An Insider’s Look at Notre Dame
By Ben Neuwirth
First posted to bostoncollege.247sports.com
247Sports talked to Tristan McDowell of NDNation about Boston College’s upcoming contest versus the Irish. BC lost the last meeting in 2015, 16-19. Both teams enter with a 1-1 record.
1) Coming off an uncharacteristic 4-8 season last year and last week’s heartbreaker loss against Georgia, what are fan’s expectations for this season? Are they realistic?
There is definitely a split between the fan base. One side of the fan base expects Notre Dame to finish 8-4 or 9-3 and to compete next season. The other half of the fan base expects Notre Dame to lose one game at maximum. Personally, with a brand new staff (other than Kelly) I am definitely expecting around 9 wins this season. We still have USC, Miami, and Stanford on the schedule, but I think the team is headed in the right direction.
2) Irish QB Brandon Wimbush is a dual threat, picking up over 100 yards with his legs in addition to nearly 400 yards through the air in the first couple games. Should defenses be more concerned about his legs or his arm?
Brandon Wimbush has all the talent to be one of the best quarterbacks in college football next year. As of right now, I would be more threatened by his legs. Georgia did a really good job at setting the edge to make sure he couldn’t escape the pocket. That forced him to throw, and he only completed 50% of his passes. When he is able to make plays with his legs, then he has the opportunity to be just as dangerous with his arm.
3) Who are the 2 players to watch on the offensive and defensive units, respectively?
Offensively, 3rd string running back Dexter Williams is the guy to watch out for. In Week 1 versus Temple, Dexter ran the ball 6 times for 124 yards and a touchdown. Week 2 against Georgia, he did not get out on the field for one offensive play. He is by far our most explosive running back, and if he is given the opportunity, he can spark the offense. Defensively, defensive end Daelin Hayes is going to be the x-factor this week. Right now, our secondary is the weakest part of our defense, so we need our pass rush to be dominant. This is Daelin’s first year as a starter, and he is already someone Irish fans are looking forward to for the next few years. He’s freaky athletic, and if he can cause pressure on Boston College’s QB, then the Irish defense could look very good.
4) How important is this game for Brian Kelly?
Let me say this. If Notre Dame loses this Saturday, there will be many fans rioting on Notre Dame’s campus Monday morning. After our 1 point loss to Georgia, some fans were already calling for Kelly to be fired. Brian Kelly needs to have his team prepared for the first road game of the season, or this could be the beginning of the end.
5) Who will win and why?
Both teams are going to come out of the tunnel fired up from their losses last week. Notre Dame has struggled on the road in the past, and this will be their first road game of the year. Notre Dame had a tough time against Georgia’s front seven, and Harold Landry is very talented. If Notre Dame’s offensive line can dominate, then the Irish win. My score prediction Notre Dame 38 Boston College 17