Here is how the NCAA breaks down the two teams. Stats can sometimes be misleading, but they can also tell you something. Rushing Offense ND - #76 LSU - #37 Passing Offense ND - #10 LSU - #23 Total Offense ND - #22 LSU - #18 Scoring Offense ND - #12 LSU - #10 (The figures above tells me ND tends to gain more yardage, but LSU is a bit more successful in translating their yardage into points. But the difference is not great). Passing Efficency ND - #13 LSU - #5 Rushing Defense ND - #50 LSU - #15 Passing Defense ND - #50 LSU - #3 Total Defense ND - #45 LSU - #2 Scoring Defense ND - #57 LSU - #4 Turnover Margin ND - #32 (+5: +17/-12) LSU - #61 (EVEN +19/-19) Yards Penalized ND - #86 LSU - #54 Punt Return Defense ND - #108 LSU - #105 Kickoff Return Defense ND - #56 LSU - #45 Pass Efficency Defense ND - #89 LSU - #3 3rd Down Conversion ND - #59 LSU - #8
Notre Dame has a good offense; but are the ready for the hits? LSU is notorious for breaking up passes with helmet jarring hits. Has ND been hit this hard all year? NO and this will be the game.
I thought I'd pitch in to help IrishEyes a little. I've been watching him go at it alone, and thought I'd add my 2 cents. I'm a little closer to the action, having lived in south LA all my life and graduating from LSU. I've just been a domer for as long as I can remember, and I guess the purple & gold blood didn't pass along correctly from my parents. With that being said, here is my 2 cents on a couple of issues mentioned so far: Returners - Zbikowski is the best return man ND has IMO, however I believe he is also a big risk taker at times. He's aggressive, which has led to some poor decisions on returns this year, but he's also come up with some big plays as well. ND vs. LSU's speed - I think ND's biggest concern isn't going to be the speed in the secondary, but the fron line. I personally don't think LSU's secondary is as fast and physical as USC & Michigan, but the D-Line and linebackers are faster. Brady Quinn is by far the best QB LSU has faced in a couple of years. ND's offense as a whole is more potent than any LSU has faced this year. On the other hand, ND hasn't faced as complete a defense as LSU this year so it will be interesting to see how that plays out.
I think a lot of LSU fans don't respect Brady Quinn as much as they should. I guarantee you he will put up some numbers. However, their defense will be their demise. We will be able to win what would be considered a shootout for our season and probably a low scoring to average game in Notre Dame's season. Something like 31-24. The absolute key will be turnovers. If they go +2 in turnovers it will go down to the last second and if they go +3 or better, we will lose.
If USC, after having it's hands practically full vs PAC-10 offenses all year, can stymie ND the way that they did, I, for one, am not too nervous.
