserver.com/ Kelly has not put up his usual numbers, especially in nightmare for opponents with his 6-foot-3 frame, and the the rushing category, since he returned from a three- Sun Devils boast an above-average rushing game, led by sports game hiatus with a broken foot. Notre Dame looks to D.J. Foster. have the slight edge with Golson controlling things. However, Notre Dame stepped up to go toe-to-toe with Ultimately, Notre Dame will triumph over the Sun Florida State until the very end. Arizona State will be a chal- Devils. lenge but not one big enough to stop the Irish.

FINAL SCORE : Notre Dame 41, Arizona State 34 FINAL SCORE : Notre Dame 34, Arizona State 28 6 The observer | FRiday, november 7, 2014 | ndsmcobserver.com Insider Irish defense adjusts without LB Schmidt

By SAMANTHA ZUBA football.” Assistant Managing Editor Defensive players from vari- ous position groups have upped With sidelined senior Joe their leadership in practice, ju- Schmidt moving from lineback- nior defensive lineman Sheldon er to “coach on the field,” as Irish Day said. coach Brian Kelly has called him, “Everybody’s stepped up their the Notre Dame defense will communication a lot, especially have to adjust Saturday against coming from me and [sopho- Arizona State. more linebacker] Jaylon [Smith] Schmidt fractured and dislo- and then the safeties,” Day said. cated his ankle last Saturday in “Everybody’s making sure we the third quarter of Notre Dame’s understand what’s going on, the

“I think everybody will pick up the slack there for the loss of Joe.” Brian Kelly Irish head coach

49-39 win over Navy. Before the play call and make sure every- injury, Schmidt was the leading body’s on the same page.” tackler for the Irish with 65 and When asked how Smith has also had two interceptions. been able to act as a leader al- In comes freshman lineback- ready as a sophomore, Day an- er Nyles Morgan from Crete, swered, laughing, “I guess it’s Illinois. But it won’t be a one-man what Fort Wayne kids do, I don’t effort to fill the hole left by one of know.” the defense’s amiable leaders. “He does a great job of com- “I think everybody will pick munication and making sure ZACHARY LLORENS | The Observer up the slack there for the loss of everybody’s on the same page, Irish senior linebacker Joe Schmidt is out for the season with a fractured and dislocated left ankle suffered Joe, and I think that we’ll make so I commend Jaylon a lot,” Day during Notre Dame’s 49-39 win over Navy on Saturday. Schmidt leads the Irish with 65 tackles. it so Nyles doesn’t have to do too added more seriously. much, but he’s going to have to Day described how his own VanGorder’s scheme. field and then get in my stance position and maybe does not do something as well,” Irish head position on the defensive line “Coach VanGorder’s big thing and kind of see what things can have quickly as Nyles can get coach Brian Kelly said at his gives him more opportunities is always start off with viewing be and where the defense needs there because Nyles has got the Tuesday press conference. “He’s to guide the rest of the defense the field,” Day said. “So being a to line up, so I wouldn’t say it’s a physical ability.” been here — he’s got enough in defensive coordinator Brian defensive lineman, I can view the greater role, but I definitely have And since stepping into his to communicate more.” new role, Morgan has started to Overall, despite the loss of add a vocal command of the de- Schmidt, Notre Dame’s defense fense to his skill set at practice, won’t change too much, at least Rochell said. in terms of its scheme. In terms “He’s definitely more vocal,” of position-by-position roles, not Rochell said. “Because when much will change, sophomore you go out with the twos, it’s a defensive lineman Isaac Rochell different feel than when you go said. out with the ones, and we kind “We have a next-man-in men- of always looked to Joe, and so tality, so it’s not like we’re chang- now we’re looking to Nyles. Even ing our defense because Joe is though he’s young, we don’t look hurt,” Rochell said. “I mean, ob- at it like that.” viously he was an integral part As for Schmidt, Kelly said he’s of our defense, but at the same confident the senior will be an time, we have to keep going.” active presence. Even Schmidt’s middle line- “He’ll absolutely be working backer position might not with us as soon as we get him out feel that different overall with of surgery and get him up and Morgan receiving his first career around,” Kelly said. “He’ll be a start, Kelly said, although he and coach on the field for us, there’s Schmidt play the position with a no question. He’ll be an asset for different style. us and helping us and utilizing “I think [Morgan’s] physical his great knowledge of the posi- ability is probably his biggest tion to help Nyles.” MICHAEL YU | The Observer strength,” Kelly said. “He’s fast. Irish sophomore linebacker Jaylon Smith, pictured here against Rice, said Notre Dame will rely on its He’s athletic, strong. … Joe was Contact Samantha Zuba at “next-man-in” philosophy after senior linebacker Joe Schmidt suffered a season-ending ankle injury. able to put himself in the right [email protected]

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Interested in writing about Notre Dame and Saint Mary’s sports for The Observer? Email Sports Editor Mary Green at [email protected] Insider ndsmcobserver.com | Friday, november 7, 2014 | The Observer 7 Kelly, Strong power Sun Devils offense

against Washington, Strong and Taylor Kelly has continued Kelly have not had huge games. his winning ways after his re- Strong has amassed only eight turn with a 24-10 win over catches for 132 yards and two Washington (6-3, 1-2 Pac-12) touchdowns, but Irish head in Seattle and a 19-16 overtime coach Brian Kelly said he is wor- victory against Utah at home. ried about Kelly returning for Graham said a win, regardless Arizona State (7-1, 5-1 Pac-12). of the margin of victory, is how “Taylor Kelly back in the line- he has evaluated Kelly’s return up really changes things [for to the lineup. ASU’s offense], I think, in terms “He’s undefeated, and it’s our of his ability to run the foot- job to transition him back and ball as well,” Brian Kelly said. having missed six weeks, and “[Taylor Kelly] is extremely elu- he’s coming back playing some sive and looks for Jaelen Strong, really good people,” Graham who is as good as any wide re- said. ceiver in the country.” Brian Kelly said with Taylor Brian Kelly praised Strong’s Kelly back at quarterback, Notre ability, comparing him to for- Dame’s defense must prepare mer Irish receiver Michael for a difficult task. Floyd. “We certainly have had play- “[Strong] is athletic, fast, re- ers of [Strong’s] caliber, but he’s minds me of Michael Floyd,” a unique blend of speed and Kelly said. “Big, athletic, strong size that I don’t know that we’ve hands, goes up and gets the quite seen, but clearly we know football — just very dynamic.” what we need to do,” Brian Kelly Sun Devils head coach Todd said. “We saw him last year, too,

KEVIN SONG | The Observer Graham said both Taylor Kelly and he’s an outstanding player.” Arizona State redshirt junior receiver Jaelen Strong races upfield during Notre Dame’s 37-34 win over the and Bercovici could run Arizona The young Irish secondary Sun Devils last season at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas. State’s offense, but Kelly wins will need to be aggressive, but games and will continue as the only when the situation is ap- By ISAAC LORTON 38-34 comeback win over USC Kelly’s top target with 75 recep- starter. propriate, Kelly said. Assistant Managing Editor (6-3, 5-2 Pac-12) on Oct. 4. tions for 1,122 yards and seven “Each week, we’re working “You know, [the corners] are Meanwhile, senior quarterback touchdowns. both Taylor and Bercovici be- going to have to fight,” Kelly said. Even with their starting Taylor Kelly was sidelined with a This season began well for the cause they both bring great “They’re going to have to fight quarterback sidelined for three broken foot. pair as Strong had 19 catches qualities to the field, but Taylor for every possession against games, the Sun Devils offense The two had established for 266 yards and 2 touchdowns is our guy, and he’s the only [Strong]. I think it’s more about has produced. themselves last year as one of through the first three games quarterback right now I believe timing. If they have time to get Junior receiver Jaelen Strong the most dangerous duos in before Kelly’s injury. in the Pac-12 who is undefeat- the ball to him, it’s going to be a had 30 catches for 323 yards and the Pac-12 and some may argue While Kelly was hurt, how- ed,” Graham said. “He’s a win- battle every single time, there’s four touchdowns in Arizona college football. Kelly threw for ever, Strong’s production con- ner; he’s getting better every no question. He’s that good.” State’s games against UCLA, 3,635 yards and 28 touchdowns tinued with junior quarterback rep. … He is not our team, he is a USC and Stanford, three of while rushing for 852 yards and Mike Bercovici stepping in. part of our team, so we just have Contact Isaac Lorton at which came in the last-minute nine touchdowns. Strong was Since Kelly returned Oct. 25th to get prepared and get better.” [email protected]

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KEVIN SONG | The Observer Arizona State redshirt senior quarterback Taylor Kelly drops back to pass during Notre Dame’s 37-34 win over the Sun Devils last season. Follow us on Twitter.

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