2 The observer | FRiday, September 20, 2013 | ndsmcobserver.com Insider

COMMENTARY recruiting Struggling defense Tranquill lone visit as will determine fate Irish enter ‘dead’ period

be a vanilla cake. By MIKE MONACO movement should come in the “I love the two wide receivers,” Andrew Gastelum With the loss of that man, this Sports Editor next few weeks, when roughly a Frank said. “I mean Notre Dame Editor-in-Chief Irish defense went from Cake dozen prospects will make offi- has a lot of wide receivers right Boss to North Dining Hall: excit- There may be only one 2014 cial visits for either the Oklahoma now but I think Corey Holmes Irish defensive coordinator ing and dynamic to just generic prospect taking an official visit or USC games. For now, Frank and Justin Brent can easily com- Bob Diaco has to be calling 5-1-1. and a little strange at times. to Notre Dame this weekend, characterized activity as “dead.” pete with the vast amount of tal- Without No. 5, this defense just As I said in this space last but the Irish still have a strong News, however, has surfaced ent they have on campus right looks lost. week, Notre Dame cannot con- chance of garnering their 17th recently that Florida athlete and now.” There is not one person who tinue to run off the success and commitment from the senior Alabama commit Bo Scarbrough Holmes, from Fort Lauderdale, stands out, yet at the same time energy of last season. That was class. may consider an official visit to Fla., is the 77th-best player in the there is not one person who has evident when Michigan quar- Fort Wayne, Ind., native Drue Notre Dame. Scarbrough, whom nation, according to ESPN. Brent, really fallen short either. Various terback Devin Gardner turned Tranquill, who committed to ESPN ranks as the No. 20 player who hails from Indianapolis and media outlets are currently pick- into Colin Kaepernick with both Purdue on July 23rd and received in the nation, profiles as a run- plays for Speedway Senior High ing on KeiVarae Russell. Last his eyebrows and Purdue quar- an offer from Notre Dame soon ning back. The Irish are currently School, has played running back week it was Stephon Tuitt. Next terback Rob Henry became Joe thereafter, will visit South Bend without a back in the class of for the Sparkplugs out of neces- week it will probably be Jaylon Flacco. this weekend just a week after his 2014 after Elijah Hood decom- sity. Frank said Brent could make Smith’s turn. Who does this Irish defense official visit to Purdue to take in mitted from Notre Dame on Aug. the switch to running back at But the point remains: No one turn to in order to lead it? It the primetime matchup between 20 and pledged to in-state North Notre Dame if the Irish feel thin sticks out or stands out in any seems like a difficult job for the Irish and the Boilermakers. Carolina shortly after. in the backfield and well-stocked fashion. That is, at least to the Bennett Jackson to do as a Notre Dame recruiting expert Scarbrough, however, has been at receiver. fans. member of the secondary since Mike Frank, who runs the ESPN- committed to the Crimson Tide Frank said Tennessee offensive To opposing offenses, there are he plays along the margins of affiliated IrishS ports Daily, says for over a year. Frank said until lineman Alex Bars is probably two gigantic, gargantuan stand- the field. It also doesn’t help concerns over Tranquill’s fit on the 6-foot-2, 215-pounder steps the closest to seeing early playing outs and their focus on these two his status that Jackson has to the Notre Dame defense are like- foot on campus at Notre Dame, time at Notre Dame, whether he is even greater. To opposing of- play man coverage, expecting ly holding up a decision. the Irish can only be considered lines up at tackle or guard. Frank a blitz to hurry the quarterback “I think Drue likes the idea a long shot, though that could be- added that New Jersey offensive into a tizzy, only to find out said of Notre Dame quite a bit, but gin to change with a visit. lineman Quenton Nelson has Without No. 5, this gunslinger has an entire open I’m not sure he’s sold on the fact “First of all, [Irish assistant versatility on the line and a body canvas in front of him and time that they’re recruiting him as a coach and recruiting coordina- that suggests a quick transition to defense just looks to paint it downfield. linebacker. I think sometimes tor] Tony Alford is recruiting him the collegiate game. lost. If there is one major compari- he thinks he’s a safety prospect,” and you can’t count Notre Dame Frank highlighted California son to make between last year’s Frank said. “So I’m not exactly out for anybody when [Alford] defensive end Matt Dickerson and and this year’s team, it’s that sure which way that’s going to is recruiting them,” Frank said. Missouri linebacker Jonathan fenses, the only greater goal than this defense is going to have to go. I think it all depends on how “[Freshman running back] Bonner as two underrated play- limiting Louis Nix and Stephon carry the load once again and he fits in with all the players this Greg Bryant was committed to ers, defensively, in addition to Tuitt is putting points up on the lead Notre Dame to a BCS bowl. weekend. … And then I also Oklahoma for a while and then Illinois tight end Nic Weishar. scoreboard. It’s that this defense is going to think it depends on what they backed off and nobody thought Meanwhile, Frank said he is What most see are the low be the meal ticket once again, talk to him about as far as his po- Notre Dame had much of a shot also high on Florida linebacker numbers this dynamic duo whether Brian Kelly believes it sition and how he’ll adapt.” at him. But Tony just keeps sell- Richard Yeargin III, who Frank provides in comparison to last or not. Frank did say there is the pos- ing, selling and selling his vi- described as “relentless in his season when their numbers were The only problem: They’re sibility Notre Dame could view sion for what Greg could be at pursuit.” bigger than they were. Nix only trying to make a vanilla cake Tranquill as a safety after the Notre Dame and all it took was has eight tackles and zero sacks and they’ve run out of vanilla news that broke in late August a trip and he bought into it and For more on Notre Dame through the first three games. quite some time ago. that former Notre Dame safety committed.” recruiting, check out Mike Frank’s Meanwhile, Tuitt has four tackles Chris Badger is transferring. irishsportsdaily.com and one sack. Contact Andrew Gastelum at ESPN rates Tranquill as the Breaking down the 2014 Email Mike at But all of that has been against [email protected] eighth-best player in Indiana commits [email protected] and double teams, triple teams, quick The views in this column and classifies him as the No. 82 Of Notre Dame’s 16 commit- tell him The Observer sent you. runs, three-step drops and pass- are those of the author and outside linebacker in the nation. ments in the class of 2014, Frank es away from their 66 percent not necessarily those of The Outside of Tranquill, Frank highlighted eight he considers to Contact Mike Monaco at of the defensive line. Dan Fox, Observer. said most of the major 2014 be particularly intriguing. [email protected] Jarrett Grace and Carlo Calabrese are reaping the benefits of op- Paid Advertisement posing offensive lines keying on Nix and Tuitt, as the three inside linebackers are the three leading tacklers on the Irish. But this whole “next-man-in” philosophy has taken off to a completely different level. No philosophy can replace “that man.” This defense has plenty of seasoning to it and some stern voices among it, but there is no face to it. As the Diaco saying goes, sometimes you have to throw some “chili powder” into the recipe to bake a different kind of cake when you run out of vanilla. But not when it is supposed to

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Insider ndsmcobserver.com | FRIDAY, September 20, 2013 | The Observer 3

By JOSEPH MONARDO that.” games of the 2012 regular season of those guys.” Associate Sports Editor Descriptors like ‘high ceiling’ with a broken collarbone, Daniels The quick start did not make cling to Daniels, but mostly as a returned for Notre Dame’s 42-14 Daniels complacent, however, as There are no doubts about way to denote the sentiment that loss to Alabama in the national the receiver readily acknowledged DaVaris Daniels’ ability. he is still standing with his feet on championship, compiling 115 he has areas of his game he would His speed, talent and power are the ground, yet to reach his full yards on six receptions. like to develop. a matter of the public record, on potential. And perhaps that is the “You know, having the game “My route running, things like display across the web and, inter- most remarkable thing about the that he did against one of the top that,” Daniels said. “Just trying to mittently, for live viewing on foot- wide-out. Daniels is leading the defenses in the nation on one of have an overall complete craft is ball Saturdays. What the public is team with 299 yards receiving and the biggest stages you can have it something that I kind of focused in left to wonder, then, is when the four touchdowns through three in college football, I think it defi- on this offseason. So I’m just try- player seen jumping off the screen games, well on pace to shatter nitely helped his confidence and ing to keep getting better and bet- in highlight videos will come to his career highs in all categories, gave him kind of that push lead- ter at that and see what happens.” play every down. and yet the areas in which he can ing into the offseason to work that Daniels said some of the in- The Irish junior receiver is com- stand to improve remain a ma- much harder heading into this creased focus on refining his and scored a touchdown in a ing off a career game, turning jor part of the conversation sur- season,” Jones said. routes has already paid dividends clutch situation.” heads and dropping jaws, but also rounding him. Just a quarter of the way this year, most recently by freeing As impressive as the touchdown begging the question: Can he be as “You know, to be that great play- through Notre Dame’s regu- him for the first of his two touch- was from a physical perspective, consistent as he is exciting? er, you’ve got to have it all going lar season, Daniels has already down receptions against Purdue the circumstances surrounding “That’s been my main focus, for you in everything that you do, made 2013 a breakout campaign on Saturday. Still, Daniels said his the play were equally significant. even this offseason, coming into and he’s growing up and he’s get- for himself. Just 1:26 into Notre success thus far represents a step With the catch and run, Daniels this season,” Daniels said. “Just in the right direction rather than showed himself to be a player ca- trying to stay consistent. And an arrival at the finished product. pable of answering the call in a big we’ve still got a long season ahead “He’s two quarters of the way. He needs to “I think I’m getting there,” the situation. of us so I’m working at that every be four quarters of the way.” Vernon Hills, Ill., native said. “I’m “[A consistent player is] some- day.” still working, I still gotta work ev- body that you know is going to Entering 2013 as the clear No. 2 Brian Kelly ery day. There’s a lot of things I can make a play when a play needs receiver behind senior tri-captain Irish coach improve on. You know, I came a to be made,” Daniels said. “And TJ Jones, Daniels has become the long way, but I’ve still got a ways to somebody that’s going to do it ultimate X-factor for the Irish of- go.” over and over again. And that’s the fense. Jones is a well-defined entity ting better,” Kelly said. “But there’s Dame’s season-opening win over “He’s developed a lot,” Jones type of person I want to be and am with 33 starts under his belt, as is definitely more there for him to Temple, Daniels ran a post route added. “From last year to this is practicing to become. senior quarterback Tommy Rees, grow into. and snatched a 32-yard pass from night and day. But the sky’s the “That’s all practice. That’s all who has ascended into the top six “It just requires, you know, that Rees out of the air to secure his limit for him. As long as he keeps mindset. You know, going into in program history in both passing mental approach, which is com- first career touchdown.O n Notre pushing, working hard, stays ded- games, you have to have that yards and passing touchdowns in ing, you know. And you can see it. Dame’s very next possession just icated — who knows how far he’ll mindset that, ‘I’m going to be that his 21 starts. Notre Dame’s run- I mean, you can see it in practice. 3:15 later, Daniels hauled in a twin go, how great he’ll be.” guy.’ And that’s what it comes ning game showcases a bevy of You can see it in the way he’s ma- 32-yard touchdown pass from Daniels offered the most sig- down to.” talent, and while the production turing off the field. He’s doing all Rees. Daniels’ quick start to his nificant glimpse yet of how great If the opening three contests thus far has been moderate, the the little things.” junior season signaled the arrival he can be with his second touch- of the 2013 season are any indi- position has been, at worst, consis- Although an upperclassman, of an added dimension to the Irish down reception against the cation, Daniels will have plenty tent. As for Daniels, consistency is Daniels is still relatively young in offense, Kelly said. Boilermakers. In the fourth quar- more opportunities to prove he the dimension of his game most in terms of field experience. After not “Well, certainly it gives us an- ter of a tie game, Daniels snagged can consistently deliver in high- need of significant improvement, seeing game action as a freshman, other big-play receiver,” he said. a pass from Rees on the sideline pressure situations. Jones said Irish coach Brian Kelly said. Daniels caught 31 balls, racked “I think TJ has shown his abil- and battled off Boilermakers se- Daniels is on the right track to “Well, he’s two quarters of the up 490 reception yards and made ity to be that guy, as well now you nior cornerback Ricardo Allen, turn into that player he wants to way,” Kelly said of Daniels’ de- three starts in 11 games in 2012. have Daniels that can certainly get finishing his 82-yard score with a be. velopment. “He needs to be four Although he did not find the end down the field and make big plays. powerful stiff arm. “You know, once you make that quarters of the way. He can obvi- zone in his sophomore season, It definitely stretches the field for “That’s the physicalness that first clutch play … you’re more ously impact a football game. We Daniels averaged a team-leading us. Certainly our ability now to we need to play with … and he comfortable with yourself, you’re want him to impact it four quar- 15.8 yards per reception. vertically push the ball enhances displayed it,” Jones said. “He basi- more comfortable with your ters, and he’s capable of doing After missing the final two what we want to do now with both cally pushed [Allen] to the ground game,” Jones said. “He’s devel- oped as a person and an athlete Paid Advertisement and kind of gets to see the results of what he put in the work for all these months off.” The physical tools have been there. The focus and the consis- tent will to perform in key mo- ments are getting there, by all accounts. If everything comes to- gether for Daniels, he could turn his blistering start into a standout season. How high the Irish offense will reach this season relies, in large part, on where their X-factor is able to take them. Although he is not looking at his role in such broad terms, Daniels’ commit- ment to consistency could be just what Notre Dame needs this year. “You want to come off the field at the end of the season saying, you know, ‘I did everything I could,’” he said. “The end result is going to be the end result, no mat- ter what. So the only thing that you can really do is focus on today and try to get better and do the things that you know you can do on a consistent basis.”

Contact Joseph Monardo at [email protected] 4 The observer | FRIDAY, september 20, 2013 | ndsmcobserver.com Insider

H3:30 p.m.EAD TO Notre DAme Stadium Michigan State Observer File Photo KEVIN SONG | The Observer SPARTANS PASSING only surrendered 112.7 yards-per-game, al- Michigan State sophomore Connor Cook though last week’s dominant effort against has thrown for 276 yards this year, 202 of the Boilermakers, in which the Irish held (So.) Aaron Burbridge 16 which came last week against Youngstown Purdue to only 38 rushing yards, stands in (Jr.) Tony Lippett 14 WR State. He also threw four touchdowns stark contrast to the games against Temple against the Penguins in a blowout victory. and Michigan, who accumulated 134 and 166 As a whole, the Spartans have accumulated yards rushing, respectively. If Notre Dame (So.) Donavon Clark 76 (R-Fr.) Jack Conklin 74 LT only 480 yards passing through the air in can approximate its performance from last (5th) Blake Treadwell 64 three games, when three different players week, it should be more than enough. (R-Fr.) Kodi Kieler 79 LG have seen time under center. Senior Andrew EDGE: EVEN (So.) Jack Allen 66 (Jr.) Travis Jackson 63 C Maxwell is 15-for-30 for 114 yards in two (Jr.) Jeremy Langford 33 appearances and one start, while redshirt SPARTANS OFFENSIVE COACHING (Jr.) Nick Hill 20 RB (5th) Dan France 59 (Jr.) Connor Kruse 54 RG freshman Tyler O’Connor has entered two Recently-hired co-offensive coordinator 18 (So.) Connor Cook 74 games, as well. Jim Bollman brings 36 years of experience, (Sr.) Andrew Maxwell 10 QB (R-Fr.) Jack Conklin (5th) Fou Fonoti 51 RT The Irish have looked anything but im- including 11 seasons as the offensive coordi- (Jr.) Michael Dennis 94 penetrable on the backline thus far, but nator at Ohio State (2001-2011). Bollman will (Jr.) Andrew Gleichert 92 TE Michigan State hasn’t proven it is anything split the offensive coordinator duties with to fear through the air, either. Spartans Dave Warner, who has served as the quarter- sophomore Aaron Burbridge earned recog- backs coach for the Spartans during the past ( Jr.)Keith Mumphery 25 (5th) Bennie Fowler 13 nition on the Biletnikoff Award Preseason six seasons. Bollman, Warner and the rest WR Watch List and has 80 yards on eight catches of the decision-makers at Michigan State (So.)Macgarrett Kings, Jr. 3 (So.) Andre Sims, Jr. 21 WR this season. Sophomore Macgarrett Kings, have presided over a quarterback situation Jr., leads Michigan State with 99 yards and in flux, although Cook presumably secured one touchdown on eight grabs in 2013. the job for the time being by throwing four (So.) Trae Waynes 15 Notre Dame has the edge in talent, and if touchdowns last week. Field-goal forma- (Fr.) Darian Hicks 2 CB the Irish secondary can tighten things up, tions might make Irish fans flinch as long as it could be very difficult for Michigan State. Dantonio still roams the sideline, and Notre (Jr.) Taiwan Jones 34 (5th)Jairus Jones 23 OLB Irish senior tri-captain cornerback Bennett Dame is still figuring things out on defense, 27 (Jr.) Kurtis Drummond 89 Jackson’s pick-six in the Purdue game could but Diaco gets the edge here. (R-Fr.) Demetrious Cox 7 (Jr.) Shilique Calhoun S (Sr.) Denzel Drone 42 DE serve as a wake-up-call for the rest of his EDGE: NOTRE DAME unit. While far from a sure thing, the talent (6th) Tyler Hoover 91 93 and experience on the Irish back end give SPARTANS SPECIAL TEAMS (Sr.) Max Bullough 40 (So.) Damon Knox DT (So.) Darien Harris 45 MLB Notre Dame a ceiling well above anything Senior kicker Kevin Muma handles both the (5th) Micajah Reynolds 60 Michigan State could reasonably expect to kickoff and placekicking duties for Michigan (So.) Mark Scarpinato 97 NT reach in week four. State, and he has handled them well this (Sr.) Isaiah Lewis 9 (Jr.) Marcus Rush 44 EDGE: NOTRE DAME season. Spartans Junior punter Mike Sadler (So.) RJ Williamson 26 S (So.) Joel Heath 92 DE has sent his punts 41.2 yards on average. The (5th) Denicos Allen 28 SPARTANS RUSHING Spartans’ punt returners have averaged 9.6 (So.) Ed Davis 43 OLB Junior running backs Jeremy Langford yards-per-return, most of which has come and Nick Hill lead the more accomplished from sophomore receiver Andre Sims, Jr. dimension of Michigan State’s offense. The EDGE: MICHIGAN STATE (Sr.) Darqueze Dennard 31 Spartans have rushed for 209.7 yards-per- (So.) Arjen Colquhoun 36 CB game this year. On 44 attempts, the 6-foot- SPARTANS SCHEDULE (3-0) 2, 206-pound Langford has 200 yards on the Aug. 30 Western Michigan W 26-13 season and has scored four touchdowns, Sept. 7 South Florida W 21-6 while the smaller Hill has added 179 yards Sept. 14 Youngstown State W 55-17 and one score on 7.2 yards-per-attempt. Sept 21 @ Notre Dame (5th) Kevin Muma 17 (5th) Kevin Muma 17 Redshirt freshman running back Riley Oct. 5 @ Iowa (Fr.) Michael Geiger 4 PK (R-Fr.) Kevin Cronin 24 KO Bullough adds a power dimension to the Oct. 12 Indiana (Jr.) Mike Sadler 3 (Jr.) Nick Hill 20 Spartan running game. The 230-pounder Oct. 19 Purdue (Sr.) Kevin Muma 17 P (5th) Kyler Elsworth 41 KR has 82 yards on 21 carries in 2013. Oct. 26 @ Illinois (Jr.) Nick Hill 20 (So.) Taybor Pepper 52 Although Notre Dame’s defense has Nov. 2 Michigan (Sr.) Andre Sims, Jr. 21 PR (Jr.) Leland Ewing 56 LS struggled mightily in comparison with last Nov. 16 @ Nebraska year’s unit, the Irish still rank 26th in the Nov. 23 @ Northwestern nation in rush defense. Notre Dame has Nov. 30 Minnesota

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

Things are starting to catch up to this Irish team. The In the next four weeks, Notre Dame will play the No. 1 de- Notre Dame-Michigan State is always a battle. A game- offense is like a stalling car before finally getting going af- fense in the country, the player who scored the first rushing winning score late in the fourth quarter or in overtime has ter a few tries and the defense is doing just enough to keep touchdown on them in 2012, a defensive line that rivals their decided eight of the last 13 meetings. Saturday will be no dif- things close from the get go. own and USC. And it all starts with a date against Michigan ferent. Brian Kelly said the winner will be whichever team is Over the past two seasons, the Irish have straight State this weekend. still standing when time expires. up embarrassed the Spartans both here and up in East The Spartans have had their troubles with the Irish in the Michigan State has a statistically dominant defense, but Lansing. But unlike Purdue, Michigan State actually has past two years, losing by an average of 17.5 points per game they’ve played a cupcake, a directional school and South the talent to do something about it and strike back with and scoring just eight points per game. But if these past two Florida. Still, Sparty figures to match up fairly well with some clout of its own. Unranked and undervalued, the games have taught us anything about Notre Dame, it’s that the Irish offense, which struggled mightily to run the ball Spartans are out for revenge and Notre Dame is most this is not last year’s team. They are not the same on defense against Purdue, averaging 2.5 yards per carry. likely looking towards a showdown with Oklahoma next and are mysteriously improved on offense, putting up nearly I give the slight edge in this contest to the Notre Dame de- week. 30 points per game. fense, which — rough as it has looked in the first three games The troubles start here for the Irish, and 2-2 looks pretty The Irish defense should return to form (somewhat) against — goes up against a quarterback in Connor Cook playing in scary considering where they were last year at this point, a very questionable Spartan offense but Tommy Rees has just his second game as the definitive starter. The Irish final- coming off a major win over Michigan in week four. another solid performance to lead the Irish to 3-1. ly show up defensively and down the Spartans. FINAL SCORE: Michigan State 27, Notre Dame 24 FINAL SCORE: Notre Dame 20, Michigan State 10 FINAL SCORE: Notre Dame 24, Michigan State 17 Insider ndsmcobserver.com | FRIDAY, September 20, 2013 | The Observer 5 TO HEAD on NBC No. 22 Notre Dame Observer File Photo KEVIN SONG | The Observer IRISH PASSING Boilermakers repeatedly erupted through It certainly hasn’t looked perfect at times, Notre Dame’s offensive line and recorded six 6 KeiVarae Russell (So.) but Notre Dame has put together an im- tackles-for-loss. That the Irish failed to eclipse WR CB 23 Lo Wood (Sr.) pressive passing offense so far this season. 100 yards on the ground against the same Tommy Rees has recorded three consecutive Purdue team that allowed 221 yards rush- 300-yard games after reaching the mark only ing to Cincinnati in the opening week should 9 Jaylon Smith (Fr.) OLB 30 Ben Councell (Jr.) twice in his career before 2013. Senior tri-cap- be cause for concern for Notre Dame, even LT 28 Austin Collinsworth (Sr.) 22 Elijah Shumate (So.) tain TJ Jones and junior DaVaris Daniels have if the pieces are there. Michigan State senior 91 S Sheldon Day (So.) both shown themselves capable of serving as linebackers Denicos Allen and Max Bullough LG DE 90 Isaac Rochell (Fr.) 48 Dan Fox (Gr.) the main targets this year, while freshman — both of whom have generated buzz as ILB 59 Jarrett Grace (Jr.) 1 Louis Nix (Sr.) receiver Corey Robinson and junior tight highly-regarded NFL prospects — will make NG 96 Kona Schwenke (Sr.) 44 Carlo Calabrese (Gr.) end Troy Niklas bring much-needed size and it tough sledding for the Irish backs RG ILB 8 Kendall Moore (Sr.) 7 Stephon Tuitt ( Jr.) power to the unit. EDGE: MICHIGAN STATE DE 94 Jarron Jones (So.) RT 41 Matthias Farley (Jr.) Meanwhile, Michigan State leads the na- S 4 Eliar Hardy (Jr.) tion in both total defense and pass efficien- IRISH OFFENSIVE COACHING 55 Prince Shembo (Sr.) TE OLB 11 Ishaq Williams (Jr.) cy defense, allowing 177.0 yards-per-game Brian Kelly and Chuck Martin have their and attaining a 68.14 rating, respectively. work cut out for them this week against a de- The Spartans also rank fifth in the nation in fense that has done about as well as it possibly 2 Bennett Jackson (Sr.) pass defense, having surrendered only 126.7 could have through three games, regardless CB 36 Cole Luke (Fr.) yards-per-game. They have also shown big- of the opponents. Michigan State defensive WR play ability, totaling 83 return yards following coordinator Pat Narduzzi will serve as the four interceptions — two of which went the assistant coach for the first time this year. other way for touchdowns. Spartans sopho- Narduzzi has seven years of experience at the 7 TJ Jones (Sr.) more defensive end Shilique Carter has one of helm of the Spartans defense, a unit that has WR 88 Corey Robinson (Fr.) those touchdown returns following an inter- been the top defense in the Big Ten in each of 10 DaVaris Daniels ( Jr.) WR 87 Daniel Smith (Sr.) ception, and has added two more defensive the past two seasons. touchdowns following fumble recoveries. EDGE: MICHIGAN STATE Carter also anchors the Michigan State front, 78 Ronnie Stanley (So.) having recorded two sacks and eight quar- IRISH SPECIAL TEAMS DE 79 Steve Elmer (Fr.) RT terback hurries this year. Even if Notre Dame TJ Jones will look for an opportunity to re- 74 Christian Lombard (Sr.) 4 George Atkinson ( Jr.) 3 can keep Rees off his back, he will have to be turn a punt after calling for a fair catch at his RG 65 Conor Hanratty (Jr.) RB Amir Carlisle (Jr.) DT careful to keep the ball out of the ready hands own four-yard line against Purdue. Atkinson 72 Nick Martin (Jr.) 11 Tommy Rees (Sr.) NT C 77 Matt Hegarty(Jr.) QB 12 Andrew Hendrix (Sr.) of Spartan defenders and count on Daniels has perhaps been the most steady special 66 Chris Watt (Gr.) and Jones to make plays down the field. teams performer for the Irish, averaging LG 75 Mark Harrell (So.) EDGE: EVEN 29.4 yards on eight kickoff returns this year. DE 70 Zack Martin (Gr.) Atkinson could find himself with an oppor- 57 Hunter Bivin (Fr.) LT IRISH RUSHING tunity to recreate the magic he brought to 85 Troy Niklas ( Jr.) Michigan State ranks fourth in the nation Notre Dame Stadium two years ago, when he TE 18 Ben Koyack (Jr.) in rush defense, allowing only 50.3 yards per returned a kickoff 89 yards for a touchdown game on the ground. Notre Dame has not against the Spartans. 2 Chris Brown (So.) shown itself to be a significant threat running EDGE: NOTRE DAME 17 WR James Onwualu (Fr.) the ball yet this season, even with a backfield that goes five deep in theory. Irish junior run- IRISH SCHEDULE (2-1) ning back Cam McDaniel brought a power di- Aug. 31 Temple W 28-6 mension to the running game against Purdue Sept. 7 @ Michigan L 41-30 that had been lacking, but Amir Carlisle Sept. 14 @ Purdue W 31-24 turned in a dud following what seemed to be Sept. 21 Michigan State 27 Kyle Brindza ( Jr.) 40 Kyle Brindza (Jr.) KO PK 27 Nick Tausch (Gr.) his breakout game against Michigan. Junior Sept. 26 Oklahoma George Atkinson, still atop the Irish depth Oct. 5 vs. Arizona State 4 George Atkinson ( Jr.) 27 Kyle Brindza ( Jr.) KR 33 Cam McDaniel (Jr.) P 98 Alex Wulfeck (Gr.) chart at the running back position, has strug- Oct. 19 USC 61 Scott Daly (So.) 7 TJ Jones (Sr.) gled to find a groove so far this year. He has Oct. 26 @ Air Force LS PR 3 Amir Carlisle (Jr.) averaged 5.4 yards-per-carry, but has only Nov. 2 Navy carried the ball 18 times. Nov. 9 @ Pittsburgh Against Purdue, the Irish backs often Nov. 23 BYU Notre Dame vs. Temple failed to regain the line of scrimmage, as the Nov. 30 @ Stanford

Joseph Monardo Jack Hefferon Paid Advertisement Associate Sports Editor Sports Writer

Michigan State will walk into Notre Dame Stadium Last week, I picked the Irish by 45 points. Oops. with one of the nation’s top defenses by most mea- It seems I’ve fallen into the same trap as most of cam- sures. How much of that is a credit to the Spartans’ pus: thinking that returning most of last year’s team actual defensive abilities, and how much of it is a means this year will be the same. So now, all I’m look- product of beating up on the likes of the Youngstown ing to see is baby steps in improvement from this year’s State Penguins, well, that remains to be seen. squad. Notre Dame will likely eclipse the 177.0 yards Can one (or more) of Notre Dame’s running backs Michigan State’s opponents have managed, on aver- gain consistent yards in the face of one of the nation’s age, this year, but the Irish will find the going tough best defenses? And after senior captain Bennett Jackson against what will prove to be an impressive (al- bailed them out with a pick-six last week, can the sec- though not historic) defense. What the Irish can do ondary start to hold down the back end of the defense? on defense, meanwhile, is perhaps more important. If the Irish improve in either of those areas, they Michigan State trots out an inexperienced quarter- should move to 3-1. Otherwise the Spartans, who have back to lead an offense that hasn’t accomplished been un-pantsed by the Irish in the two games since much so far. Special teams wins the day for the Irish. Little Giants, will take it to the Irish on Saturday. FINAL SCORE: Notre Dame 23, Michigan State 20 FINAL SCORE: Notre Dame 27, Michigan State 24 6 The observer | Friday, SEPTEMBER 20, 2013 | ndsmcobserver.com Insider Irish secondary aims to rebound vs. MSU

By MATTHEW DeFRANKS something just wouldn’t happen,” Assistant Managing Editor Russell said. “At the end of the day, it’s a 50-50 chance. You either do or you Last year, Notre Dame relied on don’t. Lately, we haven’t been mak- three first-time starters in the sec- ing plays we should be making.” ondary to anchor a defense that al- The Irish also allowed Michigan lowed less than 13 points per game. receiver Jeremy Gallon to spin away This year, the No. 22 Irish re- from would-be tacklers and sprint in turned all of those first-time starters for a 61-yard touchdown. in the secondary. The back end of “You’re going to have plays where the defense was supposed to be the you blow a coverage or miss a tackle rock of the unit that allowed defen- or something like that,” Russell said. sive coordinator Bob Diaco to throw “That’s what’s going to happen, it’s exotic blitzes at offenses. football. Secondary is probably the But three games into the sea- hardest position to play, other than son, the Notre Dame secondary quarterback, on the field … You just has allowed quarterbacks Connor have to learn to get better from your Reilly (Temple), Devin Gardner mistakes.” (Michigan) and Rob Henry (Purdue) Diaco and Irish coach Brian Kelly to average 260 yards per game in the have been dialing up more and air. more blitzes this season, but in do- “I think the first three games, we ing so have put the secondary in a haven’t executed to the best of our perilous situation. ability,” sophomore cornerback “Obviously if you bring more pres- KeiVarae Russell said. “That’s the sure, you’re giving up some zones,” OE KENESEY | The Observer biggest thing this week, is to focus on Kelly said. “So you either have to play Irish sophomore cornerback KeiVarae Russell, pictured here against Purdue on Saturday, will be tasked with executing. When a play comes your some three under, three deep, which defending a Michigan State offense led by sophomore quarterback Conor Cook, who has thrown for 276 yards. way, just make a play.” vacates some zones and you’d better This season, the Irish (2-1) have get there or you have to play sim- still think we are not where we want Jackson said he hasn’t used the something for the team.” allowed seven passing touchdowns ply some more man coverage; and to be defensively in terms of what pick-six to give himself a confidence Michigan State (3-0) comes into after surrendering just 11 scores in within that man coverage there’s that structure is going to be yet.” boost. Notre Dame Stadium with sopho- all of 2012. a lot more technique that goes in, Last week, for the second straight “It didn’t really play too much of more quarterback Connor Cook at All three Purdue touchdowns because it’s not simply you line up game, Notre Dame cashed in on an an effect on me,” Jackson said. “I the helm. On the year, he’s passed against the Irish were catch-and- wide. It’s bunched formations; it’s interception to score a touchdown. was just happy I could contribute to for 276 yards and four touchdowns runs, with Notre Dame missing tack- picks; it’s fighting through all those After junior defensive end Stephon the team and put points up on the while only attempting 49 passes. les and allowing the Boilermakers to complexities of playing man-to- Tuitt scored against Michigan, se- board. It definitely made me feel hit pay dirt. man coverage. nior Bennett Jackson took one to the better about myself that I was able Contact Matthew DeFranks at “We’ll be in great position and “I guess what I was saying is that I house against the Boilermakers. to go out there and perform and do [email protected]

Paid Advertisement Insider ndsmcobserver.com | Friday, September 20, 2013 | The Observer 7 Physical rivalry to be won by ‘last man standing’

By JACK HEFFERON with the history between the And while the Irish are aware Sports Writer teams. of the Spartans’ ability on that “Dantonio’s teams … are physi- side of the ball, Irish senior quar- After a miniature two-game cal and certainly well-prepared terback Tommy Rees said Notre road trip, the No. 22 Irish will re- in all phases of the game,” Kelly Dame is ensuring it stays more fo- turn to Notre Dame Stadium this said. “It’s the Michigan State cused on its gameplan than on its weekend to face an elite defense, a teams that we’ve come to know opponent’s gaudy statistics. quarterback coming into his own and respect, and again, it’s go- “Obviously you’re cognizant of and one of their peskiest rivals ing to be one of those typical Big the success they’ve had, but for when they host Michigan State on Ten games where [the] last man us it’s all about what we’re doing Saturday. standing through four quarters on offense,” he said Wednesday. The Spartans (3-0) will be the comes out victorious.” “It’s about our execution, and our third consecutive Big Ten oppo- This Michigan State squad is es- understanding of our gameplan. nent Notre Dame (2-1) has faced, pecially daunting, as it enters this We can’t focus too much on what with the Irish splitting contests week boasting the nation’s best they’re ranked, we’ve just got to at Michigan and Purdue over the defense. Through three games, get their schemes down and un- past two weeks. that unit has given up 12 points derstand what they’re trying to Michigan State and Notre per game and limited opponents do.” Dame have played historically to 177 yards per game — the best While Michigan State brings tight games over the last 15 or mark of any team in the country. depth and experience on defense, so years, and Irish coach Brian Though those records come a relatively new face runs the of- Observer File Photo Kelly’s introduction to the rivalry from games against Western fense. The Spartans were unable Notre Dame and Michigan State, pictured here playing at Spartan three years ago was certainly one Michigan, South Florida, and to settle on a quarterback through Stadium in 2012, have split their last 10 meetings. of them. Down three points in Youngstown State, Kelly sees their first two games but had a overtime, Spartans coach Mark a formidable challenge in the leader surface when sophomore be ready for [Cook],” senior safety “I think it’s one of those games Dantonio lined his players up for Spartan defense. Connor Cook emerged with a Austin Collinsworth said. “But you take stock of,” Dantonio said. a game-tying field goal, only to “Number of returning play- four-touchdown game last week. it definitely changes the game. “It is a game for a guy who grew up fake it and claim a 34-31 victory. ers on defense … outstanding Cook saw limited time off the You’ve got to stay on your guy in in the Midwest. Notre Dame. You The Irish took back the defensive schemes. They make it bench last season but is still large- scrambling situations, because grew up with a lot of traditions Megaphone Trophy the next year very difficult to run the football,” ly an unknown entity. One thing if you relax for a second, it’s a big that were involved before you got with a dominant 31-13 win and Kelly said. “You have to find ways the Irish do know is that Cook is play waiting to happen.” here. So just very humbled to be held on to it last season by going to manufacture runs. You’ve got averaging nearly five yards per The Spartans have impressed part of the process and part of the into Spartan Stadium and shut- to be able to protect your quar- carry this year and should be an- in three wins so far, but Saturday’s tradition. ting down the home team in a terback. Again, you’ve got to play other dual-threat presence they’ll trip to Notre Dame will be “I want our guys to have fun 20-3 slugfest. tough, physical football for four need to contain. their first big test of the season. down there. I want us to compete.” Kelly said he and his players quarters. You’ve got to take care of “We’ve faced a lot of mobil- Dantonio — an Ohio native — ap- know to expect a battle from the the football. All of the little things ity back there so that’s something preciates the regional rivalry ev- Contact Jack Hefferon at Spartans this weekend, especially matter in matchups like this.” we’ll be prepared for. I think we’ll ery time these teams square off. [email protected]

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