Greetings from Chicago

In the Windy City as the flights, hotels and travel to South Bend was a bit over the top.

UConn coach Randy Edsall said something interesting on Tuesday. I have been thinking about it all week. This game is not big for the players. every game is big,. but to me this is a manifistation of almost 20 years of hard work and vision.

Notre Dame is college football. It's the most recognizable name in the sport and even when they are mediocre, the name lingers. That UConn is playing the Irish is a big deal for the program. It represents a coming of age for the Huskies.

I still think UConn suffers the "Can you believe this?" factor. When UConn plays at Notre Dame Stadium on Saturday that should end forever. UConn has proven it belongs in the big-time. That Notre Dame is playing UConn bolsters the Huskies program. Notre Dame is giving the Huskies thier imprimatur of legitamacy. If you play Notre Dame, you play serious football.

That's not Randy Edsall's thing, or the current players' things. It's the people who came before him. It's the fans and alumni of the school that tommorrow's game is special to.

As for the current Huskies?

They just better find a way to stop the big play. I think the Huskies gave up nearly a dozen big plays against Cincinnati.

UConn has no answer for Golden Tate, Michael Floyd or Kyle Rudolph. They can't cover those receivers for any length of time and there will be plays made. The only way to slow down the Irish Saturday is to get pressure on Jimmy Clausen. This is Lindsey Witten's time to shine. UConn needs a big game out of Witten and  need to get pressure. I would be reluctant to blitz often because if you don't get there Clausen will pick the defense apart. So, that means UConn is going to ahve to get pressure from the front four.

If you are looking at this as ND offense vs. UConn defense, I can't really devise a way Notre Dame can lose.

The good news is all indications are UConn will be able to run the ball on Notre Dame. It's going to have to be flat out power up the middle rushing. They did it against Cincinnati and if it were not for the big lead and forcing to pass, UConn could have rolled up well over 200 yards. Todman and Dixon have combined for 1,556 yards and 19 touchdowns this season.

That is one really good running back. The Huskies are averaging 167 yards per game on the ground. This is a retro game for the Huskies. They need to use clock, and pound the ball with the run. It doesn't have to be Internatuional Bowl-esque, but they need 40 rushes at a minimum. I would go 2 for 1 run to pass.

That takes pressure off Zach Frazer and keeps that clock moving. Want to stop Jimmy Clausen, keep him off the field. 

Hotel power is acting funny. I will see you all later.