September 15, 2012; East Lansing, MI, USA; Michigan State Spartans running back Le’Veon Bell. USA TODAY SPORTS IMAGES

It’s been a crazy week for Notre Dame Football. Everett Golson has officially been suspended and dis-enrolled from the university. His “poor academic judgment” will cost him at least one year of eligibility and he may never again return to Notre Dame, although Kelly and the administration left the door open. Eddie Vanderdoes, the prized defensive tackle, has decommited and enrolled at UCLA citing distance from home as his primary reason for flip-flopping. Vanderdoes’ loss will be felt in 2014 and beyond as Notre Dame attempts to fill the void vacated by Stephon Tuitt and Louis Nix.

But Notre Dame football, like always, chugs on. So here I am trying to take your mind off the negative thoughts and return to actual football with our evaluation of Notre Dame’s 2013 opponents. So far we have reviewed the first three games of the Irish’s upcoming season (Temple, Michigan and Purdue). In today’s article I will evaluate the Irish’s matchup against their old nemesis from East Lansing.

Schedule: September 21, 2013
Where: Notre Dame Stadium
Network: NBC

Overview
The two teams have met 75 times since their first meeting in 1897 and Notre Dame leads the series with a 46-28-1 record. In the modern era the Michigan State game has served as a heartache or a heartbreak for the Irish. Obviously few fans can forget the fake field goal in 2010 or Michigan State’s overtime win in 2005. The Irish have returned the favor with a legendary comeback victory in 2006 and another late game victory in 2009. Irish fans can look forward to a reprieve from this early season matchup as the current agreement between both universities offers a two year break due in 2014 and 2015, starting up again in 2016 and running through 2032 at four seasons on and two off.

In 2012 Notre Dame beat Michigan State by shutting down LeVeon Bell and harassing QB Andrew Maxwell. The Spartan offense managed only 50 total yards and Maxwell was sacked five times. On offense, Notre Dame controlled the ball and the receivers stepped up to make the big plays (see John Goodman). The loss opened the floodgates for Michigan State who came into the game undefeated but went on to finish a disappointing 7-6 after certain pundits had predicted a Rose Bowl appearance. However, like most of Notre Dame’s opponents in 2012, a closer look at the schedule reveals a team that competed in nearly every game they played but lacked the consistent offensive production to put W’s on the board.

The Spartans lost to Ohio St. 17-16, Iowa in overtime, Michigan 12-10, Nebraska 28-24 and Northwestern 23-20; Notre Dame was their worst loss of the year. Based on their first three games of the 2013 season (W. Michigan, South Florida and Youngstown St) Michigan State should again be undefeated when they face the Irish setting the stage for another marquee matchup between two historic rivals.

Offense
The 2012 Spartans had a simple philosophy on offense: Give the Ball to Bell. Bell rushed for 1,739 rushing yards and accounted for 92% of the team’s rushing attack. But even Bell’s ridiculous season could not prevent the Spartans from finishing last in the Big Ten in pass efficiency. Andrew Maxwell threw for an average of 210 yards per game last season but the offense failed to score points and Maxwell ended the season with only 13 passing touchdowns. Even with last year’s struggles, Dantonio has dubbed Maxell as the “the guy”, but he will allow Connor Cook and Tyler Conner to make their case for the starting job. I predict that Dantonio starts the season with Maxwell but sprinkles in the mobile Tyler Conner as he molds his quarterback of the future.
The offensive struggles and Maxwell’s struggles were the direct result of a receiver corps that underperformed and simply could not catch the ball. This group loses their best weapon TE Dion Sims who did not even start every game last year. The Spartans return Bennie Fowler, Keith Mumphery, Tony Lippett, Aaron Burbridge, DeAnthony Arnett, Macgarrett Kings Jr, and Andre Sims Jr, all who played in games last season. The current depth chart lists Tony Lippett, Keith Mumphery and Aaron Burbridge as starters. The efficiency of the wide receiver corps needs to improve for Maxwell to have any chance.

LeVeon Bell’s departure to the NFL has left a huge void in the backfield. Nick Hill (Jr) will attempt to fill that role, but a lot of talk has been about Jeremy Langford (Jr) who has received praise from Will Gholston as well as some of the coaches. Dantonio will likely replace Bell with a combination of both backs that he hope can attack the edges and run between the tackles.

Bell’s performance in 2012 was even more impressive when you account for the fact that the offensive line suffered injuries to 7 of 8 starters. In 2013 most of these starters have healed and will return to anchor one of the B1G’s veteran units. Led by team captain Fou Fonoti (Sr.) this will include Blake Treadwell (Sr.), Travis Jackson (Jr.), freshman first team All-American [FWAA] Jack Allen (So.) and Skyler Burkland (Jr.). Rumors have Burkland retiring because of injuries which would leave the position to former left tackle Dan France. If this group remains healthy the offense may find the balanced attack they failed to produce in 2013. However, the line lacks depth which could be a problem if the injuries pile up like they did last year.

Apr 13, 2013; Ann Arbor, MI, USA; Michigan Wolverines quarterback Devin Gardner (12) gets set under center Jack Miller (60) during the Spring Game at Michigan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports

Date: September 7, 2013 at 8:00pm EST

Where: The Big House

Network: ABC/ESPN

Analysis:

In the last several years, the Notre Dame-Michigan game has provided fans on both sides with some classic moments.  Unfortunately, the rivalry will end in 2014 because Notre Dame was forced to clear room on their schedule for five ACC opponents.  The loss of Michigan from the schedule robs college football fans of an incredible matchup of two storied programs, but given the trouble Michigan routinely causes the Irish, I doubt they will be missed.

The 2012 Michigan team, if simply looking at their record (8-5), seemed to underperform.  However, a closer examination reveals a talented team that played an incredibly difficult schedule.  Michigan lost to Alabama, Notre Dame, Ohio State, Nebraska and South Carolina.  Three of those teams finished undefeated and Michigan nearly defeated two of them (Notre Dame and Ohio State).  Andy Staples has the Wolverines ranked 16th during his preseason report on SI.com, and rightfully so, as Michigan returns a host of starters on the offensive and defensive side of the ball.

QB Devon Gardner started Michigan’s last five games after Denard Robinson went down with an injury.  In those starts Gardner threw for 1,219 yards with 11 touchdowns and 5 interceptions according to statistics at ESPN.com.  Gardner performed well against a difficult stretch in Michigan’s schedule to include a game against Ohio State and their bowl matchup with South Carolina.  In Gardner, Michigan fans found the dynamic passing game that they had hoped would develop under Denard Robinson.  Al Borges, Michigan’s offensive coordinator, began the in 2012 to shift to a pro-style offense better suited to Gardner’s skills.  With the experience of last season and an entire off-season to learn the new offense, Gardner could develop into the premeir quarterback of the Big Ten.  Gardner will also have returning starters TE Devin Funchess and WR Jeremy Gallon as competent and experienced playmakers to augment the new offensive style.

Even with Gardner, Michigan is still Michigan and they will run the football.  The running game will receive a boost as Fitz Touissant returns to the backfield after an injury last spring.  Touissant will need to prove he can play as Michigan has a stable of young, talented running backs that will be pushing for playing time.  Whoever Michigan decides to start will have the luxury of running behind two outstanding tackles in Taylor Lewan and Michael Schofield.  Lewan was Big Ten Offensive Linemen of the Year in 2012 and an all-Big Ten selection.  Ryan McCrystal at DraftFace.com tweeted that Lewan “might have been the best LT in the 2013 class” had he come out of college early, but he decided to stay.  Lewan’s leadership will be essential as the coaching staff develops a group of young interior linemen.

On defense, the Wolverines return key starters from a unit that finished 13^th in total defense last season. The defensive line will be anchored by DT Quinton Washington, a 6’4” 305lb cog in the middle of the line of scrimmage who will cause problems for Notre Dame’s young interior offensive linemen. The Wolverines will rely on DE Frank Clark, a 277lb converted safety who led the team in tackles for loss, to develop a pass rush for a unit that struggled to get to the quarterback.  Defensive Coordinator Greg Mattison will have to design a scheme to confuse Notre Dame’s offensive line and challenge Zack Martin and Christian Lombard.

Behind the defensive front, Brennen Beyer has moved to inside linebacker to replace LB Jake Ryan who suffered a significant knee injury and will most likely miss the Notre Dame game.  Although Ryan is a tremendous loss, Beyer should fill the position well.  Beyer will be supported by returning starter LB Desmond Morgan who played well last season and up-and-comer LB James Ross.  In the secondary, the Wolverines welcome back DB Blake Countess who suffered an ACL tear against Alabama.  Countess will most likely match up against TJ Jones. Ramon Taylor, Countess’ replacement last year, will play the other corner position while fifth year senior Thomas Gordon, who has started 26 games at safety and recorded 81 tackles last season, will provide experience at the backend of the defense.

Prediction:

In 2012, Notre Dame needed six turnovers, five committed by Notre Dame killer Denard Robinson, and Manti Teo’s best game as a Notre Dame player to win 13-6 at home.  In 2013, Michigan will again have the opportunity and the talent to destroy Notre Dame’s post season aspirations. If Lewan has imposed his will and Michigan’s offensive line has started to gel, Notre Dame will need to commit to stopping the run.  Michigan will then have the opportunity to test Notre Dame’s cornerbacks and linebackers through the play-action passing game.  Notre Dame’s pass rushing specialists, Prince Shembo and Stephon Tuitt, will have issues against Lewan and Schofield if they are playing on their heals against the run. Bob Diaco will need to devise a scheme to confuse the offensive line of Michigan and create favorable matchups pitching Notre Dame’s defensive tackles against Michigan’s inexperienced interior offensive linemen.

On the other side of the ball, Notre Dame will have a difficult time rushing against the center of the Wolverines defense.  Quinton Washington will terrorize Nick Martin and cause problems at the line of scrimmage, while the linebacker group has the talent to clog any running lanes.  The Irish need to stretch the field and attack the edges to test Michigan’s outside linebackers and defensive ends.  The Irish have the speed to accomplish this but they need the blocking from their tight ends and wide receivers to set the edge.  Notre Dame’s wide receivers may have difficulty gaining separation against Michigan’s secondary but Niklas should present a match up problem for Michigan.  If Golston can make the correct adjustments at the line of scrimmage (something he has been unable to do) and throw from the pocket, he can take advantage of Michigan’s defense.

The X-factor will be the “Big House”.  Last year, Everett Golson proved he can perform on big stages, but Notre Dame needs to worry about the psyche of several players starting at key positions for the first time to include offensive line and linebacker.  How they handle such an intimidating venue will determine the effectiveness of Notre Dame’s offense and defense.

In the end I think Notre Dame wins, but barely.  Notre Dame and Michigan are incredibly similar, and Kelly and Hoke have built the programs under the same model.  I simply believe Michigan is one year behind Notre Dame in terms of development.  Hoke and company need one more year before those outstanding recruiting classes finally blossom.  Just be thankful Notre Dame fans that 2014 will be the last time we see Michigan for a while.

Apr 20, 2010; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Temple Owls Cherry squad wide receiver Khalif Herbin (27) celebrates scoring a touchdown against the Temple White squad during the spring game at Chodoff Field at Edberg-Olson Hall. Mandatory Credit: Howard Smith-US PRESSWIRE

Notre Dame fans have already endured a pretty wild ride in 2013, given the fact that they’ve only played two organized football games. Between the sting of a disappointing National Championship Game, the pandemonium of an unbelievable phishing scam; the reprieve of an exceptional recruiting class, the ridiculousness of a single 40-time and the reward of a tumultuous spring season, fans have witnessed enough drama to last a decade. But now we can finally turn our attention to the next chapter, the 2013 season.

In a twelve part series, I will break down Notre Dame’s 2013 opponents. Hopefully over the next ten to twelve weeks I will leave you with an in-depth of knowledge of the strengths and weaknesses of these challengers and tell you how the Fighting Irish can (and will) beat them.

Let’s start with Notre Dame’s first opponent: the Temple Owls.

• Schedule: August 31, 2013 at 3:30pm EST
• Where: Notre Dame Stadium
• Network: NBC

Analysis:
The Owls had a pretty forgettable 2012 season as they finished 4-7 overall and 2-5 in a weak Big East conference. During the off season, the Owls lost head coach Steve Addazio who took the Boston College job and they hired Matt Ruhle. Not a stranger to Temple, Ruhle worked as an assistant coach under Al Golden, now Miami coach, who revived the Temple program during his six year tenure into a respectable mid-level program. After spending last season as an assistant coach with the New York Giants, Ruhle accepted the Owls offer and appears to be intent on developing a team that can challenge Louisville and other high-level Big East teams. Ruhle has quite the road in front of him.

In 2012, Temple relied on their running game that averaged 201.2ypg (better than Notre Dame who finished at 198ypg) to grind opponents and hide their awful passing game. However, that running game took a severe hit with the loss of the team’s top two rushers, Montel Harris and Michael Brown. The team will now turn to junior Kenny Harper, who had only 46 carries last year, and red-shirt freshman, Zaire Williams, who has speed but lacks experience and strength. The passing game was led by QB Chris Coyer but he mustered only 946 yards through the air all season, while adding 440 yards rushing. The graduation of several seniors, particularly OL Martin Wallace (signed with Cleveland Browns), left gaping holes on the offensive line as evident by the fact that Martin’s left tackle position was filled by Cody Booth, a converted tight end.

The team’s greatest loss will come with the graduation of place kicker, Brandon McMannus (signed with Indianapolis Colts). McManus was the recipient of the 2012 College Football Performance Awards Specialist Trophy as the nation’s best overall kicker and averaged a ridiculous 82.4% for kicks over 30 yards. McMannus provided them with points from pretty much anywhere inside the 40 and pinned opponents in the punting game.

On the defensive side of the ball, the Owls signed Averee Robinson, a defensive tackle/nosegaurd, who can rush the passer, but still lacks size. Ruhle has moved former fullback Wyatt Benson to the middle linebacker position in the hope that Benson will add more athleticism and bulk to a defense that lacks speed and size. The Owls secondary gave up numerous explosive plays throughout the 2012 season and does not seem to have the talent to compete with most of Notre Dame’s recruits.

Based on the Owls spring game, Ruhle appears to have implemented a pro-style, no-huddle offense, clearly in an attempt to shift the offense away from a running game that no longer exists and hide deficiencies on the offensive line. In the new system, Coyer will shift to fullback and junior QB Conner Reilly will most likely take the reins of the offense, although he faces some competition from Kevin Newsome, a Penn State transfer, and incoming freshman PJ Walker. Whoever wins the starting QB job will have two experienced receivers in Deon Miller, a 6’5” horse, and Jalen Fitzpatrick who caught a combined 61 passes for 763 yards last season.

Prediction:
Without Harris in the backfield, Martin on the OL or McMannus kicking, the Owls will have an incredibly difficult time moving the ball against Notre Dame. The young and inexperienced offensive line will be overpowered by Nix, Tuitt, Springmann, Day and Jones, and confused by the 3-4 blitzing scheme. In order to muster any sort of offensive production, the Owls will need short, accurate passing from Reilly to their big body receivers which can move the chains and limit the effect of Notre Dame’s pass rush. Notre Dame’s two high safety philosophy will not provide an opportunity for the deep ball, particularly if the safeties do not feel threatened by Temple’s run game.

On the offensive side of the ball, Notre Dame needs to establish the run early and often in order to draw down the Temple safeties and setup the play action pass. Notre Dame should be able to dominate the line of scrimmage against Temple’s undersized unit. With the running game established, Golston will find plenty of open receivers, but he needs to remain accurate with the football and efficient with his decisions to take advantage of Temple’s weak secondary.

Notre Dame should win this game handedly, especially at home, but they need to remember that Temple did beat Pittsburgh last year.