Getting to know Notre Dame with Andrew Hall

Before this weekend’s game between the Notre Dame Fighitng Irish and the North Carolina Tar Heels, let’s get to know ND a little bit better with Andrew Hall of SlapTheSign.com. Andrew writes for Slap the Sign, which covers the Irish as a part of the FanSided network. Head on over to his site after you read this for more coverage on this weekend’s game!

Keeping It Heel: How has Notre Dame been able to maintain an undefeated record this season?

Andrew Hall: Prior to the Stanford game, Notre Dame maintained their undefeated season by simply being more talented than their opponents. A combination of Everett Golson and Notre Dame’s new Defensive scheme helped Notre Dame dominate their first four opponents. The Defense is currently allowing 12 points per game while the Offense is scoring 31.4 points per game. However, Notre Dame need some luck last week against Stanford. Despite outplaying the Cardinal for four quarters, Notre Dame still needed a Stanford busted coverage to stay unbeaten.

KIH: Who is one player whose play has surprised you this season?

Andrew Hall: No player stands out as being truly surprising. However, a trio of Freshman, Andrew Trumbetti, Kolin Hill and Drue Tranquill, have been impressive so far in Notre Dame’s base and Nickel packages. Trumbetti plays the most of the three. He was the first Notre Dame freshman to start on the Defensive Line since Anthony Weaver to start as a Freshman in the late 1990s. Trumbetti has 9 tackles, 2 tackles for loss and 1 sack. His best play of the season came when he blindsided Stanford Quarterback Kevin Hogan. The next two players do not play much on 1st and 2nd down unless Notre Dame suffers an injury. Kolin Hill and Drue Tranquill have been instrumental in rushing the passer or dropping into coverage. Both players have elite athleticism. However, they only know enough to get on the field in passing situations. Hill already has 2 sacks and 1 Quarterback hurry on the season. Tranquill has tallied 12 tackles and 0.5 sacks.

KIH: Who is one player that North Carolina fans should keep an eye out for in the game Saturday?

Andrew Hall: Everett Golson. Everyone knows who he is so this should not come as a surprise. But, when Everett Golson is playing well, Notre Dame plays well. In the first two games against Rice and Michigan, Golson was flawless. This lead to huge blowout victories for the Fighting Irish. However, in games three, four and five, Golson has been marred by turnovers and inaccuracy. This has lead to closer wins for Notre Dame. Last week, Golson struggled with ball security in the nasty weather. However, he did lead Notre Dame on a 65-yard scoring drive. This included a touchdown pass on 4th and 11 to put the Irish up 17-14.

KIH: Notre Dame will only go as far this season as Everett Golson takes them. How has he played this season?

Andrew Hall: As the question states, “Notre Dame will only go as far this season as Everett Golson takes them.” This is a very accurate statement. When Golson has played well and not turned the ball over, the Irish have won big. So far this season, Golson has completed 114 passes out of 178 attempts (64%). He has racked up 1383 yards (276.6 per game) with a 13-3 touchdown to interception ratio. The Syracuse game was a microcosm of his season. At one point Golson completed 25 straight passes. However, he was also responsible for four Notre Dame turnovers. His gold shiny helmet makes him a front runner in the Heisman. However, he has not played like a Heisman Trophy winning quarterback at this point.

KIH: Who wins the game in your opinion and why?

Andrew Hall: There are several reasons why this game will be closer than the experts think. First, this is a classic “trap” game.
Editor’s Addition:

The Irish are coming off a thrilling 17-14 victory over then #14 Stanford. Defending champion #1 Florida State looms next week. Second, Golson has failed to play a clean game since September 13th. His play helps Notre Dame win but it also puts Notre Dame in sticky situations. Add these two reasons to North Carolina’s potentially explosive team and you might have a “ballgame” as Brent Musburger would say. However, North Carolina’s defense would not give me faith that they can stop Notre Dame on a consistent basis. However, if Marquise Williams plays a great game, he could give Notre Dame’s defense fits. Notre Dame 38-North Carolina 21.

Thanks to Andrew for joining us!