FRIDAY, november 1, 2013 2 The observer | FRiday, NOVEMBER 1, 2013 | ndsmcobserver.com Insider

COMMENTARY recruiting Last year seems so Irish await commitments far away after promising USC visits

season-ending rating of 131.01. By MIKE MONACO to Notre Dame. Tranquill, “Well, he’s got to have both Joseph Monardo Obviously, Golson and Rees are Sports Editor who is committed to Purdue the qualifying test score and Associate Sports Editor different quarterbacks. Rees’ high- and hails from Fort Wayne, the grades to get into Notre volume passing attack provides Two weeks removed from Ind., is expected to visit the Dame. … I think he obviously There is a point when compari- him with more opportunities to the USC game and the big- Boilermakers this weekend. wants to come to Notre Dame sons to Notre Dame’s 2012 national compile gaudy numbers than gest recruiting weekend of Luatua, meanwhile, is the No. and I think Notre Dame championship runner-up team are Golson had, the two are asked the season for Notre Dame, 1 H-type tight end in the na- would take him currently if unwarranted, unnecessary and to do different things within the the Irish still have yet to re- tion, according to ESPN. he can qualify. But it just de- even counterproductive. But that offense, etc. More to the point, it ceive any commitments from Frank also said he thinks pends on how soon he can get point is not here yet. is impossible to simply substitute the nearly 30 visitors who de- the Irish made a particularly qualified for Notre Dame.” Nor should it be. Last season was one player’s passing statistics into scended on campus for the strong impression on safety Academics aside, Frank a high point for one of the most another time and place as if they game against the Trojans. Payton Hendrix and corner- said the Irish are undoubt- storied and accomplished football fit perfectly. For instance, Golson Nonetheless, Irish recruit- back Nick Watkins, who share edly high on McKenzie’s skill programs in history. It was the could very well have powered the ing expert Mike Frank still the same secondary at Bishop set. greatest season for a Notre Dame Irish rushing attack to a level of hailed the landmark week- Dunne High School in Dallas. “They think he’s a tre- team during the lives of any of the production well above that of this end as a major success for According to Frank, Notre mendous talent and he’s University’s current students. It year’s unit. Notre Dame. Dame also made an impact got excellent speed, Rocket was a season that looked highly There is no easy way to compare “I think it was a great op- with defensive Matt Ismail-type speed, and the improbable against a strong sched- last year’s Golson and this year’s portunity to kind of sell their Elam, who is also strongly ability to make people miss, ule and played out in a fashion that Rees, just as there is no surefire program to a lot of the elite considering Kentucky and very big-time explosion,” made it seem even more unlikely, way to compare last year’s Irish guys left on their list right Alabama, receiver Allen Frank said. “He’s a home-run as though it would collapse with to the current version. That is, of now and I think they did a Lazard, who is committed to hitter. He’s a guy that can the slightest shift in the wind. course, excepting the respective wonderful job,” said Frank, Iowa State, linebacker Nyles play in space and make a lot And, sure, it did collapse eventu- records. Notre Dame forfeited 8-0 who runs the ESPN-affiliated Morgan, who at one point of things happen. You want to ally in dramatic fashion, with the many weeks ago, but improving Irish Sports Daily. had Notre Dame outside his grab that guy if you can.” Irish on the wrong end of an em- to 7-2 is not a bad way to move Frank said despite the lack top-six schools and a trio In the wake of the massive barrassing loss to Alabama in the forward. If the Irish can do that, of immediate returns, it was of California prospects — recruiting efforts over USC BCS title game. Offseason drama they move one step closer toward important for Notre Dame Luatua, offensive lineman weekend, Frank said there is emerged to taint the memories an accomplishment that can stand to get the recruits on cam- Damien Mama and athlete not much activity this week. of the year. But the undefeated independent of last year’s results. pus so they could “remain in John (Juju) Smith — who “I think earlier in the year season of 2012 remains an historic But until that point comes, com- the game” by getting them made the trek from the West you wanted to get a lot of feat. parisons are not yet invalid. That on campus early and having Coast. your 2015 kids in and they did So it is a little bit of bad luck that could be good news for the Irish, the opportunity to sell the “So I think overall, I think bring in quite a few top 2015 this year’s team has to follow up a albeit tense times for their fans. school and the program. everything went really well,” kids,” Frank said. “It’s hard to miracle season. In the program’s Last year, on the first weekend of Twelve offer-holding pros- Frank said. get [2014 prospects] to come recent past, a 6-2 start would likely November, Notre Dame escaped pects from the class of 2014, Notre Dame did, in fact, especially when they’re se- have been cause for celebration. from a home matchup with under- who aren’t committed to the receive a commitment from niors, hard to get them on This year fans, and the national dog Pittsburgh in triple overtime Irish, made the visit to South receiver Isaiah McKenzie the campus, especially when media, have greeted it with mild with a 29-26 win. Maybe some of Bend. day before (Oct. 18) the USC they have to travel from so far appreciation and minimal praise. the luck that played a part in Pitt “I don’t know exactly how game, per Irish Sports Daily. away. I don’t expect a lot of It’s not fair that the standards missing a would-be game-winning many commitments they’re McKenzie, who had been other visitors.” are as high for this team as they 33-yard field goal will descend going to get out of this, but it scheduled to make a visit to are, but that is what happens upon this year’s squad. wouldn’t surprise me to see Notre Dame for the game For more on Notre Dame when the predecessor took down You know, for old time’s sake. five, six, maybe even seven of against the Trojans but did recruiting, check out Mike No. 10 Michigan State, No. 18 these kids pull the trigger for not, became the 17th com- Frank’s irishsportsdaily.com. Michigan, No. 17 Stanford and No. Contact Joseph Monardo at Notre Dame,” Frank said. mitment in the class of 2014. Email Mike at mikefrank18@ 8 Oklahoma in its opening eight [email protected] Frank said of those 12 re- Despite McKenzie’s com- sbcglobal.net and tell him The games. The views in this column cruits, he believes lineback- mitment, Frank said there is Observer sent you. The drop-off in defensive pro- are those of the author and er/safety Drue Tranquill still work to be done before duction from last year to this is the not necessarily those of The and tight end Tyler Luatua the Plantation, Fla., native is Contact Mike Monaco at most obvious (and perhaps most Observer. are the closest to pledging qualified for Notre Dame. [email protected] significant) difference, but one of the more high-profile and contro- Paid Advertisement versial changes in the offseason came with the suspension of junior quarterback Everett Golson fol- lowing an academic violation. The dual-threat quarterback recently confirmed in an interview with Sports Illustrated’s Andy Staples that his infraction was cheating on a test. But the video interview likely had Irish fans wondering what could have been — a much bigger- and stronger-looking Golson flings around perfectly-placed passes while blindfolded. But has there really been a drop- off in production at the quarter- back position? In his debut season last year, Golson completed 56.9 percent of his passes through his first eight contests. He threw four , eight touchdowns and accumulated 1,372 yards. Through eight games this year, senior quarterback Tommy Rees has a lower completion percent- age (55.3 percent) and has tossed more interceptions (six), but has thrown for 1,944 yards and 20 touchdowns. His current efficiency rating of 143.3 exceeds Golson’s Insider ndsmcobserver.com | FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 1, 2013 | The Observer 3

By JACK HEFFERON savvy in the media room, answer- , and his only loy- have reacted as fast even though learned from his mistakes and ad- Sports Writer ing questions with the poise of a alties lied with Ohio State, where he knew what to do, just because justed almost immediately. Soon, fifth-year senior. his older brother Rod is a junior of hesitation,” Farley said. “There’s Smith was running downhill and It can be hard to remember that Nothing about Smith gives off running back. Still, Notre Dame definitely none of that now. He blowing up plays, and his eight Jaylon Smith is just a freshman. the vibe that he’s new at this, that was able to secure Smith’s com- sees it and he goes, and he’s play- tackles once again led the team in He has come in as a rookie and is, until someone points out his mitment at the end of his junior ing phenomenally well.” the victory. made an immediate impact at sweatpants. The No. 11 on the year, which was seen by many Smith started from the season “He was slow playing the quar- outside linebacker, starting every thigh is a giveaway that they be- as one of Kelly’s biggest recruit- opener, but his biggest test came terback, the pitch,” Kelly said. game. He’s picked up the schemes long to junior linebacker Ishaq ing hauls. After his commitment in his sixth game, the Shamrock “And the patience that he showed and packages, forced Williams, and his shirt belongs to Smith immediately went to work Series matchup with then-No. 24 to buy time for the Mike [lineback- and recovered senior linebacker Prince Shembo. for the Irish, reaching out through Arizona State in AT&T Stadium in er] to get over a block, or the safety and in- “I don’t have much gear yet,” phone calls and Twitter to try to Arlington, Texas. The Sun Devils to come from the backside hash, tercepted pass- Smith said, sheepish for the first recruit other top members of his chose to isolate the young fresh- you just don’t teach that. It’s just es. He’s even time in the interview. “I am still a class to join what he coined the man, betting on the matchup as instincts that he had that he could freshman.” “Irish Mob.” one that they could win. Smith slow play the option. … The kid The reminder is helpful. “At that point, there was no oth- was thrown into the spotlight in just has those things that are hard Still, Smith is no ordinary er school I had interest in,” Smith front of a nationwide, primetime to teach.” freshman, as Irish coach said. “So I committed, and started audience — and responded with In the third quarter, Smith Brian Kelly will be the first to rally the mob.” a career-high and team-leading pulled what may have been his to tell you. Kelly expects all His zeal for the program con- nine tackles to help Notre Dame most veteran move yet. When a of his players to come in and tinued when he reached campus secure the win. teammate forced the ball loose, he compete in their first year, but this summer, receiving praise “The Arizona State game, there picked it up as whistles blew and for one to insert himself as a throughout the preseason as he were a lot of times where I had to ran all of 60 yards to the end zone, reliable starter and immediate earned reps over more experi- just ‘shoot my gun’ and make the then turned to the officials and weapon exceeded any of those enced teammates. Smith said play,” Smith said. “I really had to raised his arms to signal a touch- expectations. he wasn’t surprised by any of the get out of my comfort zone, and down, holding the pose for the “We don’t believe that [fresh- changes that came from the tran- just play football.” better part of a minute. Eventually, men] are going to come in and be sition to college, and just tried to Since then, Smith’s play has his unsuccessful appeal netted All-Americans, but they’re going make up for his inexperience in looked even more veteran. In him only a recovery, not to be contributors,” Kelly said. “I any way he could. a long-awaited matchup with the touchdown. think if you look at the freshmen, “I just wanted to contribute archrival USC on Oct. 19, Smith “I thought the play was still the one guy that’s been more than anyway I could,” he said. “You’re stonewalled the Trojans only alive, so I continued to run,” he a contributor is Jaylon Smith, ob- a little behind, because you don’t three plays into the second half said. “… Unfortunately they didn’t viously … if there’s one freshman know the playbook as much, but by picking off a Trojan pass for his call it a touchdown, but hopefully that has really impacted our foot- you just have to go out and com- first career . I’ll get another opportunity at ball team, I think you’d have to pete every day, and that’s what I Smith was a linchpin for the that.” point to Jaylon.” wanted to do.” Irish defense once again last week, That opportunity may come So far Smith’s play has lived up The results were apparent to as Notre Dame traveled up into this weekend against Navy, an- to the hype, which is impressive everyone around him, includ- the mountains to face Air Force other triple-option team that will considering just how much has ing junior safety Matthias Farley, and its triple option. The option’s force Smith to get physical and surrounded him. Smith won four who said Smith’s transition to the strength is forcing matchups and fight in the trenches. In such times straight state championships at college ranks has been one of the tough decisions, and Smith re- it helps to get mean, but Smith is Bishop Luers High School in Fort quickest he’s seen. peatedly had to choose between naturally handicapped in that re- Wayne, Ind., and was unanimous- “I don’t think at any point he was the quarterback and pitchman gard, recognized by many as one ly rated as a five-star recruit. playing like a freshman, but at the out in space. He struggled as the of the nicest kids on the team. Smith didn’t grow up watching beginning of the year he might not Falcons took an early lead, but Smith said he’s still working on playing angry on game day, but Paid Advertisement doesn’t let it boil over to affect his off-the-field kindness. “It’s football. Playing on the de- fensive side, you have to have that nastiness,” he said. “You don’t have to make it a lifestyle, though.” It’s been a whirlwind of a ride for Smith, and it can be hard for him to believe at times that one year ago he was still playing for the Knights, helping his teammates on the way to another state cham- pionship. Smith is just starting off his college career, but knows it can go just as fast. In the meantime, he’s working his hardest to make every day count, and not let any distractions get in the way. “It’s a dream come true,” he said. “It’s a blessing, and you re- ally have to cherish it, and not take a day of it for granted … We’re not looking forward at anything down the path, we’re just looking forward to the next game and the next play.” Another veteran answer from the rookie.

Contact Jack Hefferon at [email protected] 4 The observer | FRIDAY, November 1, 2013 | ndsmcobserver.com Insider

H3:30E p.m. AD TO Notre DAme Stadium NAVY Observer File Photo Observer File Photo MIDSHIPMEN PASSING MIDSHIPMEN OFFENSIVE COACHING This category may seem like an oxymoron, Before Ken Niumatalolo arrived at the as Navy averages just over five completions Naval Academy, the Mids had just one (Sr.) Matt Aiken 85 per game. However, Midshipmen sophomore win against the Irish in their last 44 tries. (Sr.) Shawn Lynch 87 WR Keenan Reynolds is a legitimate dual-threat Under Niumatalolo, they’ve won two out at quarterback, and can sling the ball around of five. In Niumatalolo’s first meeting with (Jr.) Geoffrey Whiteside 29 (So.) DeBrandon Sanders 21 SB the field when given the chance. The Mids Irish coach Brian Kelly in 2010, Navy sliced (Jr.) Bradyn Heap 62 force opposing secondaries to think run first Notre Dame for 367 yards rushing and 35 (Sr.) Matthew Van Halanger 79 LT with their triple-option barrage, then are points, but the Irish have held them to just (So.) E.K. Binns 57 able to get big gains over the top when they 24 points in the two games since. Still, Navy (Sr.) Thomas Stone 71 LG pass. Navy has averaged 16.2 yards per com- has reached the end zone on 39 percent of (So.) Keenan Reynolds 19 (Jr.) Tanner Fleming 75 (Fr.) Tago Smith 18 (So.) Blaze Ryder 63 pletion this season, the sixth best mark in the their drives this season, the 12th best mark QB C country. in the country. (Jr.) Noah Copeland 34 (Jr.) Jake Zuzek 64 (So.) Chris Swain 37 FB (Sr.) Thomas Stone 71 RG Less is more for the Midshipmen here, as Kelly talked this week about how difficult (So.) Brandon Greene 61 going back to 2003 they are 18-1 when throw- Navy’s slight variations can be to defend, (Sr.) Matthew Van Halanger 79 RT ing five times or less, and have a losing record meaning defensive coordinator Bob Diaco (Sr.) Darius Staten 20 (Sr.) Marcus Thomas 26 when they pass 10 times or more. will have his hands full in gameplanning. SB That paucity of passes will require vigi- The Irish were able to work out the kinks af- lance from Notre Dame’s corners who also ter getting gashed by the option last week, factored heavily into the run defense last adjusting on the fly to take some automatic (Sr.) Casey Bolena 88 week. Senior captain Bennett Jackson and checks out of their systems. The Irish will (Jr.) Brendan Dudeck 81 WR sophomore KeiVarae Russell will have their need to be similarly flexible this week, but work cut out for them at cornerback, and two weeks with the option is still far less will need to stay disciplined on every down. experience than Navy can respond with. (So.) Kwazel Bertrand 17 The duo was up to that challenge last week EDGE: EVEN (So.) Quincy Adams 5 CB against Air Force’s option attack though, shutting down the pass while recording 10 MIDSHIPMEN SPECIAL TEAMS (Jr.) Jordan Drake 13 tackles. In addition to the grinding triple op- (Jr.) Obi Uzoma 44 OLB (Jr.) Chris Ferguson 23 If Notre Dame can stop the big momentum tion game, the Midshipmen can con- (Sr.) Wave Ryder 8 S 45 plays here, they’ll control the air. trol field position with the leg of junior (Jr.) Paul Quessenberry (Jr.) Aaron Davis 91 DE EDGE: NOTRE DAME punter Pablo Beltran. Beltran has aver- (Sr.) Cody Peterson 53 (Jr.) James Britton 51 ILB aged 43 yards per punt this season, but (So.) Bernard Sarra 77 MIDSHIPMEN RUSHING has downed 1/3 of his kicks inside the 20. (Sr.) DJ Sargenti 52 (Sr.) Travis Bridges 72 NG 50 Navy runs the triple option as well as any That should further limit senior TJ Jones (So.) Don Pearson ILB (Sr.) Evan Palelei 58 one in the country, and is able to make little in punt returns, as Jones has just one re- (Jr.) Parrish Gaines 2 (So.) Will Anthony 90 DE adjustments to tweak the legendary scheme turn of more than five yards in his last six (Jr.) Lonnie Richardson 3 S every week. Reynolds calls the shots un- games. (Jr.) Chris Johnson 46 der center, and so far has preferred to call Midshipmen sophomore kicker Nick (Fr.) William Tuider 38 OLB his own number, as he has nearly twice as Sloan has had an average year, with a long many rushes as any other back. The system of 40 yards and and 5-8 kicking overall. has continued to be prolific though, as Navy EDGE: NAVY (Fr.) Brendon Clements 1 grinds opponents down by averaging five (So.) Quincy Adams 5 CB yards per carry and 292 yards per game. MIDSHIPMEN SCHEDULE (4-3) The Irish will benefit from good scheduling Sept. 7 @ Indiana W 41-35 in this game, as they were able to get a primer Sept. 14 Delaware W 51-7 in defending the triple option from Air Force Sept. 28 @ Western Kentucky L 19-7 last week. However, two consecutive weeks Oct. 5 Air Force W 28-10 (So.) Nick Sloan 6 (So.) Austin Grebe 43 against the option can be especially punish- Oct. 12 @ Duke L 35-7 (So.) Austin Grebe 43 PK (So.) Gavin Jernigan 16 KO ing to the front seven, and senior defensive Oct. 19 @ Toledo L 45-44 (Jr.) Pablo Beltran 11 (Sr.) Marcus Thomas 26 lineman Louis Nix is questionable to return. Oct. 26 Pittsburgh W 24-21 (So.) Gavin Jernigan 16 P (Jr.) Geoffrey Whiteside 29 KR Much of the spotlight will fall on freshman Nov. 2 @ Notre Dame (Sr.) Shawn Lynch 87 (Jr.) Joe Cardona 93 outside linebacker Jaylon Smith, who was Nov. 9 Hawaii (Sr.) Matt Aiken 85 PR (Fr.) Josh Antol 94 LS regularly put on an island to slow down the Nov. 16 South Alabama quarterback in space last week. Nov. 22 @ San Jose State EDGE: NAVY Dec. 14 Army

Andrew Gastelum Matthew DeFranks Mike Monaco Editor-in-Chief Assistant Managing Editor Sports Editor

Almost everyone is talking about Stanford and This Notre Dame team is finally starting to resemble I’m not sleeping on Navy, but I’m not wide awake the game that will determine a BCS bowl. But if the one it was a season ago. But then again, maybe it’s either. Call it sleeping with one eye open. the Irish aren’t careful, they won’t even make it just the teams they are playing. After squeaking by a This isn’t quite the same as another Air Force cake- that far. With some key injuries throughout the USC team in transition, the Irish pummelled Air Force walk. In fact, the Midshipmen defeated the Falcons, defense, a better triple-option attack this week at by five touchdowns this past weekend. The defense 28-10, four weeks back. Navy has scored a touchdown home could be just the sneak attack to send the has been dominant and the offense has been sharp on roughly 39 percent of its drives this year, the 12th- Irish spiraling. (under Tommy Rees). best percentage in the country. With sophomore But somehow the Irish defense has only gotten How much of that is a mirage, though? It could Keenan Reynolds at quarterback, that percentage stronger in recent weeks while Tommy Rees has be a lot but we will not find that out this weekend jumps to 43. been impeccable in his last two games (which has against Navy. The Irish are bigger and better than the But I remember last year in Dublin, when Notre been roughly five quarters). Midshipmen and should win this game comfortably. Dame dropped an easy 50 points on the Mids and Don’t write this matchup off as just another Brian Kelly and the coaching staff adjusted quickly rushed for 293 yards. This year, I think Navy gears up blowout win, but the Irish should have enough to the option a week ago and I expect them to do the to defend Notre Dame’s recently explosive passing at- firepower to continue rolling on its path to Palo same as Notre Dame rolls to an easy win over another tack, only to be gashed on the ground by the likes of Alto and potentially New Orleans. academy. Cam McDaniel and Tarean Folston. FINAL SCORE: Notre Dame 31, Navy 23 FINAL SCORE: Notre Dame 45, Navy 10 FINAL SCORE: Notre Dame 31, Navy 14 Insider ndsmcobserver.com | FRIDAY, November 1, 2013 | The Observer 5 TO HEAD on NBC No. 25 NOtre Dame MICHAEL KRAMM | The Observer MICHAEL KRAMM | The Observer IRISH PASSING Folston to emerge by game’s end. Notre Senior quarterback Tommy Rees had Dame will spread the ball around to the 6 KeiVarae Russell (So.) a career day against Air Force last week, many horses in its stable, and the Irish WR CB 23 Lo Wood (Sr.) spreading the love to hit five different re- offensive line should make use of its size ceivers for touchdowns. advantage to guarentee success on the Senior captain TJ Jones has been an ground. 9 Jaylon Smith (Fr.) OLB 30 Ben Councell (Jr.) elite receiver for the Irish this year, and EDGE: NOTRE DAME 28 Austin Collinsworth (Sr.) LT 41 Matthias Farley(Jr.) freshmen receivers Will Fuller and Corey 91 S Sheldon Day (So.) Robinson have emerged to give the unit IRISH OFFENSIVE COACHING DE 90 Isaac Rochell (Fr.) LG 48 Dan Fox (Gr.) even more depth below its veterans. The It’s hard to argue with what Brian Kelly, ILB 38 Joe Schmidt (Jr.) 1 Louis Nix (Sr.) Irish offensive line will be without senior Chuck Martin and the rest of the Irish staff C NG 96 Kona Schwenke (Sr.) 44 Carlo Calabrese (Gr.) Christian Lombard for the rest of the year, have done in the past few weeks. Notre ILB 8 Kendall Moore (Sr.) RG 7 Stephon Tuitt ( Jr.) and graduate student Chris Watt is recov- Dame only managed 300 yards against 94 Jarron Jones (So.) DE 22 Elijah Shumate (So.) ering from an injury that sidelined him USC two weeks ago, in large part due S 10 Max Redfield (Fr.) last week. Even with instability on the line to Rees’ exit due to injury, but on either RT 55 Prince Shembo (Sr.) OLB 11 Ishaq Williams (Jr.) last week, the pass blocking was still good side of the offensive dud the Irish put up enough to keep Rees off the ground most 424 yards against Arizona State and 466 of the day, and freshman Steve Elmer has yards against Air Force. With the luxury showed early composure as a new starter. of opening things up by allowing Rees to The Midshipmen will have their work spread the ball around and pounding it 2 Bennett Jackson (Sr.) WR CB 36 Cole Luke (Fr.) cut out for them in trying to slow the Irish on the ground, Notre Dame’s coaching down, as Notre Dame has put up 106 points staff could cause major headaches for the in their last two meetings. Still, Navy has Midshipmen. 7 TJ Jones (Sr.) held opponents to 204 yards passing per EDGE: NOTRE DAME WR 88 Corey Robinson (Fr.) game, and their most experienced starter 10 DaVaris Daniels ( Jr.) WR 20 C.J. Prosise (So.) is junior safety Parrish Gaines, who has IRISH SPECIAL TEAMS started 25 straight games. Junior outside George Atkinson still looks ready to ex- linebacker Chris Johnson missed his first plode for a kickoff-return touchdown. He’s 78 Ronnie Stanley (So.) two seasons with the team due to redshirt- worked his way up to a 27.3-yard return av- 79 Steve Elmer (Fr.) RT ing and tearing his ACL, but has busted out erage by taking a few kicks to the threshold DE 79 Steve Elmer (Fr.) 4 George Atkinson ( Jr.) 3 to lead the Mids with three interceptions of the opponent’s territory. Kyle Brindza’s RG 65 Conor Hanratty (Jr.) RB Amir Carlisle (Jr.) this season, as well as 48 tackles. Navy’s punting has been servicable, but his per- 72 Nick Martin (Jr.) 11 Tommy Rees (Sr.) NG C 77 Matt Hegarty(Jr.) QB 12 Andrew Hendrix (Sr.) corners are both in their first year as full formance on the field-goal unit has been 66 Chris Watt (Gr.) time starters, however, and may have is- notably better. He has converted nine of DE LG 75 Mark Harrell (So.) sues covering Notre Dame’s multitude of 13 attempts on the year but hasn’t missed 70 Zack Martin (Gr.) weapons on the outside. a crucial kick yet. TJ Jones has looked con- 57 Hunter Bivin (Fr.) LT EDGE: NOTRE DAME siderably more comfortable at punt retun 85 Troy Niklas ( Jr.) than he had earlier in the year, making TE 18 Ben Koyack (Jr.) IRISH RUSHING tough fair catches when necessary and The Irish rushing attack has reached at putting together a few nice retuns. 2 Chris Brown (So.) least 134 yards in four straight games, but EDGE: NOTRE DAME 17 WR James Onwualu (Fr.) the efficiency has not been there. Against Air Force, Notre Dame needed 37 rushes to IRISH SCHEDULE (6-2) accumulate 135 yards. The yards-per-rush Aug. 31 Temple W 28-6 is probably lower than Brian Kelly would Sept. 7 @ Michigan L 41-30 like, but Saturday offers a chance for the Sept. 14 @ Purdue W 31-24 running backs to improve on its 4.1 yards- Sept. 21 Michigan State W 17-13 27 Kyle Brindza ( Jr.) 27 Kyle Brindza (Jr.) KO PK 40 Nick Tausch (Gr.) per-attempt average. Navy has allowed Sept. 26 Oklahoma L 35-21 4.7 yards-per-rush to its opponents this Oct. 5 vs. Arizona State W 37-34 4 George Atkinson ( Jr.) 27 Kyle Brindza ( Jr.) KR 33 Cam McDaniel (Jr.) P 98 Alex Wulfeck (Gr.) season. Oct. 19 USC W 14-10 61 Scott Daly (So.) 7 TJ Jones (Sr.) Who will carry the load for the Irish from Oct. 26 @ Air Force W 45-10 LS PR 3 Amir Carlisle (Jr.) week to week is still a toss up. Despite Nov. 2 Navy George Atkinson receiving a bulk of the Nov. 9 @ Pittsburgh chances early on, in recent weeks it has Nov. 23 BYU Notre Dame vs. Temple been Cam McDaniel and freshman Tarean Nov. 30 @ Stanford

Joseph Monardo Jack Hefferon Associate Sports Editor Sports Writer Where does Jaylon For 86 straight years Notre Dame and Navy have faced Over the last 60 years, Notre Dame losing to Navy has Smith spend all his flex off, and Saturday will bring the latest entry in what has been almost unimaginable. But over the last six, this become a cherished tradition for both sides. matchup has been a coinflip. points? Find out with our The Irish enter this one on the heels of a successful out- This has all the makings of a trap game for the Irish, as ing against another academy relying on the triple-option the talk surrounding the team has improbably shifted to new “Lightning Round” attack, in what may prove to have been a valuable tune- the BCS once again. Navy is a better team than Air Force, up. Navy is not Air Force, however, and has scored a cou- and has outpunched several respectable teams this year. video series at ple of respectable wins against Indiana and Pittsburgh. Notre Dame’s saving grace though will be their trip to On the other hand, Notre Dame is not Indiana or Pitt. Colorado last week. The Falcons jumped on the Irish with With a shiny new ranking next to their name, the Irish the triple option and grabbed early momentum, but the have gotten their season back on track and won’t slip up Irish had time to work out the kinks in their option de- youtube.com/ here against a Navy team that is 1-3 on the road this year. fense. Against the Midshipmen, a start like that may have Even though Notre Dame Stadium may be a welcoming, been fatal (See: The Meadowlands, 2010). But the dress NDSMCObserver respecting venue for the Midshipmen, the Irish rushing rehearsal has the Irish ready to handle the option, and game will make sure the home team wins out. they’ll sing both Alma Maters after a comfortable win. FINAL SCORE: Notre Dame 41, Navy 20 FINAL SCORE: Notre Dame 34, Navy 17 6 The observer | Friday, NOVEMBER 1, 2013 | ndsmcobserver.com Insider Elmer fills all roles Paid Advertisement

By MATTHEW DeFRANKS the early error. Assistant Managing Editor “Steve knows we have a lot of confi- dence in him,” Martin said. “He’s been Steve Elmer was not always an of- here since the spring and we’ve been fensive lineman. kind of light on the O-Line since then, For one 60-yard drive in eighth too ... He’s a very bright kid and very grade, Elmer transformed from line- talented.” man to a 6-foot-3, 230-pound wreck- Irish coach Brian Kelly said Elmer’s ing ball at fullback. Elmer carried the intelligence was just one thing that ball on every play of the touchdown- makes the freshman stand out. scoring drive. “The other plus is he’s long,” Kelly “It was awesome,” Elmer said. said. “I mean, he’s a long, athletic kid. Nowadays, Elmer is paving the way He can make up for some deficiencies for touchdowns instead of scoring in terms of some of his techniques, them. because of his athleticism. Got to get The freshman from Midland, Mich. stronger, physically stronger. ... But has been inserted at nearly every posi- all-in-all, if you’re asking about a true tion on the line and helped the Irish of- freshman playing, the pluses definite- fense post 45 points against Air Force ly outweigh the minuses.” last week in his first career start. Elmer has been the first man off the The now 6-foot-5.5, 317-pounder bench for much of the season, before said he saw a lot of areas for improve- starting against the Falcons follow- ment when reviewing his first full ing a season-ending back injury to game. senior offensive lineman Christian “I saw a lot of things that I need to Lombard. However, Elmer said he had clean up,” Elmer said. “I definitely feel never played guard before coming to pretty good about it. There’s lots of Notre Dame. things I need to work on. I think I han- “I think I was a little bit more dled it pretty well.” stressed about it than I really should One of those things may be appar- have been,” Elmer said. “I wasn’t that ent to Irish fans. At the end of No. 25 stressed but it wasn’t a huge adjust- Notre Dame’s first drive at Air Force, ment, it’s still offensive line. Sets are a the Irish faced a fourth-and-two from little bit different, assignments are a lit- the Falcons 24-yard line. But that’s tle different but it’s still doing the same when Elmer was whistled for a false sort of things.” start and the Irish were forced to at- Elmer will look to build off his strong tempt a 46-yard field goal. first start this weekend when the Irish “It happens,” Elmer said. “Obviously, (6-2) take on Navy in Notre Dame I wasn’t happy I jumped. It happens to Stadium. everybody but I didn’t let it get to me.” Graduate student left tackle Zack Contact Matthew DeFranks at Martin said Elmer responded well to [email protected] Paid Advertisement Insider ndsmcobserver.com | Friday, NOVEMBER 1, 2013 | The Observer 7 QB Reynolds propels top triple-option attack

By MIKE MONACO “They’re led offensively by Sports Editor Reynolds, outstanding quarter- back who has really been the cata- Tahj Boyd. Teddy Bridgewater. lyst for their offense,” Irish coach Johnny Manziel. Marcus Mariota. Brian Kelly said Tuesday. AJ McCarron. Braxton Miller. Navy’s triple-option attack has These six star quarterbacks and averaged 292.1 rushing yards per 28 of the other best quarterbacks game this season, good for 10th in the nation were named to the in the nation. Reynolds is tied 2013 Davey O’Brien Award Watch for ninth in the country and first List in July. But the watch list for among quarterbacks in rushing the O’Brien Award, presented touchdowns with 11. The 5-foot- annually to the nation’s best col- 11, 185-pounder is fourth among lege quarterback, featured just quarterbacks in rushing yards one true sophomore: Keenan per game at 78.0, ahead of Miller, Reynolds. Mariota and Manziel. Navy’s sophomore quarterback In Navy’s 24-21 come-from- earned the preseason recogni- behind win over Pittsburgh on tion beside the likes of the afore- Saturday, Reynolds scampered Observer File Photo mentioned Heisman candidates. for 93 yards, including a 2-yard Navy sophomore quarterback Keenan Reynolds fumbles the ball during last year’s matchup with Notre Dame Since then, Reynolds has pow- rumble to tie the game at 21 with in Dublin. Reynolds has 11 rushing touchdowns on the year and averages 78 rush yards per game. ered the Midshipmen offensively, less than four minutes remain- field goal. As a team, Navy (4-3) country,” Kelly said. “I mean, it’s how they run it may not to the un- racking up 546 rushing yards and ing in the fourth quarter. On rushed for 220 yards against the what they do. And they have so trained eye look like much but it’s 11 touchdowns on the ground in the Midshipmen’s next drive, Panthers. many variations off of it, just little a real big difference.” addition to throwing for 667 yards Reynolds churned out another 18 “Navy runs the triple op- variations that make a huge dif- Kelly said having just faced an- and four scores. yards to set up the game-winning tion better than anybody in the ference, splits, the preciseness of other triple-option team in Air Force is beneficial in the attempt Paid Advertisement to stymie the Midshipmen. The Irish (6-2) did surrender 290 to- tal rushing yards to the Falcons, but Air Force ran 12 times for 101 yards (8.4 per carry) in the first quarter and 53 times for just 189 yards (3.6 per carry) in the final three quarters. “Certainly from our standpoint, the most important thing for us is to be disciplined again defen- sively,” Kelly said. “In one respect having gone against Air Force and having the principles of option al- ready repped out is an advantage. But certainly [Navy has] seen us and how we defend the option as well. So that gives them a week to do some things as well.” Aside from defending the op- tion, Reynolds presents a pass- ing threat Navy hasn’t possessed since former star quarterback Ricky Dobbs was under center. Since 2003, Navy is 18-1 when throwing 0-5 times in a game and 61-14 when throwing 10 or fewer passes. In that same timeframe, the Midshipmen are 26-34 when they throw it 11 times or more and 6-13 when they reach at least 16 pass attempts. But against the Panthers on Saturday, Reynolds attempted 18 throws (completing eight for 105 yards, a touchdown and an inter- ception) and Navy earned a cru- cial victory to jump back over the .500 mark. With Reynolds as the starting quarterback, The Midshipmen are 6-5 when throwing at least 11 times. “You know he can throw the ball extremely well,” Kelly said. “And so he gives you that option, no pun intended, that he can, if you’re just sitting on playing the triple option, he can throw the ball effectively.” Reynolds is 10-5 in his career as the starting quarterback, and Saturday’s victory — during which Navy was trailing enter- ing the final quarter — was al- ready the fourth fourth-quarter comeback win of the sophomore’s career.

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