Underdogs?

We're once again getting disrespected by arrogant Domers, but at least we can rest in the fact that the players themselves will take us seriously. See, I don't have a problem with Notre Dame as a team per se. The coaches, players, and administration approach the game the same way that the other 119 teams do. It is the majority of their fans that annoys the crap out of me. That is why I wish for debacles when it comes to the football program. Many Notre Dame fans have lost every concept of reality when it comes to their football program. They see Purdue on the schedule and assume it is still 1990, therefore an easy win. Nevermind that we have challenged them in almost every game for the past 15 years. A loss to Purdue in the opener under Brian Kelly would cause most Notre Dame fans to freak out. They're already a 10.5 point favorite, of which 9.5 points accounts for the "Notre Dame factor". I don't often talk about College Football Betting here, but this is one time I'll make an exception because of how ludicrous it is.

Now wouldn't that be delicious? We have the personnel to do it, too.

While I will look at the defense and special teams later this week, the offense has been and will continue to be the driving force of our program. Rarely has it been a problem, except for 2001 and 2008. More often than not, we can score points on anyone. It has been our defense, specifically against the run, that has cost us.

Last year was slightly different. Moving the football was rarely a problem last year. Holding on to it was. Turnovers were the direct cause of losses to Oregon, Northwestern, Northern Illinois, and Michigan State. If our offense can hold on to the football things should drastically improve.