ND-PSU Prediction

We're here at our undisclosed location in State College (OK, it's a fraternity house at Penn State. We're not telling which one) and have a brief moment to make our prediction for tomorrow.

Our guess -- it won't be pretty. Jimmy Clausen will move the ball in his first start, but Notre Dame will barely reach inside the Penn State 35-yard line. The offensive line will block a little better, but will still be overmatched by Josh Gaines and Dan Connor. (Side note, read our story today on Gaines' family. It might make people dislike Penn State a little less). Meanwhile Anthony Morelli will play well and throw three first-half touchdown passes.

The Nittany Lions will take  control by halftime, 28-3, and coast to a 35-10 win over Notre Dame. The Irish will show improvement over last week -- but still have a long way to go.

Our score: Penn State 35, Notre Dame 10.

-By Michael Rothstein of The Journal Gazette

Comments

[Jason D]

Well, I really like your column every time I read it, with the exception of today. By the way, were you ever a sailor? Just thought I would try to see if you were a member of my fraternity.

This PSU game reminds me a lot of our game in Ann Arbor in 2005 when a young (although experienced) Brady Quinn and co. went in and toppled the Wolverines. Or last year, when we went up to East Lansing and, much like Morelli, Stanton was rumored to be "much improved". The Irish, especially under coach Weis, tend to raise their level of play in games where they are the biggest underdogs (with the exception of bowl games, of course). Games where expectations are high seem to be where the output falls short.

We will see tomorrow. I really do enjoy all your posts. I think of all the media outlets I frequent to get my Irish fix during the week, I enjoy Irish Insights the most. Have a great time and I look forward to your reporting of your experience.

[bob drake]

ND 28 - PSU 27

[Drew]

Thanks for alerting the administrators on the 2006-2007 issue ... even though they fixed it, it now has an editorial error - which is kind of embarrassing.

it says:
"The Journal Gazette's Michael Rothstein's Covers of the University of Notre Dame"

should be either:
Rothstein Covers the
or
Rothstein's Coverage of the

[Michael Rothstein]

Drew --
Thanks. I'll pass it along again.

[Chuckie]

Yes, your score prediction is quite close to the real thing. Charlie's Boys got better for the second game, but there's a lot of rebuilding to do.