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BRETT CIANCIA
August 1st, 2015

LB Jaylon Smith

CB KeiVarae Russell

RUDY

NOTRE DAME FIGHTING IRISH

ZACH SEPANIK
Big 12 Staff Writer

Follow @zachsepanik

The luck of the Fighting Irish ran out last season.

The University of Notre Dame football team followed up their National Championship run in 2012 (still a touchy subject for Irish fans), with a 9-4 record in 2013 including a sluggish performance in their Pinstripe Bowl victory over Rutgers. Some placed the blame for the team’s step backward last year on the suspension of quarterback Everett Golson (poor academic judgement), who led ND as a redshirt freshman to that title game against the University of Alabama. Still, others pointed to the idea that there was no real team leader, a role that had been locked down by Manti Te’o the season prior.

If you look at the numbers, however, the ND defense surrendered the most points per game it ever had over the last four seasons (22.4). It was a weak point. But, the four games they lost were by a total of 39 points. It wasn’t like they were getting blown out of the water. While it seemed bad, the Irish stayed above the surface, treading the waves.

The leprechaun lost some of his magic dust; Notre Dame athletic director Jack Swarbrick, head coach Brian Kelly and the entire coaching staff do not tolerate mediocrity. Simply put, the Irish have a rich tradition revolved around winning.

Golson’s suspension opened the door for Tommy Rees to take the reigns as starting quarterback. Rees played four years for the Irish, but never seemed to be able to make the big play, especially last season. Even so, he still finished his career third amongst ND passing leaders (7,670 yards from 2010-2013).

The hope for Kelly is to spark the seemingly lackluster offense that averaged a so-so 27.2 points per game. In doing so, it just might take some pressure off the defense. Golson has since been readmitted to Notre Dame after his suspension. However, there is the epitome of a quarterback battle in South Bend heading into 2014. Redshirt freshman Malik Zaire made a statement in the Spring Game that he would not back down from a challenge with Golson. Zaire finished 18-of-25 for 292 yards and two touchdowns; Golson went 13-of-24 for 154 yards and a rushing touchdown. From rumblings in the Irish camp, Zaire might be heralded as the more prototypical quarterback for Kelly’s spread offense.

While the starting quarterback job is up for grabs, there seems to be a solid setup at running back. Two of the top three Irish rushing leaders from a year ago are back. Senior running back Cam McDaniel led ND with 705 yards on 152 carries, while sophomore running back Tarean Folston was third with 470 yards on 88 attempts. Throw in the quick, nimble redshirt freshman Greg Bryant and there is great promise in the backfield. Golson or Zaire will not have the same targets that Rees had to throw to, as TJ Jones and Troy Niklas are now in the NFL (Jones with the Detroit Lions and Niklas with the Arizona Cardinals). DaVaris Daniels, who was second for the Irish last season with 745 receiving yards and seven touchdowns, will have to step up and lead the receiving corps. Meanwhile, at tight end, senior Ben Koyack steps in the void left by Niklas.

As far as protection on the offensive line, three starters are back and there are 54 career starts among the group. Those starters include junior Nick Martin at center, senior Christian Lombard at right guard, and junior Ronnie Stanley at left tackle. Martin started the first 11 games last year before a knee injury ended his season. Even so, he was named a First Team All-Independent. Lombard’s year was also cut short by injury after just seven starts. Stanley made the move to left tackle in the spring after 13 starts at right tackle a year ago.

Heading to the defense, only five returning starters are back for this 4-3 unit. They will be led by sophomore weakside linebacker Jaylon Smith, the returning tackle and sack leader for the Irish (67 tackles, 6.5 sacks in 2013) and a First Team Freshman All-American last year. Notre Dame’s top two leading tacklers from 2013 were both linebackers, Dan Fox (95 tackles) and Carlo Calabrese (93), and along with the loss of Prince Shembo, there are large holes to fill for this group. Smith leads the charge with freshman Nyles Morgan and junior Ben Councell looking to make an impact.

The defensive line was plagued by injury for most of last season. Still, Stephon Tuitt (Second Team All-American) and Louis Nix (Third Team All-American) moved on to the NFL and are not easily replaceable. Junior defensive tackle Sheldon Day is the returning tackle leader on the line and figures to lead the group that will be led by a senior, two juniors, and a sophomore in the starting ranks.

Finally, the secondary may be the most improved unit for the Irish in 2014. It starts with junior cornerback KeiVarae Russell who recorded 51 tackles and eight passes broken up in 13 starts last season. Meanwhile, senior safety Austin Collinsworth started 11 games and led the Irish with three interceptions. Add University of Florida transfer cornerback Cody Riggs and Touchdown Jesus may be looking over a “No Fly Zone.”

The one loss for the Irish heading into 2014 is depth. Defensive coordinator Chuck Martin bolted to the University of Miami (OH) to take the head coach position and brought along quarterback Andrew Hendrix, tight end Alex Welch, and cornerback Lo Wood. Each could’ve played instrumental roles for the Irish going forward.

I think this team has the makings to be a real surprise even though the schedule is very difficult, arguably the toughest in the nation. Beside away games at Florida State, Arizona State, and USC, the Irish will play at three different NFL stadiums. They face Purdue at Lucas Oil Stadium, Syracuse at MetLife Stadium, and Navy at FedEx Field. Talent abounds, but how will it come together? One thing is for sure: this team will grow up fast based on their schedule alone.

QB Taysom Hill

LB Alani Fua

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The back-to-back 8-5 seasons have stirred up the BYU fanbase as many feel that win mark is too low – and they are right. Talent-wise, BYU should have far exceeded those records, especially with its trademark stingy defense. While 6 of those 10 losses were by a score or less, the fault still rides on the offense, a unit that can be explosive at times but tends to fold against high-quality opponents. As independents (since 2011), the schedule can look completely different year to year; in 2012 and 2013 BYU faced 5 and 7 power conference teams, respectively. This fall they face just 3, and two of those (Virginia and California) combined went 3-21 finishing last in their divisions. With offensive firepower returning and a significantly easier schedule, can coach Mendenhall quiet the rising concerns of fans?

It was BYU that started the final downfall of Mack Brown’s tenure at Texas, especially QB Taysom Hill who rushed for 259 yards in their 40-21 blowout victory. The offense rushed for an unbelievable 550 yards against the then-fifteenth ranked Longhorns, highlighting the strength of the offense – its ground attack. It should be more of the same this fall, as the entire offensive line returns intact and will again open up holes for Hill and the other top 5 rushers from ’13. Representing the tough character of this team, the stable of running backs runs HARD – every yard, every inch is a battle. Jamaal Williams (like Hill) eclipsed the 1000-yard mark, and will again be featured. The hard-nosed Mike Alisa moves to Linebacker. The only roster turnover on the offense will be at receiver, as the top two targets depart. Hill will especially miss Cody Hoffman (BYU record holder for receiving yards) who was a guy that would go up and get the ball, a target that Hill relied on heavily. Overall, I expect an even stronger and more consistent rushing attack, especially if they can iron out coach Anae’s up-tempo pace. Look for BYU to surpass last season’s 30 points per game.

Under Mendenhall, the nasty, physical defense has been BYU’s defining quality. The high energy, unity, and intensity the Cougar defense plays with is quite inspiring and a joy to watch. Especially fun to watch was impact player OLB Kyle Van Noy who I voted for as an All-American last December. KVN had the ability to single-handedly change a game, evidenced by his PICK SIX and fumble-six in the 2012 Poinsettia Bowl victory. Moving on from KVN will be tough, but BYU returns more starters and experience than they had this time last year. The veteran secondary may be relied on more than in past years, led by returning tackles leader Craig Bills at safety and lockdown corner Robertson Daniel. KVN, along with stars Daniel Sorensen and Uani Unga will be tough to replace, but this is what Mendenhall does each year so well. The defense may take a step back, at least initially, but as the softer schedule hits, the unit will find its way as usual.

BYU’s punishing run game, mobile quarterback, and energy-filled never-give-an-inch defense makes them one of my favorite teams to watch. I know that some BYU fans are becoming restless with the 8-win campaigns, and that is quite normal. But what Mendenhall has created (and sustained) here should be applauded. With the major downgrade in schedule strength, I look for an improvement in the win column, up to as many as 10 or 11 victories. That said, three road games loom heavy: Week 2 at revenge-seeking Texas, and trips to non-AQ powers Central Florida and Boise State. The fact that Utah isn’t on the schedule is upsetting to me, as that game should ALWAYS be played, period.

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NAVY         Led by an incredible 31 rushing touchdowns by its quarterback, the Midshipmen sailed to a 9-4 season. With star Keenan Reynolds back under center, Navy looks to build on last season and is pursuing a double-digit win campaign which would be its first since 2009. They sure have the firepower to do it; 6 of the top 7 rushers return along with a deep and talented core of receivers known for impact blocking. The O-line returns intact, and figures to open up more holes for Reynolds and company. The defense returns 7 starters but lose key leaders DJ Sargenti and Cody Peterson. Navy continues to own the rivalry with Army (12 in a row); a reflection of the coaching staff, from Niumatalolo down to every single "player-coach," these Hosses know how to win.

ARMY         After yet another losing season in West Point, a new coaching staff has arrived. Jeff Monken takes over after a successful stint at Georgia Southern running a similar triple option attack. His Eagles (Division 1-AA) upset Florida in the Swamp - and didnt even attempt a single pass! Army may bounce back to its winning ways with Monken around, but will not reclaim the CIC in 2014.

AIR FORCE      Despite high hopes last season, the Falcons dropped to 2-10, their lowest win total since 1980. However, one of those wins was over Army (42-28). A young squad in 2013, Air Force returns significant depth and experience: 7 returning starters on offense and 9 on defense. The losing habits will not hang around long, as Troy Calhoun has had proven success here and I am calling for 5 or 6 wins this year (Beating Army, Losing to Navy).

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