San Diego State will come in to play Notre Dame on Saturday, September 6 in South Bend after having played Cal Poly the week before. They will be decidedly worse this coming season than they were the last, having lost their do everything quarterback, Kevin O’Connell?. O’Connell?, drafted in the 3rd round of the 2008 NFL Draft by the New England Patriots, led the team in passing (3063 yards, 15 TDs) and rushing (408 yards, 11 TDs).
This year they will be starting redshirt freshman, Ryan Lindley, who did not see action last year. Along the offensive line, they will be starting 3 redshirt freshman as well at both tackle spots and at center. If Notre Dame’s 2007 Season taught us anything, it is that a freshman quarterback with an inexperienced offensive line equals trouble.
Along with their inexperience at quarterback and at offensive line, San Diego State lost two starting wide receivers, so Lindley will be passing to an untested corps of receivers. He will also be playing under a load of scrutiny, since he is a local San Diego State star that is expected to do big things.
Defense was a huge issue last year and looks to have not improved this year. They have some bright spots and potential in Ohio State transfer, Ryan Williams, defensive back Corey Boudreaux and linebacker Miles Burris, but have a severe lack of depth that should not have grown deeper by the Notre Dame game. Even with possibly a few too many practices, San Diego State will be too green to upset Notre Dame
A Notre Dame offense that was anemic in 2007 should have its way with San Diego State. On defense, the attacking style of defense brought by new linebackers coach, Jon Tenuta, should be too much for San Diego State and their young quarterback and offensive line.
Early Prediction: Notre Dame 35 San Diego State 10
Links
Lindley is SDSU’s No. 1 quarterback going into fall
Coach Long Press Conference Quotes
Aztecs Again Accused of Excess Drills
Long’s Aztecs red, black and green all over
