One of the toughest tests on Notre Dame's 2012-2013 schedule was a trip to Norman, Oklahoma for a showdown with coach Bob Stoops and the Oklahoma Sooners. Creating a sea of maroon and white in the stands, the Sooner faithful were ready for the premier showdown but it was the road team that came up with the big plays when it mattered most. Led by a consistent run game, timely passing plays and a defense anchored by current San Diego Chargers linebacker Manti Te'o, Notre Dame left Norman with a 30-13 victory, a win considered the most impressive in the Brian Kelly era.
Oklahoma will enter Notre Dame Stadium this season as the No. 14 ranked team in the country. Currently posting a 3-0 record after a 51-20 drubbing of Tulsa last weekend, the Sooners appear ready to go in both the rushing and passing departments. Averaging over 215 rushing yards per game this season, Oklahoma received a big performance from quarterback Blake Bell last weekend as well. Making his first career start, the 6'6" junior completed 27 of 37 passes for 413 yards and 4 touchdowns. Going up against a Notre Dame defense that held down Michigan State's offense in a 17-13 victory the last time out, Stoops knows his quarterback has the talent to play in another hostile environment.
"He's a great competitor. He's been in a lot of critical, important situations, and he's handled them well," Stoops said to ESPN reporters recently. "He's not like a true first-time guy out there playing, because for the last few years, he's been in a lot of big games in those kinds of situations where it matters."
The atmosphere in South Bend this weekend will certainly be electric since the student body is asking everyone to wear green for one of Notre Dame's (3-1) biggest games of the season. Coming off an impressive defensive performance, Irish head coach Brian Kelly is optimistic about his passing game regardless of what the opposing defense throws his way but the four-year ND head man would also like to see vast improvement from his backfield this weekend as well.
"If opponents think that they can prevent us from throwing the ball over their heads, then we may see man-to-man defense again. If they don't, they'll play more zone and give us an opportunity to run the football," Kelly, who led the Irish to the National Championship game a season ago said. "Teams will have to decide how they want to play us. But they know what we're going to do if they play man to man. I think in the run game, we need to continue to evolve. We're getting so many different looks where at times we have to be able to identify different backers, who to work to."
When and Where to Watch No. 14 Oklahoma vs. No. 22 Notre Dame
Notre Dame and Oklahoma will meet on Saturday, September 28. With kickoff set for 3:30pm, ET, television coverage will be offered by the NBC Network with a pregame show beginning at 3:00pm. Those electing to watch the game via on-line live stream may do so by following this link.
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