We thought that was what they did at Michigan, 17-10 the week before which propelled the Irish to its 10th place ranking last week. The Michigan State game, on the other hand, was anything but close until the fourth quarter when Notre Dame started playing catch up with the pass, and nearly won the game in regulation. And given the score and the huge amount of passing which took place, this could not be considered a close game at all.

We think the bloom is off Notre Dame coach Charlie Weis' rose with this loss, and we suspect that a solid defense, something Pitt doesn't have, Michigan did have and failed to use, and Michigan State didn't have, will shutdown the Irish's passing game, and could shutdown the Irish altogether

Notre Dame quarterback Brady Quinn was sacked three times during the game last week. Quinn is not a runner, and can be apparent flushed out of the pocket. Michigan doesn't seem to have much of a pass rush, yet the managed to drill Quinn three times.

In fact, we believe a good pass rush will stop the Irish cold, much the same with a running defense. Michigan State in the two games before this week, was passing itself to the top along with a strong running game. Michigan State did stop the run and but failed to cover the pass which could have resulted in a much wider margin. It is interesting to note that while the rushing yardage was essentially the same between the two teams, Notre Dame didn't score using the run. Michigan State scored twice on the ground.

Weis will win big games, and will likely win lesser games, but the question is will the Irish win the right games? We suspect he will, but the heady days of jumping eight places in a poll after a close win, such as the Michigan game, are over for the year.


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