Rockne's Roundtable

Obviously a whole lot can change between now and then, but I think you will see a very similar gameplan to 2011. Very conservative.

We'll likely try to keep everything in front of us. The key will be stopping the ground game. Our inability to stop McNeil was the real reason we couldn't get them off the field. He scares me more than Woods or Lee. USC was able to put together a handful of masterful 10+ play drives, which combined with our own inefficiencies in the red zone (+turnovers) is what really killed us.

It currently appears that we do not have the personnel or depth to be aggressive against USC, when they have the ball. Our secondary if healthy will have a full season experience by the time this game is played, but we don't have great depth. So, health is key. Still it would be wise to test them too much against those WRs.

Only if we had an elite pass rush, which seems unlikely, would I even try being more aggressive (like first 3 Qs of FSU in 2011).

USC is obviously very good, but I think we'll be competitive, regardless of their all American skill players.

Dump Barkley early and often and hope to concuss him.

USC's greatest weakness is its depth on the Defensive line. Lack of D line depth can hurt if one or two get hurt, but I just can't think or hope in terms of players getting hurt.

What ND can do and any sportsman can cheer for is to wear them down and take advantage. But I do not see this ND O line, as good as it may be, being able to just line up, run the ball, and wear down USC. Why? Because they will not get first downs in that plan.

Run what Kelly knows. Be who ND can be with H/G at QB. Spread them out, up the tempo, make first downs, run that D line all over the field, and score. Oh, and let ND's X receivers turn their contest with DB's into a track meet while the W's block like tight ends, and the slotbacks put the linebackers on their heals. H/G probably don't need to run for much than 75 yards. But they must read the defense and execute the offense.

Keep the D off the field, but even more important, score. This D is not good enough to beat USC, but this ND team just might be.

the easiest way to stop any offense is to keep your offense on the field. a strong running game, moving the chains, sustained drives etc. why is bk's "specialty" a supper fast, no huddle, pass-pass-pass spread offense not working so well? hmmm, go figure.......

I think we would try to control the game by running the ball and keeping their offense on the sideline. We have three capable backs so if we could keep the chains moving I like our chances.

Coach Clancy- Bk's offense wasn't pass happy last year. Actually it was pretty close to a 50/50 ratio. Very balanced. He also hasn't been running a hurry up attack either. Have you watched many games?

If ND shuts down the running game like they did to MSU last year, they have a chance. If not l, it will be a long day. It's that simple.