Conquest Chronicles - It's Official: Max Wittek gets the start against NDa USC Trojans Bloghttps://cdn.vox-cdn.com/community_logos/48551/conquestchronicles_fave.png2012-11-23T12:40:15-08:00http://www.conquestchronicles.com/rss/stream/34361432012-11-23T12:40:15-08:002012-11-23T12:40:15-08:00Behind Enemy Lines: Q&A with One Foot Down
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<p><b>1. How surprised are you with where Notre Dame football is at right now? Did you ever expect, in your wildest dreams, they'd be one win away from the BCS title game?</b></p>
<p>Surprised is a bit of an understatement. This season came completely out of the blue. Back in August, my "dream season" was 10-2 with losses to Oklahoma and USC. I just wanted the Irish to be competitive in those games. Finally knocking off Stanford and Michigan was great, but going into Norman and beating the Sooners was definitely not something I expected. Even as the wins kept coming, I resigned myself to the fact that Notre Dame probably wasn't going to jump Alabama, Oregon, and Kansas State and get into the national championship. But to have all of them lose in a two week period and actually sit at number one is pretty incredible.</p>
<p><b>2. Assess Brian Kelly and the job he's done so far this year.</b></p>
<p>I've always been a Brian Kelly fan and never understood the people who were against hiring him in the first place. I think what we're seeing now is his plans coming to fruition. Even last year, the Irish had a pretty good team but choked away games against USF and Michigan and couldn't overcome playing <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/113577/tommy-rees">Tommy Rees</a> at quarterback against USC, Stanford, and Florida State. But now the Irish have a quarterback with real quarterback skills and a defense that has grown into an elite unit. I don't want to get too far ahead of myself because ND fans have seen flash-in-the-pan seasons and flameouts the next year, but I think it's evident that Kelly has put this team in a position to be good in the long-term.</p>
<p><b>3. Notre Dame's defense has certainly received its fair share of attention, but quarterback <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/133679/everett-golson">Everett Golson</a> has quietly done a solid job leading this team. What's your impression of his play in his first year starting?</b></p>
<p>Golson has played about as well as I expected for a redshirt freshman. He was a little rough at the beginning of the season - he even had to be benched against Michigan because of a pair of boneheaded interceptions - but he's improved each week. He still holds on to the ball too long sometimes and misses some open receivers, but he has tons of potential and could be a great player down the line.</p>
<p><b>4. On offense, Riddick and Wood seem to have pretty equal yardage, and Eifert and Jones, too. Is there any particular pattern to how these players are used or is it just a case of splitting carries or receptions?</b></p>
<p>No, not really. Riddick and Wood are 1A and 1B at the running back position. Riddick is usually used in short yardage situations because he's good at powering ahead for extra yards and is more versatile because of his ability to catch the ball. Wood is much more explosive, averaging over 7 yards a carry.</p>
<p>Eifert is obviously the big name in the Irish passing game, but TJ Jones is quietly putting together a very nice season. Eifert catches almost anything thrown his way and is great on third downs. Even though the Irish don't throw deep a lot, Jones is maybe Notre Dame's best deep threat with DeVaris Daniels hurt.</p>
<p><b>5. How good is this Fighting Irish defense? Assuming Wittek gets the ball off to Woods or Lee or Agholor - not a guarantee, given his inexperience and the quality of Notre Dame's front seven - who should SC's receivers be worried about in the secondary?</b></p>
<p>This defense is for real. Bob Diaco has turned the bend-but-don't-break defense into an art form. It usually seems like teams are moving the ball and picking up yards, but then the game ends and they've has only managed around 300 yards and less than 20 points. The Irish have given up a total of nine touchdowns all season, and one of those came on a fumble in the end zone.</p>
<p>Obviously, Lee, Woods, and Agholor present quite the challenge for this defense. I have no doubt those three will pick up yards and probably break a couple big plays. The Irish need to do their best to contain them - especially Lee - and keep them from turning a six yard gain into a sixty yard gain.</p>
<p>Notre Dame's best defensive back is probably safety <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/76494/zeke-motta">Zeke Motta</a>, but I really like true freshman <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/158910/keivarae-russell">KeiVarae Russell</a>. He came to ND as a receiver but switched to corner in the summer. He's been a good player and a sure tackler. I'm sure Kiffin and Wittek will test the true freshman early, so it'll be important that he comes ready to play.</p>
<p><br><b>6. What makes <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/84654/manti-te-o">Manti Te'o</a> so special and such a force in the middle? Do you believe he has a legitimate shot at winning the Heisman?</b></p>
<p>Te'o has incredible instincts. He sniffs plays out - especially screens - better than anyone I've seen and has picked off six passes because he's so good at tracking the ball in coverage.</p>
<p>Obviously I think Te'o is a great player, but I don't think he has a legitimate shot at the Heisman. Defensive players don't win it. He'll probably get an invite, which is nice, but I bet <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/136355/marqise-lee">Marqise Lee</a> has a better shot than Manti.</p>
<p><b>7. Prediction on this game? Does Notre Dame ride its defense to another victory and a trip to the BCS title game?</b></p>
<p>This game scares the pants off of me. I think the Irish can win this game because they're the better overall team, but I worry about Lee's ability to take over this game. For some reason Irish fans are more worried about this game because Barkley is out, but I think it really helps Notre Dame's chances. I'm sure Wittek is a good player, but there's no way he can play as well as Barkley with only nine pass attempts in garbage time under his belt. But I'm sure this game will be close, mostly due to USC's ability to score points and Notre Dame's inability to do the same. I think the Irish defense will contain the Trojan play makers and the offense will do enough to win the game. I'll say the Irish win 24-21.</p>
<p><i>Kickoff is scheduled for 5 p.m. and will be televised on ABC.</i></p>
https://www.conquestchronicles.com/2012/11/23/3683114/behind-enemy-lines-q-a-with-one-foot-downtrevor.wong2012-11-22T09:00:53-08:002012-11-22T09:00:53-08:00Behind Enemy Lines: Q&A with The Observer
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<figcaption>Matt Cashore-US PRESSWIRE</figcaption>
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<p>ESPN's College GameDay comes to USC as No. 1 Notre Dame seeks to finish a perfect season and earn a trip to the BCS title game. We caught up with Allan Joseph at The Observer to give us some insight and analysis.</p> <p><b>1. How surprised are you with where Notre Dame football is at right now? Did you ever expect, in your wildest dreams, they'd be one win away from the BCS title game?</b></p>
<p>By any measure, this season has been a surprise. Notre Dame fans expected a lot out of this team talent-wise, but with what was the hardest schedule in the country in preseason looming, expectations were tempered in terms of a win-loss record. No one expected the defense to be quite this stingy, and no one expected the offense to be quite so dominant on the ground. Combine that with <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/133679/everett-golson" class="sbn-auto-link">Everett Golson's</a> growth as a quarterback and the team's ability to make the clutch play (something that had been long missing) when needed, and you have one of the most happily surprising seasons in Notre Dame history.</p>
<p><b>2. Assess Brian Kelly and the job he's done so far this year.</b></p>
<p>It's hard to overstate the job Brian Kelly has done at Notre Dame. When he came in, the Irish were talented but poorly conditioned at skill positions, and just plan bad on the offensive and defensive lines. With the help of Paul Longo, the strength and conditioning coach, and some other great assistants like defensive coordinator Bob Diaco, Kelly overhauled the program, and the results show. The defensive line is simply dominant, and the offensive line has been incredibly effective, especially the left side of the line. Tackle <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/84674/zack-martin" class="sbn-auto-link">Zack Martin</a> and guard <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/84672/chris-watt" class="sbn-auto-link">Chris Watt</a> have been on a tear, and Kelly knows he can convert 3rd-and-5 with a power-left run because of them. It's impossible to overstate how successful Kelly's transition has been - he's not only managed the physical side of the game, but he's kept the squad focused and ready to go each and every week. Year 3 has been the litmus test year at Notre Dame - Lou Holtz, Dan Devine, Frank Leahy and Ara Parseghian all won championships in year 3 - and so far, Kelly is passing with flying colors.</p>
<p><b>3. Notre Dame's defense has certainly received its fair share of attention, but quarterback Everett Golson has quietly done a solid job leading this team. What's your impression of his play in his first year starting?</b></p>
<p>Golson struggled early in the year and made a number of traditional freshman mistakes. He turned the ball over, missed the easy reads and generally tried to do too much - it's why Kelly made the decision to put <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/113577/tommy-rees" class="sbn-auto-link">Tommy Rees</a> in against Michigan, for example. But he's really grown during the second half of the season. He's learned to throw the ball away and to protect it, and in turn that's allowed Kelly to turn him loose. As he's picked up momentum, it's seemed to build - a breakout performance against Oklahoma seems to have sprung him. He's hitting his stride now, and it's really scary to think how good he might be in a year or two.</p>
<p><b>4. On offense, Riddick and Wood seem to have pretty equal yardage, and Eifert and Jones, too. Is there any particular pattern to how these players are used or is it just a case of splitting carries or receptions?</b></p>
<p>Riddick and Wood generally split carries to keep each other fresh, and the third and fourth quarters often tend to tilt towards the guy who's running better that day. It's been a great system, actually, because they've been much less tired at the end of games and now at the end of the season. They're both starting-quality running backs, and Riddick has the added advantage of spending two years at slot receiver, giving Kelly the ability to put them both on the field if he wants. Jones and Eifert are a little different. Eifert is double-covered on almost every single play, so getting him the ball is always a bit of a risk. Jones has been a bit inconsistent as a route-runner, but he's been a good second option on plays where Eifert simply isn't open.</p>
<p><b>5. How good is this Fighting Irish defense? Assuming Wittek gets the ball off to Woods or Lee or Agholor - not a guarantee, given his inexperience and the quality of Notre Dame's front seven - who should SC's receivers be worried about in the secondary?</b></p>
<p>The defense is exactly where the scoring defense numbers say it is - right at the top of the country (tied with Alabama for No. 1). With six defensive linemen (including 2-3 future NFL players) rotating through the 3-4 defense and a linebacking corps that is more than <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/84654/manti-te-o" class="sbn-auto-link">Manti Te'o</a>, the front seven is absolutely dominant. If there was a weakness early in the year, it was a young secondary. But freshman <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/158910/keivarae-russell" class="sbn-auto-link">KeiVarae Russell</a> and converted running back <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/113595/bennett-jackson" class="sbn-auto-link">Bennett Jackson</a> have been revelations at cornerback, senior <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/76494/zeke-motta" class="sbn-auto-link">Zeke Motta</a> has been a force at safety, and freshmen <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/143541/matthias-farley" class="sbn-auto-link">Matthias Farley</a>, <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/158915/elijah-shumate" class="sbn-auto-link">Elijah Shumate</a> and <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/158916/nicky-baratti" class="sbn-auto-link">Nicky Baratti</a> have stepped up at safety as well. Motta's the leader of the secondary and will be looking to hit Lee and Woods hard, but they'll have a tougher time than you might think getting open.</p>
<p><b>6. What makes Manti Te'o so special and such a force in the middle? Do you believe he has a legitimate shot at winning the Heisman?</b></p>
<p>Te'o's a totally special player. I don't know that I can capture what makes him a special person better than <a href="http://www.ndsmcobserver.com/sports/irish-football/the-loyal-son-1.2953720">this feature on him</a> can, but I can tell you he's also the leader of the defense on the field. He makes all the calls, has perhaps better vision and understanding than any linebacker in the country and is an absolutely rock-solid tackler. He doesn't often rush the passer, but when he does, he's scary - ask Landry Jones. He just has an amazing ability to read the play and find where he needs to be - and when he gets there, he never misses his assignment.</p>
<p><b>7. Prediction on this game? Does Notre Dame ride its defense to another victory and a trip to the BCS title game? </b></p>
<p>I'll probably just direct you to what I wrote in our <a href="http://www.ndsmcobserver.com/sports/irish-football/staff-predictions-notre-dame-vs-usc-1.2957269#.UK2B5oWOhv1">weekly prediction article</a> this week...</p>
<p>I don't think even Brian Kelly could have seen this coming in his wildest dreams. But here we are - the Irish are No. 1, and they have one game left. Vanquish USC, and the dream ride continues right on to a final destination of Miami. But don't expect the 7-4 Trojans to roll over. USC is athletic everywhere, especially with receivers <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/136355/marqise-lee" class="sbn-auto-link">Marqise Lee</a> and Robert Woods. With Lane Kiffin's job hanging in the balance, the Trojans will play their most inspired football of the season. But the Irish defense will give first-time starting quarterback <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/136352/max-wittek" class="sbn-auto-link">Max Wittek</a> fits and the running game will grind out a victory in the second half. It's not a dream anymore. It's reality - the Irish will be playing for the national championship.</p>
<p><b>FINAL SCORE: Notre Dame 23, USC 17</b></p>
<p><i>You can follow Allan Joseph on Twitter: </i><a href="https://twitter.com/allanmjoseph">@allanmjoseph</a><i>. He is currently the editor-in-chief of The Observer and serves as a beat writer for the football team.<br></i></p>
https://www.conquestchronicles.com/2012/11/22/3678052/behind-enemy-lines-q-a-with-the-observertrevor.wong2012-11-21T13:40:37-08:002012-11-21T13:40:37-08:00Wednesday Practice Round Up
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<p>Below is the video of the Lane Kiffin presser after Wednesday's practice and his thoughts on Notre Dame, Max Wittek and other topics:</p>
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<p><b>Q: On biggest concern with <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/136352/max-wittek">Max Wittek</a> going into Saturday's game:</b></p>
<p>Kiffin: I think any time a guy hasn't started in any type of game at that position, his decision making, but especially in the magnitude of this game. We've been on it all week, we still will and he's got some time to make sure that he's making really good decisions, and doesn't let the emotion of the game, or the crowd, or his first start get to him, and play within the system.</p>
<p><b>Q: On if he sees any anxiety in Wittek: </b></p>
<p>Kiffin: He's been unbelievable. He had great command of the huddle out there, he's been working really well with the skilled guys. He doesn't seem like a freshman.</p>
<p><b>Q: On if he does anything differently to warm up Wittek:</b></p>
<p>Kiffin: We actually warm those guys the same way as if they're getting ready to play because they could be in the second snap. It won't be a change up for him.</p>
<p><b>Q: On being more physical in practice considering this is the last week:</b></p>
<p>Kiffin: No, we haven't changed anything. Just going back to work and trying to get better still. That's the whole goal - trying to get better individually in all three phases of the game regardless of what our record is or what week it is.</p>
<p><b>Q: On the lack of Wittek's experience creating pressure on other players:</b></p>
<p>Kiffin: I don't think so. We've talked about that - making sure we're playing within our schemes, within our phases and not going out of that to try and do too much on defense or special teams or the skilled positions because of a new quarterback. That's not how you win games; you still have to be very consistent.</p>
<p><b>Q: On being around Wittek and if he exudes confidence in his interactions with him:</b></p>
<p>Kiffin: Yeah, Max is really confident, which is why he's been successful and part of why he's here. We've always seen that through him through the recruiting process and watching him play high school. Even though he's young for his grade, actually, but he's very confident.</p>
<p><b>Q: On the inconsistent play of kicker <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/136368/andre-heidari">Andre Heidari</a>:</b></p>
<p>Kiffin: I gotta think the surgery doesn't help a guy's rhythm. For a kicker to have surgery on your knee part way through your season has to affect you somewhat. I have to imagine that's playing a part in it.</p>
<p><b>Q: On how much confidence he has in Heidari heading into the weekend:</b></p>
<p>Kiffin: A lot of confidence. We've got great confidence, and we won't change the way that we manage situations just bcause a guy has had a rough couple weeks.</p>
<p><b>Q: On how much emphasis has been placed on cleaning up special teams:</b></p>
<p>Kiffin: This would be a great game to play well on special teams. Potential field position type of game and a team that doesn't kick a lot of touchbacks. Hopefully we can change the field in our return and coverage games. We weren't able to do that last week - we were in our coverage units - but not in our return game.</p>
<p><br><b>Q: On their defense only giving up nine touchdowns all year, and if it jumps out at the team:</b></p>
<p>Kiffin: Sure it does. You have to figure out why that is. They do a phenomenal job in the red zone. (They have) - for two years - done a great job at the goal line. You start looking at their goal line, people don't even make yards, they lose yards most of the time. Credit it to really good physical players and a really good scheme, too.</p>
<p><b>Q: On whether he likes the fact that they're facing a team that runs a more traditional offense:</b></p>
<p>Kiffin: Yeah, I think that's no secret. Over the course of time, in our three years here, we've played much better versus more traditional teams. You can look at the points in the last two years against these guys. We've done a better job, so yeah, we do like that.</p>
<p><b>Q: On if the team has moved on from the disappointment of the UCLA loss:</b></p>
<p>Kiffin: They have because of the magnitude and the build up for this game about a team potentially going to the national championship. I think that (loss) will never truly be erased, but we've definitely moved on.</p>
<p><b>Q: On whether the players appreciate the rivalry:</b></p>
<p>Kiffin: We try to work on that. I don't think that 's natural to them. It is what it is. It's what we live in nowadays. They're kids. For whatever reason, they don't come in here understanding that, so we work on it.</p>
<p><b>Q: On if that mindset will change if Notre Dame is able to sustain the kind of success they've had this year:</b></p>
<p>Kiffin: Yeah, that will naturally change it. I'm sure as these kids grew up, they weren't watching the same type of games, that, 20 years ago, kids were watching. That will definitely change it, but it's our part to make sure we're up there, too.</p>
https://www.conquestchronicles.com/2012/11/21/3676862/wednesday-practice-round-uptrevor.wong2012-11-20T11:50:22-08:002012-11-20T11:50:22-08:00Tuesday Practice Round Up
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<p>Redshirt freshman quarterback <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/136352/max-wittek">Max Wittek</a>, who will start in place of <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/78123/matt-barkley">Matt Barkley</a> on Saturday against Notre Dame, joined ESPN710 LA Tuesday morning.</p>
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<p>Max Wittek: "We're going to win this ballgame."</p>
— Mark Willard (@Mark_T_Willard) <a href="https://twitter.com/Mark_T_Willard/status/270959403379859456" data-datetime="2012-11-20T18:38:50+00:00">November 20, 2012</a>
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<p>Here is a video of Lane Kiffin speaking to reporters post practice:</p>
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<p>Lane Kiffin, Notre Dame Week (via <a href="http://youtube.com/watch?v=sa-GXn7TDgg">scottenyeart</a>)</p>
<p>When asked about the journey this year, from being ranked preseason No. 1 to now, Kiffin had this to say:</p>
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<p>Kiffin pointed to Barkley overthrow of Woods against Arizona as turning point this yr: "From that play on, not a lot of good's happened."</p>
— Pedro Moura (@PedroMoura) <a href="https://twitter.com/PedroMoura/status/270973788592672769" data-datetime="2012-11-20T19:36:00+00:00">November 20, 2012</a>
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https://www.conquestchronicles.com/2012/11/20/3672200/tuesday-practice-round-uptrevor.wong2012-11-20T09:00:25-08:002012-11-20T09:00:25-08:00Scouting Notre Dame
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<figcaption>Mark L. Baer-US PRESSWIRE</figcaption>
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<p>Manti Te'o (pictured above) leads a Notre Dame defense that ranks first nationally in scoring defense. </p> <p>USC (7-4, 5-4) hosts No. 1 Notre Dame (11-0), a spot in the BCS title game on the line for the Fighting Irish.</p>
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<p>In case you missed it, we're heading to Los Angeles to see Notre Dame take on USC! <a href="https://twitter.com/search/%23Irish">#Irish</a> playing for a spot in the National Championship!</p>
— College GameDay (@CollegeGameDay) <a data-datetime="2012-11-18T15:09:55+00:00" href="https://twitter.com/CollegeGameDay/status/270182051406295041">November 18, 2012</a>
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<p>Let's take a look a closer look at the matchup.</p>
<p><b><u>LAST YEAR</u></b></p>
<p>The Trojans jumped out to an early 17-0 lead, though the Fighting Irish cut the deficit to a single score by halftime at 17-10. Late in the third quarter, with Notre Dame at the USC 1-yard line about to tie the game, safety <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/78130/jawanza-starling" class="sbn-auto-link">Jawanza Starling</a> recovered a botched snap and returned it 80 yards for a touchdown, pushing the lead to 24-10. USC would go on to win 31-17, notching its ninth win the last 10 meetings against the Fighting Irish.</p>
<p><b><u>LAST WEEK</u></b></p>
<p>Then-No. 3 Notre Dame cruised to a 38-0 victory over Wake Forest, behind quarterback <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/133679/everett-golson" class="sbn-auto-link">Everett Golson's</a> 346 passing yards and three touchdowns, while the defense limited the Demon Deacons to just 209 total yards of offense. Then-No. 1 Kansas State and then-No. 2 Oregon both fell, thus the Fighting Irish moved up to the top spot in the nation.</p>
<p><b><u>OFFENSE</u></b></p>
<p>Notre Dame averages just 27.2 points per game (<a href="http://www.cfbstats.com/2012/leader/national/team/offense/split01/category09/sort01.html">74th in the nation</a>) and under 420 yards of total offense per contest (<a href="http://www.cfbstats.com/2012/leader/national/team/offense/split01/category10/sort01.html">50th</a>). The Fighting Irish have topped at least 40 points just twice this year, while scoring just 20 points or less in five.</p>
<p><b><u>DEFENSE</u></b></p>
<p>The Fighting Irish boast the nation's <a href="http://www.cfbstats.com/2012/leader/national/team/defense/split01/category09/sort01.html">top scoring defense</a> (10.1 points per game), rank <a href="http://www.cfbstats.com/2012/leader/national/team/defense/split01/category01/sort01.html">fifth</a> in rushing defense (92.18 yards per game) and <a href="http://www.cfbstats.com/2012/leader/national/team/defense/split01/category10/sort01.html">sixth</a> in total defense (287.4). They have held six opponents to 10 points or less, and nine opponents to two scores or less. Notre Dame ranks <a href="http://www.cfbstats.com/2012/leader/national/team/offense/split01/category20/sort01.html">12th</a> nationally in sacks (31) and <a href="http://www.cfbstats.com/2012/leader/national/team/offense/split01/category16/sort01.html">20th</a> in interceptions (14).</p>
<p><b><u>PLAYERS TO WATCH</u></b></p>
<p>LB <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/84654/manti-te-o" class="sbn-auto-link">Manti Te'o</a>: The senior, a Heisman candidate, lead the team in tackles (98), interceptions (6) and recovered fumbles (2). He also has recorded 5.5 tackles for loss (TFL) and 1.5 sacks.</p>
<p>DE <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/143530/stephon-tuitt" class="sbn-auto-link">Stephon Tuitt</a>: A sophomore, Tuitt ranks first on the team in sacks (12), TFL (13) and forced fumbles (3).</p>
<p>QB Everett Golson: Just a redshirt freshman, Golson has thrown for 1918 yards and 11 touchdowns, while rushing for 258 yards and five scores.</p>
<p>RBs <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/84656/cierre-wood#stories_tab">Cierre Wood</a> and <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/84658/theo-riddick" class="sbn-auto-link">Theo Riddick</a>: Both seniors, Wood has recorded 720 rushing yards and four touchdowns, while Riddick has 1065 yards from scrimmage, along with five total scores.</p>
<p>TE <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/84675/tyler-eifert" class="sbn-auto-link">Tyler Eifert</a>: A 2011 All-American, Eifert has 40 receptions for 555 yards and four scores.</p>
<p><i>Kickoff is scheduled for 5 p.m. and the game will be televised on ABC. </i></p>
https://www.conquestchronicles.com/2012/11/20/3668442/scouting-notre-dametrevor.wong2012-11-19T16:23:37-08:002012-11-19T16:23:37-08:00It's Official Max Wittek gets the start against ND
<figure>
<img alt="It's on you kid!" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/RxqIJYQ45jeXjiZ2xJG27oeRPlg=/0x0:487x325/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/3586169/20120405_tjg_al2_243.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>It's on you kid! | Kirby Lee-US PRESSWIRE</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>A mere formality...</p> <p>I know I am a little late to the party on this...</p>
<p><a target="_blank" href="http://www.ocregister.com/sports/barkley-378137-kiffin-season.html">Max Wittek gets the start</a> against Notre Dame.</p>
<blockquote>
<p>Trojans coach Lane Kiffin confirmed Sunday night that <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/78123/matt-barkley">Matt Barkley</a> will not play against Notre Dame on Saturday because of what Kiffin described as a sprained AC joint in Barkley's right shoulder. Barkley suffered the injury during a sack by UCLA's Anthony Barr in the fourth quarter of the Trojans' loss to the Bruins.</p>
<p>Freshman Wittek, 19, out of Mater Dei High, finished the game and will make his first career start Saturday at the Coliseum against Notre Dame, the No. 1 team in the BCS standings.</p>
Barkley, a senior, will be denied a chance to play a final home game and will finish his career never having faced Notre Dame at home.</blockquote>
<p>Not surprising, it was pretty obvious that Barkley wasn't going to start after his injury. Barkley can say that he went 2-0 against Notre Dame. He beat them both times in South Bend, having never played ND at home. <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/9535/mitch-mustain">Mitch Mustain</a> had the reins pulled tight on him 2 years ago and Barkley is out this week.</p>
<p>On another note <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/84654/manti-te-o">Manti Te'o</a> has some thoughts on this weeks game (go to the 2:19 mark and listen carefully).</p>
<p><iframe src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/LONT6CD4c0E" frameborder="0" height="315" width="560"></iframe></p>
<p>Kiffin better pull out all the stops!</p>
<p>Here is Kiffin's presser on ND.</p>
<p><iframe src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/ITcspHdoYPA" frameborder="0" height="315" width="560"></iframe></p>
<p>At this point I don't really care what Lane says...just fucking win!</p>
<p>I found <a target="_blank" href="http://espn.go.com/los-angeles/ncf/story/_/id/8653109/usc-trojans-head-coach-distraction-team-difficult-season">this article</a> interesting.</p>
<blockquote>
<p>There's nothing for USC athletic director Pat Haden to say right now. There may be nothing for him to say next week. Haden has so far expressed support for Lane Kiffin in the aftermath of USC's loss to crosstown rival UCLA, but if USC loses to Notre Dame on Saturday, sooner or later he's going to have to say: "Lane, you're fired."</p>
<p>Haden has been hearing complaints about his head coach from disgruntled alumni since the day he became USC's athletic director in 2010. Now, Kiffin's team has dramatically under-delivered on lofty preseason hopes and the chorus of dissatisfaction is growing louder and louder.</p>
<p>With good reason.</p>
<p>This week, USC became the first school since Ole Miss in 1964 to start the season as the No. 1 team in the AP poll and completely fall out of the rankings by the end of the season.</p>
</blockquote>
<p>I can take or leave much of what Markazi says. There really isn't anything new in the article, we have read this all before and it's hard not to see Markazi sticking up for his MSM brethren. He has been on the same page as Wolf in the past in trying to be "impartial".</p>
<p>What is interesting in this piece is that he is saying that Robert Woods is leaving after this season. Woods will be eligible for the NFL draft after this season but unless I am mistaken this is the first I have heard about Woods' intentions to leave the school after the season.</p>
<p>I wonder what Robert Woods is thinking?</p>
https://www.conquestchronicles.com/2012/11/19/3668558/its-official-max-wittek-gets-the-start-against-ndParagon SC