Notre Dame football vs. Oklahoma State: Fiesta Bowl preview and prediction
By Brad Weiss
Notre Dame football vs. Oklahoma State: Fiesta Bowl preview and prediction
Game Prediction
This game has the makings of what should be one of the best bowl games of the season, as both teams have a lot to play for in this one. The Irish will see new head coach Marcus Freeman make his head coaching debut, this after being elevated from defensive coordinator after former head coach Brian Kelly bolted for LSU.
Oklahoma State will be without defensive coordinator Jim Knowles, who left the program for the same job at Ohio State, but this is a veteran team loaded with stars. One of their biggest stars, however, is a freshman defensive end named Collin Oliver, who will be matched up with one of the Notre Dame star freshmen offensive tackles, Blake Fisher or Joe Alt, in this one.
The key for the Irish, as it has been all season long, will be protecting Jack Coan, who plays much better when he is not under pressure, Not having Williams could play a factor, but the Irish are loaded at running back, so I do not see Tommy Rees changing his game plan much, even with his star running back watching from the sidelines.
In the end, I like the Irish to come away with the victory in this one, as their defensive line should be able to get push against Oklahoma State, making life uncomfortable for Spencer Sanders. We have seen him struggle when the pressure is too much, and I believe a few Notre Dame forced turnovers on defense become the deciding factor.
Final Score: Notre Dame 31, Oklahoma State 24