GoldanDBlack express • volume 25, express 3 • 10
three interceptions of Wolverine
quarterback Devin Gardner.
"The defense creates a lot of
confusion and they have a lot of
young guys on the field," said Pete
Sampson, who covers Notre Dame
for Rivals' site IrishIllustrated.com.
"The fact that Notre Dame isn't con-
fused by its own scheme is pretty
remarkable to me."
It's not like the Irish must blitz to
generate pressure, with a defensive
line led by Sheldon Day, one of the
best in college football at his position.
But they do, bringing extras
from all over, particularly the sec-
ondary, where freshman Drue Tran-
quill, a former Purdue commitment,
has found an important role as a
pass-rushing nickel back.
Because of the havoc Notre
Dame has shown it can bring in
long-yardage situations, Purdue
seems nothing short of terrified of
third-and-long.
"You've got to stay out of nega-
tive plays against this football team
because their makeup is completely
different on third down than it is on
first and second down," Hazell said.
"You can't (give) them third-and-
nines and third-and-11s, because
then they are going to heat you up."
One day on the practice field
this week, coordinator John Shoop
implored his quar-
terbacks and re-
ceivers to complete
every first- and
second-down throw
during a drill, tell-
ing them, "Second-
and-10 may as well
be third-and-10."
And third-
and-10 is the worst-
case scenario.
"Everybody is
better whenever it is
third-and-reasonable," Shoop said.
"Some of the best games you've
ever had are where you avoid third
downs (completely). As much as
anything (against Central Michi-
gan), we probably had too many
third downs. You've got to stay
ahead of the chains.
"Teams, when you get in third-
and-long situations, it's like a shark
to blood in the water. You've got to
stay ahead of it and it's something
we're really conscious about this
week, for sure."
Purdue will walk a slippery
slope.
Notre Dame's explosive offense
and stifling, attacking defense af
-
ford the Boilermakers very little
margin for error.
Rice and Michigan each saw
their games get out of hand late
in the second quarter. The Irish
scored two touchdowns in the fi-
nal 2:33 of the first half against the
Owls and two TDs in the final 3:58
against Michigan. In both games,
Irish scores in the closing seconds
of halves contributed to opponents
getting snowed under.
A turnover here or there or a ma-
jor yardage-loss play here or there
and Notre Dame might strike quick,
both offensively and defensively.
It's just part of the uphill battle
Purdue's expected to take on in
downtown Indianapolis.
j
OPPONENT NEWSSTAND
IrishIllustrated.com: Video: Kelly talks energy
IrishIllustrated.com: Hunter nears Irish debut
NDInsider.com: Notebook: Recent Purdue history has attention of Kelly, ND
NDInsider.com: After win over Michigan, Notre Dame wary of 'letdown'
ESPN.com: Hot start changes conversation around Irish
South Bend Tribune: History with Purdue has Notre Dame's attention
South Bend Tribune: Irish wary of 'letdown' after Michigan win
Notre Dame: Purdue-ND game notes
Text is linked to live corresponding story
Irish Illustrated
Sheldon Day has been a dominant force for Notre Dame along its defensive line and will be a
challenge for Purdue to control Saturday.
Irish Illustrated
Amir Carlisle, son of Purdue strength and conditioning coordinator Duane, has been a versatile
option for the Irish this season. He had two touchdown catches against Michigan.
