Know Thy Enemy: Notre Dame Edition

The Bulls are on the road again as they look to improve to 3-1 in conference play this season, but it won't be an easy task. They will face the tough Notre Dame Fighting Irish who are coming off of a thrilling win over Louisville on Saturday. To find out more about the Irish and what the Bulls are in for on the road, I asked another great friend from the Volvo Big East Challenge, Lisa, for her insight on the Irish and the game. (Check out here site HERE).

With Tim Abormaitis down for the year, where is ND finding its offense so far this season?

So far, Notre Dame’s core starting players have been pretty consistent. Atkins, Dragicevich, Martin, Grant & Cooley have been our starting five for the last four games, and they seem to have gelled very well together so far. Dragicevich, Martin, Grant, Atkins and Cooley have already each had at least one 20+ point game, so they seem to be getting along just fine without Abromaitis.

ND was 27-7 last year, so far, they nearly have as many losses? What has been the biggest difference between last year and this year?

I think the loss of several key seniors last year, and Abromaitis’ injury, have gotten the Irish off to a slow start this year. I do think, however, once they get their offensive rhythm going, they are going to be a force to reckoned with in the Big East Conference. I would not be surprised if they finished in the top half of the Big East Conference … if not better!

Sophomore Eric Atkins leads the team in assists per game, just how good is he and how will he handle USF freshman Anthony Collins and his ability to drive to the basket?

Eric Atkins is only a sophomore and is already producing great numbers for the Irish. He has become a strong voice in the locker room, and is stepping up as a leader on the court in both practice and game situations. He has reached double digits in seven games so far this season, and has scored 20+ points twice now. I see him only getting better from here, and I do not foresee him having any problems driving to the basket against Anthony Collins.

Shaun Noriega had 23 points last year in the Bulls loss to Notre Dame, how will the Irish handle his ability to get open on designed screens?

Our defense is really going to have to stay on top of Noriega in order to keep him in check this year. Not only can he drive the lane, but he can shoot the threes as well. He will need to be contained in order for Notre Dame to secure a win on Tuesday!

What is your final score prediction for the game?

My score prediction for the game is: 73-61 Irish

Thanks again to Lisa for answering the questions, although I think she is a little wrong in the final score department!